Subject: [PUBLIB:8634] PUBLIB digest 393 Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:45:56 -0800 From: publib@sunsite.berkeley.EDU To: Multiple recipients of list PUBLIB Digest 393 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Volunteers Needed in Kansas City by tracy.ruhaak@medina.lib.oh.us (Tracy Ruhaak) 2) Reply on Ice Age book request by MARLA@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org 3) Internet as an essential service! by "James B. Casey" 4) Re: Internet Workstation Incidents by "Regina U. Minudri" 5) Re: PUBLIB digest 392 meeting room scheduling by "Henry J. Ledet" 6) Skylights by "Mary Maley" 7) POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT - LOCAL HISTORY LIBRARIAN by Cynthia Berner 8) loan periods by diane white 9) Community Relations Policy by Beth Fisher 10) POSITION OPENING - LIBRARY SERVICES COORDINATOR by Cynthia Berner 11) Stock portfolios by asessions@juno.com (Ann Sessions) 12) ATTN: Chicago area folks by megv@bville.lib.ny.us (Meg Van Patten) 13) Re: loan periods by Phalbe Henriksen 14) Re: Internet Workstation Incidents by Sue Kamm 15) Re: Stock portfolios by Dianne Harmon 16) JOB POSTING: Information Technology Specialist by jaker@japl.lib.in.us (Julia Aker) 17) Re: Internet Workstation Incidents by "James B. Casey" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic No. 1 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:26:30 -0800 (PST) From: tracy.ruhaak@medina.lib.oh.us (Tracy Ruhaak) To: publib Subject: Volunteers Needed in Kansas City Message-ID: If you want to let others know what a great organization LITA is, why not volunteer an hour or two of your free time during the PLA National Conference in Kansas City at the LITA Booth? It is a great chance to talk informally with others interested in LITA. All members attending the conference are urged to help staff the booth. It is easy and it's fun - no experience is necessary! The LITA Membership Committee will provide you with guidelines and help. Volunteers are needed to staff the booth in 1 hour shifts on: Wednesday 3/11, from 4:00 - 6:30 pm Thursday 3/12, from 9:30-5:30 Friday 3/13, from 9:30-4:00 Contact Tracy Ruhaak tracy.ruhaak@medina.lib.oh.us 330-725-0837 Thanks! ------------------------------ Topic No. 2 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:26:40 -0800 (PST) From: MARLA@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org To: publib Subject: Reply on Ice Age book request Message-ID: Thanks to all who responded to me about the M. Oard book on the Ice Age. I think we got enough cataloging information that we can now respond to the patron's concern. Thanks again. BYE! Marla/Great Falls Public Library/Acquisitions 301 2nd Ave N Great Falls, MT 59401-2593 marla@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org ------------------------------ Topic No. 3 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:27:16 -0800 (PST) From: "James B. Casey" To: publib Subject: Internet as an essential service! Message-ID: Christine Hage - Rochester Hills wrote: [Excerpts] > I think it has to be a basic service. > > To me the Internet is just another format of information. Each format > offers challenges in terms of shelving, organization, training, packaging, > public instruction, equipment needs etc. If you look at the Internet this > way you'll see how it falls into the category of just another new source > of information in the public library. Christine raises some good points in her posting "Internet as a basic service" and I agree with her effort to look at the Internet from a broader perspective. However, I would go a step further and say that "Internet" is an essential service which every public library should provide -- and every public library patron should be entitled to access. In that respect, Internet may represent something considerably beyond the other new sources we have seen over the years. More and more government publications and documents in paper form are being phased out in favor of the electronic alternative. Although much of this is a result of cost cutting measures, it also makes some sense in terms of broadening access to govenment information. In time, you won't have to go to a government documents repository in order to access these documents, but to you nearest Internet access point. If you can't afford such access from home and/or don't know how to find what you want, the public library is the only viable alternative for citizens. -- This is not only a broadening of access, but a tremendous burden upon public libraries which local funding sources must begin to address. Communities which don't provide their public libraries with the means to buy "books and bytes", will become consigned to second class status -- and the rights of their residents to access essential information which they have paid for with their tax dollars will be compromised. Obtaining the means to buy "books and bytes" isn't simply a matter of a few thousand dollars in a one shot grant or a Bill Gates donation of new computers to a community, but a solid and sustained budgetary increase. Like other utilities - gas, heat, lights, water, - technology expenses should be considered to be an ongoing expense. Computers will need to be replaced every two or three years as technology changes. Internet service will need to be paid for on a regular basis. Every library should expect to replace 25-33% of its entire computer infrastructure (hardware and operating software) each and every year. Unless a library wants to sacrifice book budgets, hours of service and staffing to pay for computers -- "robbing Peter to pay Paul" -- a significant and sustained increase in public library funding will be needed. Access to the Internet is an intellectual freedom issue which hangs more upon dollars than decency -- more upon funding than filters. James B. Casey - My own views ALA Councilor-at-Large and Public Librarian. ------------------------------ Topic No. 4 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:28:23 -0800 (PST) From: "Regina U. Minudri" To: publib Subject: Re: Internet Workstation Incidents Message-ID: My staff has reported to me that they have noticed an increase in difficult situations with library users at Internet Workstations. This is more than just annoyance because we have to limit available time. Some of our staff have experienced abusive behavior, physical attacks and verbal abuse. These incidents occur at the Main Library and also at Branch Libraries. It is reported that certain individuals appear to believe that the library's workstations are "their own." We have security guards at the Main Library, but not enough to patrol all of our branches. Sign up sheets are provided, but don't appear to help the problem. Are others experiencing similar incidents? Anyone have any brilliant solutions? Thanks. Regina Minudri, City Librarian San Francisco Public Library 415-557-4232, fax 415-557-4239 ------------------------------ Topic No. 5 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:28:44 -0800 (PST) From: "Henry J. Ledet" To: publib Subject: Re: PUBLIB digest 392 meeting room scheduling Message-ID: Meeting Room Scheduling: We use Lotus Organizer on our LAN and allow any staff member to reserve meeting rooms for users on the calendar as time and space are available. We've been using this method for two years with no problems. The users are asked to fill in a paper form with name and contact info for a responsible person in case of a problem. Henry Ledet Lincoln Lawrence Franklin Regional Library Brookhaven, MS ------------------------------ Topic No. 6 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:28:58 -0800 (PST) From: "Mary Maley" To: publib Subject: Skylights Message-ID: Hello to everyone on publib. Penfield Public Library is hoping to expand its building facility in the not too distant future. Does anyone have experience with the installation and pros and cons of skylights in the public areas of their libraries? Did a skylight really enhance your facility or did it leak? How important was the location of the skylight? We are located in a suburb near Rochester, NY so weather and direction related info would be a great help. Thanks so much for any help and/or advice you can send me. Mary Maley ------------------------------ Topic No. 7 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:29:11 -0800 (PST) From: Cynthia Berner To: publib Subject: POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT - LOCAL HISTORY LIBRARIAN Message-ID: Please excuse cross postings. The Wichita (KS) Public Library has an immediate opening for a Library Specialist or Administrative Assistant within its Adult Services Division. The position administers the Local History and Genealogy units of the Library and serves as curator, archivist and researcher for local and Kansas history requests. Responsibilities include: organization of Wichita and Kansas materials within the Genealogy/Kansas Room to ensure easy accessibility for the public; collection development in Wichita and Kansas history subject areas; reference assistance for library patrons in person, by telephone and through correspondence and e-mail; supervision of staff and volunteers; assistance with development of grant proposals for enhancement of Local History collections and programs; assistance for city officials, local media and community organizations with special projects; and secondary reference support for Genealogy and Kansas reference information requests. The position includes some public speaking on Wichita history. Requires bachelors degree plus two years administrative or professional library experience. MLS from an ALA accredited institution and/or experience with Wichita and Kansas history research preferred. Strong communication skills, working knowledge of preservation and archival methods and the ability to work a flexible schedule are essential. City residency will be required of the successful applicant. Salary range: $28,786 - $40,302. Position classification upon hiring is dependent upon the extent to which the preferred qualifications are met. Offers of employment may be made contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug records check and will be made contingent upon satisfactory evaluation of a police records check. Send resume and letter of application to: Cynthia Berner, Coordinator of Administrative Services, 223 South Main Street, Wichita, KS 67202. Application deadline is March 1, 1998. The Wichita Public Library is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer which actively seeks and encourages applications from minority candidates. ******************************************************************************* Cynthia Berner cberner@wichita.lib.ks.us Coordinator of Administrative Services 316-262-0611 (voice) Wichita (KS) Public Library 316-262-4540 (fax) http://www.wichita.lib.ks.us ******************************************************************************* ------------------------------ Topic No. 8 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:29:37 -0800 (PST) From: diane white To: publib Subject: loan periods Message-ID: I am Supervising Librarian @ at medium-sized public library in Oregon. We are investigating ways to increase circulation without sacrificing patron satisfaction or complicating an already complicated check-out operation. Currently we have 2 loan periods for our materials: 7 days for bestsellers,videos, magazines; 3 weeks for talking books, CDs, books other than bestsellers, circulating CD-ROMS. Renewals are available if the item is not on hold. We are considering having a single loan period: 2 weeks for everything with one renewal (unless it's on hold). Have any libraries considered or made such a change. Did circulation increase? Did the public express approval? I would be interested in any feedback--success or horror stories alike. Please reply to me personally at dianew@teleport.com. Many thanks. P.S. I have found a few articles in Library Lit that speak to loan periods but none so far that discuss this type of change. Again I would be interested in your anecdotal/subjective impressions. ************************************************************************** Diane White...................................1390 Waverly Drive S.E. Albany Public Library.........................Albany, Oregon 97321 .--~~,__ :-....,-------`~~'._.'........................Work Phone:917-7581 X7592 `-,,, ,_ ;'~U' _,-' ,'`-__; ...............................E-mail:dianew@teleport.com (_/'~~ ''''(; ************************************************************************** ------------------------------ Topic No. 9 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:29:51 -0800 (PST) From: Beth Fisher To: publib Subject: Community Relations Policy Message-ID: My Director is looking for examples of Community Relations Policies. We're not looking for "Public Relations" or "Marketing." We're defining Community Relations as something that discusses or describes a library's role in it's community - including things such as organizational participation in or co-sponsorship of local events and membership in groups such as the Chamber of Commerce or any kind of local association. Replies can be sent to Susan Craig at scraig@wade.iowa-city.lib.ia.us Thanks! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Information is not information unless it is shared" Beth Fisher, AV Librarian bfisher@wade.iowa-city.lib.ia.us Iowa City Public Library 123 S. Linn St. phone: 319/356-5200 Iowa City, IA 52240 fax: 319/356-5494 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ------------------------------ Topic No. 10 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:29:59 -0800 (PST) From: Cynthia Berner To: publib Subject: POSITION OPENING - LIBRARY SERVICES COORDINATOR Message-ID: Please excuse cross postings. The Wichita Public Library has an opening for a self-motivated, energetic and resourceful librarian to serve as Coordinator of Public Services Support. The position manages the Public Services Support Division which includes acquisitions, bibliographic maintenance, cataloging, circulation, interlibrary loan and materials processing and maintenance activities for the library's twelve facilities. Responsibilities of the position include coordinating and analyzing system circulation services, overseeing and developing enhanced interlibrary loan services and overseeing the library's acquisitions, cataloging and physical processing activities. The position reports to the Director of Libraries and serves as a member of the Library's Administrative Council. Requires MLS from an ALA accredited institution plus five years professional experience including three years experience in library administration or supervision of professional library staff or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Also requires technical services experience in an automated environment including acquisitions procedures, cataloging and serials control, familiarity with integrated systems, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experience in strategic planning, a strong customer service orientation and skill in team leadership. Preferred qualifications include experience with the Dynix library automated system and knowledge of current trends in cataloging. City residency will be required of the successful applicant. Salary range: $37,735 - $52,826. Offers of employment may be made contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and will be made contingent upon a satisfactory evaluation of a police records check. Send resume and letter of application to: Cynthia Berner, Coordinator of Administrative Services, 223 South Main Street, Wichita KS 67202. Application deadline is March 15, 1998. The Wichita Public Library is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer which actively seeks and encourages applications from minority candidates. ******************************************************************************* Cynthia Berner cberner@wichita.lib.ks.us Coordinator of Administrative Services 316-262-0611 (voice) Wichita (KS) Public Library 316-262-4540 (fax) http://www.wichita.lib.ks.us ******************************************************************************* ------------------------------ Topic No. 11 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:30:12 -0800 (PST) From: asessions@juno.com (Ann Sessions) To: publib Subject: Stock portfolios Message-ID: Do any of you have any comments about patrons checking their stock portfolios, quotes and general investment information at your Internet access stations? Is this a popular thing to do in your library? Have you had any problems with people doing this? I'd welcome any comments. Thanks. Ann Sessions Lexington, SC _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------ Topic No. 12 Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:30:31 -0800 (PST) From: megv@bville.lib.ny.us (Meg Van Patten) To: publib Subject: ATTN: Chicago area folks Message-ID: I have a copy of a 50 year history, published in 1937,of the Creamery Package Mfg. Co. from Chicago, IL. Also in the folder are black & white photos of the plant and euqipment and a release from the advertising manager (dated 1961) entitled "What do You Know About Cholesterol?" Does anyone want it? First one to respond gets it. Meg ******************************************************************* Meg Van Patten, Head BALDWINSVILLE Reference and Adult Services PUBLIC LIBRARY Baldwinsville Public Library 1948 - 1998 33 East Genesee Street PRESERVING THE PAST Baldwinsville, New York 13027 & PRESENTING THE FUTURE (315) 635-5631 ext. 206 [voice] (315) 635-6760 [fax] megv@bville.lib.ny.us [e-mail] http://www.bville.lib.ny.us ------------------------------ Topic No. 13 Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:03:08 -0800 (PST) From: Phalbe Henriksen To: publib Subject: Re: loan periods Message-ID: Why not go with ALA's recommended 4-week loan period?? What's to stop you from doing that? Phalbe Henriksen Director Bradford County Public Library Starke, FK At 06:44 PM 2/2/98 -0800, diane white wrote: >We are considering having a single loan period: 2 weeks for everything >with one renewal (unless it's on hold). ------------------------------ Topic No. 14 Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:04:05 -0800 (PST) From: Sue Kamm To: publib Subject: Re: Internet Workstation Incidents Message-ID: The problem of policing the use of the Internet in the way Gina describes is really the biggest issue most of us who provide 'net access in libraries face. I substitute at Los Angeles Public Library branches which have several workstations offering the library catalog, indexes, the 'net, and games. Librarians spend a large part of their time refereeing battles over whose turn it is on the swings. The library where I work full-time has one Internet workstation. We have signups, but sometimes that system breaks down. I have a couple of ideas (that I haven't tried yet). First, if you're implementing an OPAC and networked indexes, have several public-access workstations that do not offer the Internet. This will allow people who need to use the catalog or periodicals indexes to do so without having to wait hours to get to a workstation. (Also, don't put games on your systems, unless you can afford to have workstations with nothing but games.) Second, there may be timing devices which could shut the individual computer down at the expiration of the user's time. If there's a way these can be physically controlled by staff without the public having easy access to the devices, it could work. Third, check into the availability of vendacard systems. Perhaps a cardreader could function with a library card. The client inserts the card into the reader; it automatically logs onto the Internet and starts a timer running for however long you give people on the system. At the end of the time, it logs off. As for the problems encountered at branches, if people refuse to relinquish the workstations at the end of their allotted time, I suggest that branch staff call the police. Staff members are not paid enough to put up with nonsense from the public. You might want to encourage branch staff to discuss the problems with the police whose area the branch is in. Your friendly CyberGoddess and ALA Councilor, Sue Kamm email: suekamm@class.org "The University is not engaged in making ideas safe for students. It is engaged in making students safe for ideas." -- Clark Kerr, president of the University of California, 1961 ------------------------------ Topic No. 15 Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:04:13 -0800 (PST) From: Dianne Harmon To: publib Subject: Re: Stock portfolios Message-ID: We have several patrons who check stock market quotes and look up investment information. We have several investment clubs in our area who have been doing research in our library for several years. We don't have a problem. (Good thing, too, as I belong to one of those investment clubs) On Mon, 2 Feb 1998, Ann Sessions wrote: > Do any of you have any comments about patrons checking their stock > portfolios, quotes and general investment information at your Internet > access stations? Is this a popular thing to do in your library? Have > you had any problems with people doing this? I'd welcome any comments. > Thanks. > > Ann Sessions > Lexington, SC > > _____________________________________________________________________ > You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. > Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com > Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] > > > Dianne Harmon dharmon@htls.lib.il.us Associate Director 815-740-2660 or Joliet Public Library 815-740-2679 150 N. Ottawa fax 815-740-6161 Joliet IL 60432 ------------------------------ Topic No. 16 Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:04:24 -0800 (PST) From: jaker@japl.lib.in.us (Julia Aker) To: publib Subject: JOB POSTING: Information Technology Specialist Message-ID: The Jackson County Public Library in Seymour, Indiana is seeking a full-time Information Technology (Computer) Specialist/Assistant Systems Administrator for an immediate opening. The library serves 31,000 residents at its main library, two small branches, and Bookmobile. Position requires evening and weekend hours. QUALIFICATIONS: ALA MLS/MIS or CS degree Proficient in using and developing Internet resources Experience in teaching or training in computer programs Experience with DRA or other automated system and Open VMS desirable RESPONSIBILITIES: Coordinates technology plan for the library system. Develops webpage for the library and community network project. Maintains the library's personal computers and LAN/WAN-based activities. Performs installation, maintenance, and upgrading of hardware. Installs and updates reference-based, administrative, and security software. Trains staff and public in use of computers. Serves as liaision with local ISP. Serves as satellite operator. Assists Technical Services Librarian with DRA automated system. Salary $20,000 - $35,000 commensurate with education and experience with health, dental and retirement benefits. Closes: When filled To apply, send resume to: Julia Aker, Director Jackson County Public Library 303 W. Second St. Seymour, IN 47274-2147 812-522-3412 ext. 223-voice 812-522-5456-fax e-mail: jaker@japl.lib.in.us http://www.seymour.org/jcpl.htm ------------------------------ Topic No. 17 Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:05:14 -0800 (PST) From: "James B. Casey" To: publib Subject: Re: Internet Workstation Incidents Message-ID: Regina U. Minudri wrote: > > My staff has reported to me that they have noticed an increase in difficult > situations with library users at Internet Workstations. This is more than > just annoyance because we have to limit available time. Some of our staff > have experienced abusive behavior, physical attacks and verbal abuse. These > incidents occur at the Main Library and also at Branch Libraries. It is > reported that certain individuals appear to believe that the library's > workstations are "their own." > > We have security guards at the Main Library, but not enough to patrol all of > our branches. Sign up sheets are provided, but don't appear to help the > problem. > > Are others experiencing similar incidents? Anyone have any brilliant > solutions? Thanks. Regina: Our own sign up sheet seems to be successful in deterring troublesome patrons from abusive conduct at the computer. We hold their library card or other ID while they are on the stations. Since the stations happen to be near (in view of) the main service desks, this might also pose a deterrent. We are planning to have cameras focusing on the service desks and Internet use areas -- areas where disturbances might occur -- so that patrons think that their antics and behavior are a matter of record (on video tape) rather than simply a momentary indulgence in temper or perversion which cannot be reconstructed after the event. The cameras, recorders, etc. are only a few hundred dollars each and don't have to be continually monitored. We plan to increase the number of Internet stations and also possibly use PICs or filters or other devices so that specific Internet stations might be focused on specific types of research -- job hunting, government docs., etc. -- rather than having the entire universe of millions of sites to stumble around in for hours. Jim Casey -- My views as a public library director. ------------------------------ End of PUBLIB Digest 393 ************************