LETTER OF THE LAA ALC 2005Letter of the LAA Summer 2005 i The official printer of the Letter of the...

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Plus:You Don't Have to be Sick to Get Better

We're Only Productive Three Days out of Five

Robin Hood Crew Steals Hearts at Fort Saskatchewan

Yellowhead Regional Library: Let's Celebrate Our History!

ALC 2005

Red Deer Colle

University of Alb

University of CUniversity of CUniversity of CUniversity of CUniversity of C

Letter of the LAA Summer 2005 i

The official printer of the Letter of the LAA is Econolith Press, Calgary, Alberta.

ISSUE NUMBER 147 SSUE NUMBER 147 SSUE NUMBER 147 SSUE NUMBER 147 SSUE NUMBER 147 Summer 2005Summer 2005Summer 2005Summer 2005Summer 2005 ISSN 0705-4890 ISSN 0705-4890 ISSN 0705-4890 ISSN 0705-4890 ISSN 0705-4890

LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTALIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTALIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTALIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTALIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA80 Baker Cres. NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1R4Phone: 403/284-5818 FAX: 403/282-6646

Outside Calgary, call toll-free 1-877-522-5550http://www.laa.ab.ca

People P People P People .............................................................................................. 1

From the President's Desk ................................................................................................. 3

From the Executive Director .............................................................................................. 4

Association NewsApply Now for LAA Continuing Education Grants .................................................... 6LAA Announces 2005 Student Award Winners ........................................................ 7Saying Goodbye to Outgoing Board Members ........................................................ 8LAA AGM Attracts Dignitaries from Canada and the United States ........................ 9

Around the ProvinceBold Lakedell Library Initiative Captures Calendar .................................................. 10You Don't Have to be Sick to Get Better ................................................................. 11Robin Hood Crew Steals Hearts at Fort Saskatchewan ........................................... 12News from the School at the U of A ........................................................................ 7Public Service Management at CPL ........................................................................ 16Yellowhead Regional Library: Let's Celebrate Our History! ..................................... 17ALC '05: Celebrating Our Past, Embracing Our Future ........................................... 19Advocacy @ your library® .................................................................................. 21ALC Opening Reception .......................................................................................... 23

Across Canada and BeyondTop Ten Reasons to Join PNLA .............................................................................. 26Many Would Trade Password for a Grande Mocha ................................................. 26Editorial: An Issue for the First Lady ........................................................................ 27Stoned on E-mail ..................................................................................................... 27We're Only Productive Three Days out of Five ....................................................... 28

What's In An Acronym........................................................................................................ 29

Forthcoming Events ........................................................................................................... 30

1 Letter of the LAA Summer 2005

PEOPLE PPEOPLE PPEOPLEPat Cavillis thewinner ofthis year’sC L A ’ sOutstandingService toLibrarianshipAward Patis bestknown forh e rn a t i o n a la n dinternationalwork withthe LibraryAdvocacyN o w !p r o g r a m

and for her work with numerous organizations in thedevelopment of effective library advocacy programs.As institutions that provide universal access toinformation, libraries are essential to literacy, education,research, and development. The environment ofintense competition for public, private and institutionaldollars of the last two decades has made it morecrucial than ever that libraries are positioned high ondecision-makers’ agendas. Pat’s role at the nationaland international level has been to develop a cultureof library advocacy within the community to ensurethat the integral role of libraries in our society ismaintained and strengthened. Leadership that is opento consultation and cooperation is a critical componentin library advocacy. Pat has played a key role in workwith community and library leaders and with leadershipprograms such as the Northern Exposure to LeadershipInitiative to nurture a culture of continual consultationand improvement. She has mentored dozens of youngprofessionals and has been a source of inspiration,ideas and wisdom. Sharing of her time and expertise,Pat Cavill has donated thousands of hours to communityand library associations at the local, regional andnational level, including various offices with theCanadian Library Association. The Outstanding Serviceto Librarianship Award is CLA’s highest award. It isgiven when merited only to those who have madelasting contributions to the advancement of the libraryand information services profession.

Carol Ann Cross is the new Children's Librarian atMedicine Hat Public Library. She was previously partof a youth services team at Vaughn Public Library.Prior to that, she worked at San Diego Public Library

as youth services librarian. Carol received her MLISfrom the University of Western Ontario.

Susan Hooper, a Library Technician with the PrairieWaters School in Chestermere, Alberta, is the recipientof the 2005 AALT Library Technician Award ofExcellence. This award was created by the Associationto recognize the efforts of a Library Technician whohas made a major contribution to the library field inAlberta. As a long time member of Alberta Associationof Library Technicians, Susan served on a number ofcommittees and the AALT Executive. Her dedicationto AALT and the school library technician professionmakes Susan a worthy recipient of this award.

Marigold Library System is pleased to announce thatJodi Bertrand-Nikkel has been hired as TrainingCoordinator. Jodi will be working closely with RenéeReaume to develop, coordinate and implement trainingprograms that ensure Marigold meets its goal ofproviding support for programs, research and recreationin member libraries and their communities. She willalso assist in planning and evaluating training services.Her experience includes training and managing in theService Industry, the Brantford school system andmost recently as Branch Assistant for the EssexCounty Library System in Southern Ontario.

Susan Brayford, SAIT Library, has received theCommunity and Technical College Libraries Awardfor Outstanding College Librarian. This award ispresented annually to an individual member of CTCLwho has made an outstanding national or internationalcontribution to college librarianship and librarydevelopment.

Dan Mirau, Library Director atConcordia University Collegeof Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta,is the recipient of the 2005Alberta Association of LibraryTechnicians (AALT) AdvocacyAward. This award is givenannually by AALT to recognizethe efforts of an individual whohas had a positive influence onLibrary Technicians and Library Operation Assistantsin Alberta. Dan’s advocacy of Library Technicians if farreaching as he opens the Concordia library doors toGrant MacEwan College practicum students. Duringtheir time at Concordia, Dan makes every effort possibleto provide the students with a well rounded, beneficial,and overall positive experience, which is greatlyappreciate by the students.

Letter of the LAA Summer 2005 2

Patricia (Pat) Jobb, Associate Director, Public Services,of the Edmonton Public Library announced theappointment of three new public service managers:

Jody Crilly, Manager of thePenny McKee Branch –Abbottsfield, has a Bachelorof Arts degree in Germanic,Slavic and East Asian Studiesfrom the University of Calgaryand obtained her Master ofLibrary and InformationStudies from the University ofAlberta in 2000. She has held

a variety of positions in various library settings, includingTraining and Development/Systems Librarian at theYellowhead Regional Library and more recently asManager of Library Services at the Wetaskiwin PublicLibrary. She is currently a member of the Board ofDirectors of the Library Association of Alberta.

Tiina Burns, Manager of the Highlands Branch,received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology,with a major in ecology and a minor in physicalanthropology from the University of Toronto. Shejoined the Edmonton Public Library after graduatingfrom the University of Alberta in 1995 with a Master ofLibrary and Information Studies degree. She workedfor a time with serials in the Information ServicesDivision of the Stanley A. Milner Library and as abranch librarian at Londonderry Branch. Since 2000,she has served as Assistant Manager/Librarian at theAbbottsfield Branch and in 2003 as Acting Manager ofthe Woodcroft Branch. She has taught courses for theInformation Management and Library TechnologyProgram at Grant MacEwan College.

Tonia Huculak, Manager of the Calder Branch,received her Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) degreefrom the University of Calgary in 1990 and later herMaster of Library and Information Science degreefrom Western Ontario. Having worked in a variety oflibraries, including public libraries, since 1980, Toniawent to the Middle East in 1995 where she held avariety of positions, including as Head of LibraryServices at Effat College in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia andAcademy Librarian at the Emirates Academy ofHospitality Management in Dubai, United ArabEmirates. In 2003, upon returning to Canada, shebecame Director of the Spruce Grove Public Library.

Linda C. Cook, director of the Edmonton PublicLibrary, was named vice president/president elect ofthe Canadian Library Association and will become itspresident in June, 2006. She was confirmed as incomingpresident at CLA’s annual meeting held recently inCalgary. A highly experienced volunteer leader, Cookhas served on CLA’s executive council and as presidentof the Library Association of Alberta and vice-chair ofthe Canadian Urban Libraries Council. Cook is arecipient of numerous awards for excellence in serviceto the library community, including the University ofAlberta’s Library and Information Alumni Association’sDistinguished Alumni Award and the Queen’s GoldenJubilee Medal for outstanding service to the community.In 2004, she was honored with the Outstanding PublicLibrary Service Award for Canada.

The staff at the Bibliothèque Saint-Jean (BSJ),University of Alberta Libraries, is pleased to welcomeSLIS student Patricia Simonson. Patricia will beworking with us over the summer under the aegis of aYoung Canada Works in Both Official Languages(YCWBOL) grant. Patricia will be helping to developour French-language e-resources collections. Someof her activities include: analysis of existing UofA e-resource collections, identification of new e-resources,revision of BSJ Web pages pertaining to e-resourcesand the creation of an online tutorial. Patricia will alsobe working with titles pertaining to the history offrancophones in Western Canada which are accessiblevia the Peel’s Prairie Provinces web site. AlthoughPatricia has worked in the university library system formany years, she had not yet had the opportunity towork in the area of collection development. She iseager to gain experience with respect to this aspect oflibrarianship while improving her French languageand technological skills.

The Grande Prairie Public Library is pleased toannounce that Laurie Harrison is the new LibraryDirector. Most recently, Harrison comes from thePeace Library System, a regional library system ofwhich the Grande Prairie Public Library is a member.At both the Peace and Marigold Library Systems,Harrison provided management, collectiondevelopment and operations consulting services tomember libraries. She also has a rich background intraditional library services and has often been on thefront line offering reference, circulation and reader’sadvisory services to patrons.


FFFFFROM THEROM THEROM THEROM THEROM THE PPPPPRESIDENT'SRESIDENT'SRESIDENT'SRESIDENT'SRESIDENT'S DDDDDESKESKESKESKESK

Judy MoorePresident, 2005-06

Greetings! As we say good-bye to a truly remarkablespring and bask in the warmth of the summer, I’d liketo ask you to join with me in celebrating some of thelibrary community’s most recent accomplishments andinitiatives.

First, a huge thank-you to Alberta Library ConferenceCo-chairs Donna Phillips (ALTA), Pam Ryan (LAA),and Irene Masciuch (LRC) and their planning team.ALC 2005 broke attendance records, having more than800 registrants for Celebrating Our Past, EmbracingOur Future. Second, many thanks to everyone whosent in conference evaluation forms as they not onlyprovide helpful feedback but assist the planning teamin providing an even stronger programme offering forthe following year.

The inaugural conference planning meeting for ALC2006 took place in Edmonton on June 11th. I couldn’tbe happier to have Pam Ryan volunteer to be the LAACo-chair once again for this next year. The theme forthe conference will be Libraries @ Your Service. A callfor papers went out on jerome-l and appears on page5 of this newsletter. Don’t forget to block April 27th –April 30th, 2006 in your calendar for Jasper!

LAA’s first board meeting post-conference was held atthe Riverbend Branch of the Edmonton Public Libraryon June 24th. In addition to holding a regular businessmeeting, Pat Jobb, former LAA president and AssociateDirector responsible for Public Services, EPL, facilitateda planning session to establish the direction and goalsfor the Board for the upcoming year.

Calgary was host city to CLA’s Annual ConferenceRediscover the Library Movement June 15th – 18th. Ihad the pleasure of attending my first nationalpartnership meeting of provincial associations OLA,BCLA, LAA, SLA, APLA, MLA, NSLA and the NWTLA(wow! talk about acronyms) who’ve banded together tosupport professional development of librarians andinformation professionals in their regions. From thisalliance comes the Education Institute, along withother projects that will benefit all of us, including a peerreviewed e-journal and a national web career centre/job posting service. CLA held a library associationsleaders’ meeting. On the national agenda are thenegotiation of the Library Book Rate and the first draftof the newly proposed copyright legislation.

Also at the conference, LAA past president Pat Cavillwas presented with the prestigious CLA OutstandingContribution to Librarianship Award. Pat is a formerlibrary director and continues to be an outstandingadvocate of libraries, trainer of librarians and libraryconsultant. Congratulations Pat on a most deservedrecognition!

While the Centennial year is more than half over, theprojects certainly are not. LAA in tandem with EPL isplanning a web-based readers’ choice “Alberta’s BestBooks of the Century”. CPL is planning a readingchallenge for everyone in Alberta to read for 15 minutes(more to follow in September). If your library isplanning a birthday event, please forward details as I’dlove to let everyone else know too.

Last, let’s all sign-up for the librarian’s 2nd AnnualCIBC’s RUN for the CURE 1K/5K on Sunday, October2nd. Please check out the LAA website for more details.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

OutgoingLAAPresidentPam Ryan,left, passesthe gavel toincomingPresidentJudy Mooreat theAnnualGeneralMeeting inJasper

If you were unable to attend the LAAAnnual General Meeting but would like

the package of material distributed,including annual reports for LAA commit-

tees, executive and representatives,please contact the LAA office at (403)

284-5818 or email [email protected]


FFFFFROM THEROM THEROM THEROM THEROM THE EEEEEXECUTIVEXECUTIVEXECUTIVEXECUTIVEXECUTIVE DDDDDIRECTIRECTIRECTIRECTIRECTORORORORORChristine SheppardExecutive Director

Ahhh, these lazy days of summer ... but not for LAA!

The Alberta Library Conference held at the end of Maymarked our 30th annual conference at Jasper ParkLodge! No one at the banquet on Saturday night hadbeen attending since 1975 but two long-time del-egates, Pat Cavill and Arden Matheson, won the prizefor attending every conference since 1977.

Conference keynote speakers Susan Aglukark andLawrence Lessig wowed the crowd with their take onlife, libraries and our changing world. Susan's story ofovercoming adver-sity, both inward andoutward, was inspir-ing. Lawrencewarned us of thedangers of copyrightin the digital envi-ronment.

LAA members werein high attendancethis year with over230 delegates whowork in libraries.That's about 46%of our membership!I think that says a lotabout the quality ofour conference. It wasa great success.

Members of The Partnership met during CLA in Calgaryto discuss ongoing initiatives and possible new ven-tures. With all of the provinces and territories nowmembers of The Partnership (with the exception ofQuebec which has expressed great interest), the powerbehind our 8200+ members is huge. Try to imagine theeffectiveness of the following possible projects thatare ideas just waiting to take flight:

National Career CentreA one-stop centre where job postings from across thecountry are listed. Members could post their resumes(anonymously--contact info would only be released bypermission of the poster) which are searchable byemployers seeking to fill library positions. The centrecould include advice on looking for work, resumewriting and career advancement.

Affinity ProgramWith such a large audience within reach, it isn't unre-alistic to think that big companies would want to alignthemselves with The Partnership. This could meansavings for members for any number of things includ-ing goods and services. This will probably not happenuntil later in our growth but it's exciting to think of thebenefits it could mean for our members. LAA alreadyhas an affinity with Johnson's Insurance and theEdmonton Book Store. BCLA has Primus andPetroCanada.

Education InstituteThe Education Institute has grown by leaps and boundsover the last year and the number of Albertans taking

and presenting pro-grams is steadily in-creasing. Libraries canpay one fee and haveany number of staff lis-ten in to audio work-shops. Even the re-motest library has ac-cess to numerous ses-sions aimed at largeand small libraries andstaff. If you have asuggestion for a work-shop topic or are inter-ested in delivering oneof your own, pleasecontact me for moreinformation.

WebsiteImagine one website where you can find membershipdirectories for all The Partnership members, news onissues and campaigns, links across the country andbeyond, programming ideas, advice for your library ...it's easy to see how effective a standardized, searchablewebsite would be.

Reading ProgramsWe all have summer reading programs or similarofferings. What if we could bring them all togetherunder one umbrella? It would save time, money andeffort, and allow for much greater publicity and spon-sorship.

It's exciting to imagine the magnitude of possibilitiesfor The Partnership. A retreat is planned for lateAugust in Toronto to bring together association repre-sentatives to discuss these and other ideas for thefuture. I'll keep you posted.

Arden Matheson, left, Christine Sheppard and Pat Cavill


www.carrmclean.ca

Call 1.800.268.2123 • Fax 1.800.871.2397

Kids’ Stuff •

Reading Promotions•

Shelving •

Supplies

Library Furniture •

Archival•

Conservation •

Museum

Call for Proposals for ALC 2006The Alberta Library Conference (ALC) 2006 Planning Committee invites proposals for sessions at nextyear’s conference in Jasper, AB on April 27- 30, 2006. The theme for ALC 2006 conference is:

Libraries @ Your Service

The theme recognizes the Alberta Library Community’s strong focus on providing high quality libraryservices and our leadership in the development of innovative and user-centered library services.

Sessions may be of general interest to the library community in Alberta or directed towards themembership of the co-sponsoring organizations, the Alberta Library Trustees Association or the LibraryAssociation of Alberta.

Please email or fax session proposals by August 30th, 2005 to:

Pam Ryan, LAA 2006 Co-chair Donna Phillips, ALTA 2006 Co-Chairemail: [email protected] email: [email protected]: 780.492.8302 fax: 780.672.7490

Please include with your proposal: the session title / proposed topic, a brief abstract, the target audience,a brief summary of the speaker’s experience with the topic, and expected remuneration. Proposals for pre-conference full or half day sessions are also welcome.


ASSOCIATION NEWS

Attention LAA members!

You are invited to submit applications for LAA Continuing Education Grants.

The deadline for applications is September 15th, 2004.

Grants provide financial support for continuing education activities in order to advancelibrary service in the province of Alberta. Preference will be given to those activitiescarried out in Alberta. Individual awards will not exceed $500. Applicants who have notbeen awarded previous LAA assistance will be given first consideration.

Applications will be considered in the following three categories:

Category 1: Subsidy to enhance library experienceCategory 2: Subsidy to pursue further formal library trainingCategory 3: Subsidy to attend conferences, workshops and seminars

For more information and links to forms, please see<http://www.laa.ab.ca/continuing_education/education_grants.cfm>

Please mail your application to:

LAA Continuing Education Committee80 Baker Cres. NW,

Calgary, ABT2L 1R4

Applications must be received by the deadline of September 15th, 2004.

We look forward to seeing your applications. Successful applicants will be asked toprovide a write-up for the Letter of the LAA.

The LAA Continuing Education Committee includes Jody Crilly, Debbie Feisst andConnie Forst.

Jody Crilly, Committee ChairManager, Penny McKee-Abbottsfield Branch, EPL

3210-118 AvenueEdmonton, AB T5W 4W1

780/496-6298 (w) 780/980-0706 (h)FAX: 780/496-8397

[email protected]


Connie ForstLAA Second Vice President

LAA Student Awards are offered to four studentsgraduating from library programs in Alberta, two fromthe U of A's SLIS and one each from SAIT and GMC.The selection is done by the respective schools andawards are given on the basis of outstandingperformance as a student, academic merit, andpotential contribution to the library profession. Thestudents were acknowledged at the LAA AGM inJasper this past April and were wished continuedsuccess in their library careers. Suzanne Nykoluk – SAIT: Suzanne is a native of theOkanagan Valley and relocated to Jasper in 1991. Shecalled Jasper “home” for 12 years prior to returning toschool at SAIT. While in Jasper she worked as a libraryaid and computer administrative assistant at the JasperJunior/Senior High School and for 6 years was anAlberta Library Trustee on both the Jasper Municipaland Yellowhead Regional Library boards. During hertwo years attending SAIT, Suzanne competed on theTrojan Curling Team, was an ACAC team medalistand received the Trojan Award and an Academic All-Star award. In 2004, she was the recipient of theLouise McKinney scholarship, and completed her LITpracticum at the NRC – CISTIO in St. John’sNewfoundland and recently started in a new position ata small engineering firm in Calgary, designated as the“document control” gal. Suzanne is currently pursuingan undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary,just completed her UNIX Network Certificate programat SAIT and is trying to locate her “core” on localinexpensive greens. Graduating from the LIT programat SAIT and free-falling from, 10,000 feet above thebeaches of the Mayan Riviera are Suzanne’smemorable moments thus far in 2005.

Dale Fecto – GMC: Dale was born in Edmonton andexcept but for a brief spell teaching English in Koreain 1996-97, has lived in the city his whole life. He iscurrently working at the Woodcroft Branch of theEdmonton Public Library. In his quest to be exposed toas many facets of library related work as he can, hehas been doing a practicum with SagebrushTechnologies and hopes to gain experience in thetechnical services end of things. Dale’s background islargely in selling books — he worked at Audrey’sBooks for nearly 10 years. He also was assistantmanager of the Front Page – a prominent independentnewsstand. In his words “I think these experiences

suggest my love of the printed word. His joke to mewhen I asked him to write up a brief sketch of himselfincluded a humorous clip where he said he was asteelworker for a year too – “a job which made merealize that I have to play my strengths – which are notrelated to industrial work.” Described by his professorsas a great student and a very likeable person, Dale isa worthy recipient of this award.

Amanda Larsen – U of A: Amanda began working asa Student Page for the Hamilton Public Library in 1994.Over the course of her eleven years with the system,she worked as a summer literacy worker for 6consecutive summers, and spent one year as thestudent assistant for the director of Youth Services. Itwas in these positive experiences with the HamiltonLibrary System, both with the staff and the communitythey served, that encouraged her to pursue an MLISAmanda knew she has to be part of an organizationbringing together youth and literacy. She has spent thelast year and a half pursuing this dream, specializing inpublic library youth services at the U of A. Amanda hasserved as a member of the University's CLA StudentChapter Committee as well as a member of the SLISIntellectual Freedom and Social responsibilityCommittee. Her research interests are rooted inalternative illiteracies in the public library. Janice Banser – U of A: Janice graduated from theUniversity of Alberta in December of 1990 with aBachelor of Education degree. She immediately movedto Prince George, British Columbia and began afulfilling career teaching elementary school. Sherelocated to Northern Alberta in the mid 1990’s andreturned to Edmonton in 1999 when she decided tocontinue her education and returned to the Universityof Alberta to begin an exciting and challenging journeyin the Library and Information Studies program. Janicehas served for 2 years on the Library and InformationStudies Student Association executive as GraduateRepresentative and Alternate Graduate StudentsAssociation Representative. She also served on theProfessional Development Committee in 2003-2004and was Co-Chair of the committee in 2004-2005.Janice has maintained membership in local and nationalassociation and looks forward to becoming moreinvolved with these associations in the future. She hasdiscovered an interest in the technological side oflibrarianship and looks forward to beginning her librarycareer. Janice has decided to embark on her newcareer after she returns from Africa in November of2005 where she plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro andtravel through Tanzania and Zanzibar.

LAA Announces 2005 Student Award Winners

Saying Goodbye ...

LAA President Pam Ryan gave Certifi-cates of Thanks to outgoing Board mem-bers Geoff Harder, top left, LindsayJohnston, top right, and Michael Perry,right. The contributions of LAA membersare critical to the success of the Associa-tion and we thank Geoff, Lindsay andMichael for a job well done! Michaelserved on the LAA Board for five years,first as Director and then as 1st VP,President and Pas President. He won'tknow what to do with himself now!

The 2005-06 LAA Board of Directors: left to right, Rachel Sarjeant-Jenkins, Treasurer, JodyCrilly, Director, Pam Ryan, Past President, Connie Forst, 2nd VP, Judy Moore, President, AnneCarr-Wiggin, 1st VP, Myra Skaronski, Director, and Christine Sheppard, Executive Director.


Michael Burris, Executive Director, BCLA

Judtih Silverthorne, Executive Director, SLACynthia Archer, President, OLA

Stephen Abram, President, CLAJan Zauha, President, PNLA

LAA was very fortunate to have five repre-sentatives from other library associationsat our Annual General Meeting. They eachbrought greetings from their organizations,told us a bit about what's happening on thelocal scene, and praised us for the quality ofthe Alberta Library Conference.

LAA AGM Attracts Dignitaries from Canada and the United States



AROUND THE PROVINCE

Anthony KovatsWetaskiwin Times

Whimsical, definitely risqué — anew calendar dedicated toliteracy was unveiled April 1 topromote and provoke afundraising initiative for the futureLakedell Public Library.

The calendar, harnessing thephotographic talents of Ron

Layzell and Leon Strembitsky, features photographsof Pigeon Lake area men in the buff, but discreetly andartfully covered.

Entitled ‘Look. Men Read, See Men Read’ the calendaris one of several projects of the Lakedell AreaCommunity Library Society in support of the LakedellPublic Library.

The objectives for the calendar are threefold: to raiseawareness of the benefits of reading, literacy, andlibraries; to provide positive role models to counter theimage of men as reluctant readers; and morespecifically, to raise funds for a new public library

building. Models used are members of the communitywho wanted to help with this worthy goal and all areavid readers.

“Thanks go to our photographer for his professionalism,good humour, and generous support of our calendarproject. Our art director, Leon Strembitsky, also aphotographer of renown who worked alongside Ron toproduce our beautiful photographs in spite of theraucous assembly masquerading as logistics andstaging in the next room,” said the society’s AudreyShillabeer, adding there are so many people whoembraced this venture to make it a reality and all ofwhom believe in a public library that’s accessible andmeets the growing demands of the area.

Shillabeer said the work of fundraising in a smallcommunity is never the work of one person, addingthe society has many to thank, especially the modelswho “were brave enough to bare all for literacy and ournew public library. Thanks too to their ‘significantothers’ for their open minds.”

To purchase the calendar, contact the Lakedell PublicLibrary at (780) 586-3778 or [email protected].

Bold Lakedell Library Initiative Captures Calendar

SmokeFree Spaces Toolkit Available

A revised 2005 edition of the SmokeFree Spaces: Activist Toolkit for youth is available free from HealthCanada. It is a great resource that can help youth become engaged in positive activities. More specifically,it’s a cool, bilingual, easy-to-use CD-ROM for young people and their adult allies to take a stand and createsmokefree spaces, whether it is in their school, home, workplace or community.

Besides quick facts and statistics about second-hand smoke specific to youth there are also testimonials ,aprimer on youth advocacy in tobacco, an expanded multimedia library, guidelines on working with the media,conducting school presentations, a list of youth and tobacco resources in Canada and concrete, step-by-stepplans for taking action on second-hand smoke.

The toolkit comes with a Facilitator’s Guide to help you make the most out of the CD-ROM toolkit.

This toolkit is especially relevant for young Canadians as it is inspired by, and based on the contributionsof young people from across the country who participated at the Smokefree Spaces conference and havebeen active in the promotion and dissemination of the Toolkit.

To get your free Toolkit and Facilitator’s Guide, please contact Tayab ([email protected]). For all otherinquiries, please contact Nish ([email protected]).


Renée ReaumeMarigold Library System

Marigold Library System hosted two days of workshopsled by Dr. Ken Haycock with the support of a LibraryAssociation of Alberta continuing education grant.Staff from Alberta Community Development andChinook Arch Regional Library System attended theworkshops together with Marigold staff and trustees.

Ken discussed community development and emergingroles for libraries and librarians and new designs forboard effectiveness. Member library staff learned aboutnew roles for librarians and how to foster a healthy andtrusting relationship with their board. The next daytrustees participated in a process to create a newdesign for board effectiveness. The workshops werestructured to encourage boards and directors to focuson what business the library is in and what role thelibrary plays in community development.

Public Library RolesA community needs assessment determines the focusof the library. This may change as time goes on. Whatoften happens in practice though is that the directordetermines roles based on personal preference. Kenreviewed the primary roles a public library may play:• popular materials centre• community information centre• preschoolers door to learning• community activities centre• support for information life-long learning• business information centre• support for formal education• research centre

According to Ken, the paradox is: the smaller andpoorer a library, the more roles it tries to assume withthe fewest resources to accomplish them. A libraryshould have a primary role and two secondary roles.The roles are determined by the board through a needsassessment.

Participants were challenged to consider what businesstheir library was in. The library business? The informationbusiness? Or the business of making the community abetter place to live and to work? For example, thebusiness of the Strathmore Municipal Library isStrathmore.

Ken spoke about creating an environment of trustbetween the board and the librarian through theestablishment of well-defined roles and an open flow ofinformation. The board governs; it doesn’t look overthe librarian’s shoulder at operational details.

The workshop structure allowed the director of ThreeHills library, who attended the librarian’s workshop, andher board chair, who attended the next day; to meetsoon after and have a lively discussion on roles andresponsibilities. They are looking closely at how theymeasure success.

How do you measure success?Measure success by evaluating if the goal wasaccomplished i.e. outcomes (our tendency is to evaluatethe activities associated with a goal). Ken used thesummer reading program as an example:Inputs: resources dedicated to the program ...staff,

money, materialsActivities: what the program does with the inputs to

fulfill its mission …storytelling, reading gameOutputs: the direct products of program activities

...number of participants, circulation statistics,minutes/books read, pictures in the newspaper

Outcomes: benefits/impact for participants during andafter program activities …improved literacy, studentachievement

So ... is your summer reading program supportingliteracy or is it a public relations exercise?

Focus on outcomes —a success storyDrumheller Public Library realized that their expertisewas promoting literacy.

The library conducted a research project over 3 years:2001- 2003. With permission from parents Drumhellerasked each school to review reading levels of theirstudents who were registered, taking the level at theend of the school year and then on entering the newschool year. They were asked for the numbers in thefollowing categories:

• reading level dropped over the summer• reading level maintained June to September• reading level improved June to September

In 2001 combined data showed 79.4% of children inDrumheller’s summer reading program had improvedor maintained reading levels. In 2002 this rose to93.9%, and in 2003 it was at 91%.

Drumheller stopped the study at 3 years because thedata was clearly in favour of their program and becauseit was very time-consuming for the cooperating teachers.The data continues to be a strong support for theirapplication for Summer Reading Program funding.

Ken’s workshops demonstrated to participants—nomatter how successful a library and its board—youdon’t have to be sick to want to get better.

YYYYYou Don’ou Don’ou Don’ou Don’ou Don’t Hat Hat Hat Hat Havvvvve to be Sice to be Sice to be Sice to be Sice to be Sick to Get Betterk to Get Betterk to Get Betterk to Get Betterk to Get Better


Tim Janewski, DirectorFort Saskatchewan Public Library

As I begin another Wednesday afternoon at the FortSaskatchewan Public Library, I see in my daytimer thatwe’re due for a visit from the Robin Hood crew. Around1:30 PM I begin to hear their happy voices and then Isee them making their way in through the front door.As I greet them in the staff room I receive at least onehug and plenty of smiles. Pamela, Jeff, Elizabeth,Sabin and their job coach, Dale, talk about what theydid that morning and where they ate lunch. Then weget down tobusiness –what kind ofa job do Ihave lined upfor today?

The RobinH o o dAssociationis a non-profitsociety thatp r o v i d e sservices tochildren andadults withdevelopmental disabilities in the Strathcona Countyarea.

Robin Hood provides a wide range of services includingresidential and day programs, family support, physicaland occupational therapy, and supported employment.About two years ago I was asked if my library had any

Robin Hood Crew Steals Hearts at Fort Saskatchewanvolunteer opportunities for Robin Hood clients. Sincethat time “the crew” has come to Fort SaskatchewanPublic Library every Wednesday afternoon for anhour.

Our Robin Hood crew helps with jobs such as cleaningshelves, straightening books, folding brochures, andusing our paper shredder to destroy a backlog of oldfiles. The shredder is definitely the premium job for

our crew.T h e r e ’ susually somecompet i t i onaround whoseturn it is to givethe shredderits Wednesdayw o r k - o u t .Sometimes we

even have to let the machine cool down fora few minutes after a particularly zealousbout of shredding.

For my library, these enthusiastic and hardworking volunteers provide help to do tasksthat might otherwise be overlooked by ourbusy staff. For me, they provide smiles,friendship and the reward of giving someone

a place to belong. As a public library, FSPL welcomespeople of all kinds. It is important for us to be involvedin our community and to be seen as a friendly andaccepting place.

I am grateful to Pamela, Jeff, Sabin, Elizabeth andDale for what they bring to my library.

Definition of Outdoor Barbecuing-- It’s the only type of cooking a “real” man will do:

When a man volunteers to do such cooking, the following chain of events is put into motion.

1) The woman goes to the store.2) The woman fixes the salad, vegetables, and dessert.3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with

the necessary cooking utensils, and takes it to the man, who is loungingbeside the grill, drinking a beer.

4) The man places the meat on the grill.5) The woman goes inside to set the table and check the vegetables.6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning.7) The man takes the meat off the grill and hands it to the woman.8) The woman prepares the plates and brings them to the table.9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.10) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed “her night off.”11) And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there’s just no pleasing some women.


Heidi Julien, SLIS

Welcome to our news from the School of Library &Information Studies (SLIS), University of Alberta. Weencourage any feedback from the community, andinvite you to learn more about us by visiting our webpage (www.slis.ualberta.ca).

The MLIS program remains healthy. As of the time ofwriting (May 2005) we have 44 students entering theprogram in Fall 2005, despite a new $100 (non-refundable) application fee imposed by the University.We have the privilege of selecting our class from manyexcellent applicants.

We also had 26 students convocate this Spring!Congratulations to all of them on their successfulcompletion of the MLIS program, and best wishes forthe future. Below is Anna Altmann’s congratulatory talkgiven to the graduates at their banquet in April.

A SLIS Graduation Story, April 2005told by Anna E. Altmann

Once upon a time, there was a kingdom. It was small,and entirely made up of steep mountains separated bydeep valleys. It was beautiful, but very rugged, anddifficult to travel through.

Still, women and men came to this kingdom every year,in caravans of 30 or 40 at a time, because it held a greattreasure that they sought to obtain for themselves,although they knew that winning it would cost them twofull years of their lives. This treasure was a shiningsphere, a silver ball whose countless facets reflectedthe whole world, and gave the one who held it apowerful magic to deal with life’s puzzles andcomplexities.

In the centre of the kingdom, in the very heart of themountains, stood an old, old castle. It had been builtover many centuries, so it was a complicated, confusingstructure with many wings, and odd towers, andstaircases in surprising places, and corridors thatseemed to go no-where until they ended in anunexpected somewhere. This was where the caravanof treasure seekers came.

In the castle lived eight fierce dragons, who lay in theirlairs, coiled on top of their hoards of treasure, or pacedthe hallways breathing fire and rattling their iron scales.

The dragons gave every treasure seeker fiendishlydifficult riddles to answer, seventeen in all, and for each

riddle answered successfully the seeker was given agolden key from one of the dragon hoards. Fortunatelyfor the seekers, there were also three kindly wisewomen and one part-time wizard living in the castle,and it was a good thing for the seekers that they werethere, for without their help none of them would havesurvived their hardships and trials in the castle.

A very few seekers were sent away before their time atthe castle was over. But most of them struggledsuccessfully to answer the seventeen difficult riddles,sharing their strength and insights with each other. Andalthough they didn’t know it, the willingness to helpothers was one of the most important of the tests theywere set.

Every two years or so a great day came when a groupof seekers had completed their time of testing. On thatday, they were each led to a cupboard with 17 locks.They used the 17 keys they had earned and unlockedthe locks of their cupboards. And then they opened thecupboard door. And at that moment the dragons andthe wise women and the wizard knew for certain whichof the seekers had earned the kingdom’s real treasure.For when some of them looked into the cupboard theysaw only their own faces reflected back at them, froma flat mirror. But the ones who had truly mastered themagic found a shining ball of mirrors, as round as theearth and as silver as the moon. And they took it awaywith them and used it wisely for as long as they lived.

Once students leave the program, they are invited tojoin the Library and Information Studies AlumniAssociation (LISAA) (see http://ecn.ab.ca/~lisaa/). TheAssociation was officially constituted in 1986, and hasbeen led by a number of our talented graduates. As atribute to their good work on behalf of the SLIS alumnicommunity, we recently caught up with many of them,and asked them to let us know what they’ve been up tosince graduation. Here are their stories. Where wewere unable to obtain an update, we note their namesand years of service as LISAA President. Thanks tothose who responded to our requests!

LISAA Presidents1986/87 – Sandra Mikalonis1987/88 – Jeannine Green1988/89 – Kit Wilson - Since graduating form LibrarySchool in 1986, Kit has worked in various capacities forthe University of Alberta Library System, as a cataloguer,collections/reference librarian in the H.T. Coutts Library,Collections Coordinator for the H.T. Coutts Library,and currently the Coordinator of Acquisitions andCollections for University of Alberta Libraries.1990 – Ila Scott

News and Notes from the School at the U of A


1991 – Jacqueline Girouard - Jacqueline graduatedin 1986 when she got a contract position with theBibliothèque Saint-Jean, where she worked until 2003.She went from cataloguer to Head of Public Services.In 2003, she transferred to the H. T. Coutts Education/Physical Education Library where she now works as apublic services librarian. 1992 – Heather Matson1993 – Pilar Martinez - Pilar obtained her firstprofessional job as the Resource Librarian for NorthernLights and the Lloydminster Public Library. After almosttwo years, Pilar joined Yellowhead Regional Library asthe Head of Reference and Interlibrary Loan, and thenbecame Manager of Public Services. In 2000, shejoined Edmonton Public Library as the manager ofStrathcona and Woodcroft Branches. Most recently,Pilar has been appointed the Manager: North District,Edmonton Public Library. She has been the Presidentof the Library Association of Alberta, chaired the AlbertaLibrary Conference, and held executive positions withother library associations, as well as outsideorganizations.1994 – Kerri Calvert – Kerri is currently employed bythe University of Alberta (Research Services Office) asthe Research Facilitator for the Faculty of Arts. Sheprovides institutional review and signature on researchfunding applications, and has an education and trainingrole in the Faculty with regard to the management ofresearch funds. Kerri is responsible for the operation ofthe Arts Research Facilitation Office, and supervisestwo staff members. Kerri says that the knowledge andskills obtained through her MLIS degree have beenextremely helpful in this position: attention to detail,working to deadlines, oral and written communication,database searching and information handling skillshave all been essential to her success.1995 – Caron Rollins – Caron is holding her secondposition at an academic library, and has managed to fitin teaching as a sessional instructor. She has also hadthe opportunity to travel across Canada, the U.S., theU.K., and Ireland, through her involvement inprofessional conferences, consulting, and a fellowship.Caron was Reference, Instruction and CollectionsLibrarian, John A. Weir Memorial Law Library, 1988 to1996. She was an Instructor, Faculty of Law, at theUniversity of Alberta, for Law 400 Legal Research from1992 to 1996. Caron was also an Instructor at SLIS in1992 (with Lillian McPherson, whom Caron will missalways—Caron says, “She was my first “boss” and I willnever forget what I learned from her. I learned lawlibrarianship from working for her at Weir and from thecourse she taught for the U of A library school in 1987").Caron went on to become the Associate Law Librarian,Diana M. Priestly Law Library, University of Victoria,1997 to present. She also was a co-Instructor of the

Acquisitions course in the Library Technicians Programat Camosun College, Victoria, in Winter 1999. Caronwas a Visiting Fellow in Law Librarianship, Institute ofAdvanced Legal Studies, University of London, England,Summer 2000 (“a wonderful experience”). Amongother activities, she has been a Consultant with theVietnam Legal Reform Assistance Project, 2003, anda member of the Conference Planning Committee forCALL/ACBD 2002 in Victoria.1996 – Della Paradis – Since May 2004 Della has beenManager, Fund Development at Edmonton PublicLibrary. In that role, her energy is focused on privatephilanthropy and corporate sponsorships, and onbuilding on the success of the Lois Hole Library LegacyProgram, special events including booksales, buildingrelations, and providing support to the Society of theFriends of the Library. Della also is implementing theplanned giving program. She joined EPL in June 2001as Manager of Capilano and Sprucewood Branches.From 1995-2001 Della worked as the Marketing andAccount Manager of the Health Knowledge Network, acollaborative venture of the University of Alberta andUniversity of Calgary. Prior to that she worked asInformation Specialist in the marketing department ofa metals and specialty materials firm. Della also hasbeen a sessional instructor at SLIS since 2001, teachingour Marketing course. In 1994, Della was one of 25people in Canada selected for the first NorthernExposure to Leadership Institute. She completed aManagement Development Certificate from theUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Extension in 2001, andcurrently is pursuing a Certificate in FundraisingManagement through Ryerson University. From 1999to 2003 Della was Treasurer of the LAA Board, in 1998she was President of Northern Alberta Health LibrariesAssociation, and in 1994 she was President GreaterEdmonton Library Association. Della tells us that “...while I was president I set up and promoted the use ofjerome-l…I’m rather proud of how jerome-l has becomepart of the ‘communications landscape’ inlibraryland…the name Jerome was picked becauseJerome is the patron saint of librarians and libraries andseemed like a more creative and interesting name thananother variation on ‘Lib-L’.” Della also started theLISSA Champagne Breakfast tradition.1997 – Aleksandra Nowacka – Aleksandra worked forfour years as a librarian for the Native CounselingServices of Alberta in Edmonton. There, she establishedthe library, built and converted the catalogue,automated, established its internet presence, and inmany ways tried to teach staff and clients how to usethe libraries, and its resources in everyday life. In Julyof 1997 she started working for Northwestern Utilities(later ATCO Gas, and later ATCO Gas and Electric);the position was very generally described as “marketing


information analyst” and it was everything from that tocompetitive intelligence for the first five years. Since2002 Aleksandra has worked in government relations,where she is happy, and so energetic, that “it has to bemy calling...even though it is so far from cataloguing,reference service, and all around decent library work.I am happy, and allowed to shape my job any way I seefit. Life is good.”1998 – Diane Tinnish1999 – Beth Millard – Beth graduated in 1995, havingworked one summer in the Law Library at the Universityof Alberta (in technical services) while in school. Sheworked for four months in a law firm library, after whichshe returned to the University on a contract, as areference librarian in the Law Library. Beth was thenhired as a librarian by a private law firm where sheremained for four years, until 2000. During this timeshe worked as a sessional instructor at the University,in the Law Faculty, as one of a team teaching a firstyear legal research course. In August of 2001 shebecame the librarian for the Court of Appeal and theCourt of Queen’s Bench in Edmonton. As well, shecontinued to teach at the University for one final year.During her time at the courts, she was very involved inthe Edmonton Law Libraries Association(ELLA), serving as their president for two years. Shewas also heavily involved from 2002-2004 in setting upand running a “boot camp” for articling students, whichoperated out of the university facility, called “Findingthe Law: a Headstart Program for Articling Students.” In late 2004, Beth accepted the position of Director ofLibrary Services for the Ministry of the Attorney Generalin Victoria, B.C. This library serves about 600 lawyersin the “law firm” of the B.C. Government. This yearBeth is also serving on the Education Committee of theCanadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL).2000/01 – Tracy Stewart - As her classmates knowfrom her tales on the SLIS95 Yahoo Group, TracyStewart has taken “alternative librarianship” to themax! Not too long after graduation, Tracy beganworking for Synapse Publishing as an Online PublishingSpecialist; Synapse was a start-up company creatingInternet based disease guidance systems. Tracy movedfrom Synapse to InfoWard, another start-up companycreating Internet-based knowledge desktops for healthcare professionals. While at InfoWard, Tracy becameinvolved in project management and spent a yearmanaging a multi-centre university project. Sinceworking in the software industry, Tracy has worked withvarious consulting firms. Currently, she is enjoying hertime working with the Health Organization Studiesresearch group at the University of Alberta’s School ofBusiness, and preparing for her most challengingcareer move yet – becoming a mom!

2002 – Virginia Clevette2003/04 – Connie Forst - Upon convocation, Connieaccepted a position at the St. Paul Municipal Library asits Director, and was there for 4.5 years. From there shemade a short jaunt to Elk Point where she worked at theNorthern Lights Library System as the Manager ofInformation Technologies, Marketing &Communications for 2.5 years. Currently Connie isworking at the Vegreville Public Library. In 2002 shewas selected as one of the participants to attend theNorthern Exposure to Leadership Institute. She currentlyserves on the Library Association of Alberta executiveas the 2nd Vice President and she is the Albertarepresentative on the Pacific Northwest LibraryAssociation Board. This year she also is the LAAIntellectual Freedom Committee Chair. Connie servesas a member of the Member Communications AdvisoryCommittee with CLA. She has presented sessions atNetspeed and in 2004 was a member of the planningcommittee at NLLS that developed the “Nature Sings@ your library” summer reading program for librariesacross the province. Connie has been a reviewer for“Resource Links.”2005 – Betsy Hamid – Betsy is the most recent past-president. During the past year she has been meetingwith representatives of Alumni Affairs, institutingchanges in the distribution of the LISAA newsletter andnegotiating changes to the LISAA constitution to complywith current Revenue Canada legislation. In addition,Betsy has been volunteering for CKUA radio station foryears, and in early 2004 she was asked to work on thecataloging of the classical database with the classicalannouncer. She feels that this work has been a greatlearning experience, because she had to learn a veryspecific terminology and worked with selections inmany different languages. In 2004 Betsy was hired atthe Spruce Grove Public Library as a circulationassistant, and learned first hand what it was like to workin a public library setting. Working with the public wasa source of great pleasure for Betsy. In February 2005she signed a contract with Alberta Agriculture to workas an IT Consultant. Betsy says that this is a greatposition because it utilizes everything she learned fromher past degrees in Botany and Agriculture as well asthe skills she learned at SLIS. She is working on themetadata of the Alberta Agriculturewebsite “Ropin’ the Web,” introducing a new field toorganize the documents and to increase the usability ofthe website for the Alberta public, and to eventuallybecome compliant with Dublin Core standards.

What an amazingly diverse set of experiences! Thankyou to all our past-presidents for your service to theSchool and to LISAA.


Patricia (Pat) Jobb, Associate Director, Public Services,of the Edmonton Public Library has announced aseries of changes within the Library’s public servicemanagement. The changes have been initiated toenable the Library to continue moving forward with itsbusiness plan, aspects of its succession plan, and toaccommodate Pat’s broader responsibilities in thecultivation of stakeholder and community relations.Pat has worked at EPL since 1995 and as AssociateDirector since 1998.

Taking over Pat’s additional duties in the overallmanagement of the Stanley A. Milner Library will beLouise Frolek, who came to EPL in 2004 as Managerof Collection Management and Access Division. Inaddition to her duties managing the acquisitions,cataloguing, processing, and collection functions,Louise is now District Manager of the central library,overseeing its public service operations, including theChildren’s Library, Centre for Reading and the Arts,Library Access, and Circulation. Prior to joining EPL,Louise had worked at Yellowhead Regional Librarysince 1980, most recently as Manager of BibliographicServices and Assistant Director.

Pilar Martinez has been appointed District Managerfor eight branches, replacing Andrea Smith.

Pilar began her professional library career withLloydminster Public Library and Northern Lights Librarysystem. In 1992, she joined Yellowhead RegionalLibrary where she worked as Head of Reference andInterlibrary Loan, and later, as Public ServicesManager. She joined EPL in 2000 as Manager ofStrathcona and Woodcroft branches.

Andrea is retiring after 38 years at EPL. Over her longcareer at EPL, Andrea had been Manager at Strathcona,Calder, and Idylwylde branches. Most recently, she

was Manager of the Londonderry Branch and DistrictManager for branches in northern Edmonton.

Adrienne Canty has replaced Andrea as Manager ofthe Londonderry Branch, a district branch for northernEdmonton. Adrienne joined EPL as Assistant Managerof Information Services in 1999 and has served asActing Manager for Information Services, Capilanoand Sprucewood branches at various times. She hadbeen the tireless coordinator of EPL’s participation inthe Corporate Challenge Games over the past threeyears.

Edith Parsons, who had been Manager of InformationServices for the past four years, is now Manager of theCapilano branch. As well, she will have the leadresponsibility for a system-wide initiative to strengthenand promote the provision of information services inbranches. Edith started her library career in 1981 atEPL as a branch librarian and joined the YellowheadRegional Library in 1987 as Manager of Reference andInterlibrary Loans. She re-joined EPL in 1992 asAssistant Manager of Information Services and becameManager of Lessard Branch in 1999 and Manager ofInformation Services in 2001.

Virtual and Information Services have beenamalgamated and are now managed by PeterSchoenberg, who joined EPL as Manager of VirtualServices in 2000. As Manager of the new, mergeddivision, Peter oversees the Library’s website andelectronic services as well as reference services at theStanley A. Milner Library, including Smart Search.Peter started working at the Vancouver Public Libraryin high school and continued while attending theUniversity of British Columbia. A position at theUniversity of Alberta’s Health Sciences Library broughthim to Alberta, which led to ten years as the Librarianfor the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

PubPubPubPubPublic Serlic Serlic Serlic Serlic Service Manavice Manavice Manavice Manavice Managggggement Changement Changement Changement Changement Changes aes aes aes aes at EPLt EPLt EPLt EPLt EPL

"These folks were insisting that they could find whatever they needby Google or similar methods. I find these people have not set foot in a library in

years and assume that because they don’t go to libraries, no one does. (And this discussionoccurred on a Mensa list, folks with high IQs). They also ignore the fact that libraries are morethan just places to find information. But we have to accept some responsibility. Changing with

technology is great, but we have to be out there beating our drums, telling people whatlibraries and librarians do, inviting these folks to come to the library and see that they arebeing used, even with modern technology. We can’t be quiet any more. (I realize we are

getting better at this, but we have to take every opportunity to educate.)"-- Judy Anderson, Library Director, Tillamook Bay Community College


Jennifer CameronTraining & Development LibrarianYellowhead Regional Library

YRL Centennial Scholarship AwardCongratulations to Linda Naccarato, Director of StonyPlain Public Library. She won the draw of $1,250 to beused towards the attendance of the Canadian LibraryAssociation Conference in Calgary in June.

This Centennial draw signals the end of the P. EmmettRyan Memorial Scholarship Fund. Congratulations toeveryone who benefited from the scholarship fundover the years! We would also like to offer our sincereand grateful thanks to the Ryan family for the endowmentof this fund. It has been an enormous help in contributingto the professional development of our memberlibrarians.

Happy 50th Anniversary Devon Public Library!In 1955, the first public library in Devon was in thebasement of the town office across the street from thetown jail. Apparently when the jail was empty, thelibrarian, Mrs. Dorothy M. Crosby, used the jail cell tostore books. Back then, the library served a populationof 1600 people, membership dues were 10 cents andtotal circulation was 7,138.

As Mrs. Crosby describes in the very first annual report,television was new to Devon at that time:

This library is very new and was begun at the sametime that T.V. became available here. There is aT.V. set in every second home here, so we feel thatour circulation record is quite good for thecircumstances. Our only real problem is a shortageof books for children, which we hope to overcome inthe coming year.

Today, under the leadership of Audrey Benjamin, theDevon library serves a population of 5315 and circulated38,613 items last year. Membership dues now rangefrom two dollars for juvenile to seven dollars for anadult membership. The Devon library joined YellowheadRegional Library last fall and is now a member of TRAC(The Regional Automation Consortium). Patrons inDevon can now access books and resources fromacross the four Regional areas of Yellowhead, Peace,Marigold, and Northern Lights Regional libraries. TheDevon library has outgrown its current space and ispresently looking at ways to expand either throughrenovating or through building a new stand-alone library.We wish you the best of luck for the next 50 years!

Westlock Library Celebrates 60 years!It was just after the Second World War that the libraryin Westlock began forming its roots. It was 1945 andthe first public library in Westlock moved aroundseveral times in town before finding a home. Mrs.Kemp, the first Westlock librarian, created that homewhen she opened a shop that sold china and gifts. Sheran the library out of her gift shop. The first story hourwas held in the living room of a board member.

The library has always had the heartfelt support of thecommunity. Local service clubs have supported thelibrary for the last 60 years. Groups such as the Elks,Rotary, Lions, Legion, the Thrift Shop, and the WestlockChamber of Commerce are all proud and historicalsupporters of the library. The Kinettes and later theFarm Women mended books for the library and GirlGuides, Rangers, and Scouts often dusted shelves.

The library moved to its current location, in the HeritageBuilding, in 1999. These days the library offers anexpanded service to what they could offer 60 yearsago. Being part of a consortium allows Westlockpatrons access to the 2.16 million holdings that makeup the TRAC (The Regional Automation Consortium)consortium. Lisbeth Booth, the current librarian isparticularly proud of the library’s partnership with theNorthwest Persons With Developmental DisabilitiesBoard, which has provided an adaptive technologiesworkstation to the library. The workstation table adjuststo the height of the patron, and will be of particular useto patrons in wheelchairs. The library has plans torenovate its space in the coming years so look for morechanges and more outstanding services to come fromthis long-standing library.

Stony Plain Public Library’s 60th Birthday Party!In April, Stony Plain Public Library celebrated its 60thAnniversary with a “Leaving a Legacy Fair.” This two-day extravaganza featured a Genealogy Workshop, alocal history conference, an antiques appraiser, crafttables, essay and art contests and many other funactivities. Jim Hole of Hole’s Greenhouse spoke onpioneer plants, proven plants for the region, and thenewest plants available. Congratulations to LindaNaccarato and all of the staff at Stony Plain for a greatevent!

The History of the Stony Plain Library by Linda Naccaratoand the staff of the Stony Plain Library:

Back in 1945, the United Church Young People’s Clubin Stony Plain was searching for a community project

Yellowhead Regional Library: Let’s Celebrate Our History!


and came up with the idea for a library. The youngpeople found a space, put up shelves, and beganoffering a library service with just 500 books - alldonated. The library proved popular and by 1948,when it came under the Libraries Act, the Women’sInstitute (W.I.) took over operations. Many of thevolunteers in that early community library ended upproviding over 20 years of service. Today, the W.I.continues to be a major supporter through their ongoingcontributions to the large print collection.

Over the years, the library journeyed around town, untilit came to rest 14 years ago in its present location in astrip mall. Just over a year ago the library celebrateda major expansion, the addition of two bays onto theexisting four, and a complete renovation of the interior.And now, we are expanding again by adding aconference room for much needed meeting space and,most exciting of all, a brand new teen space. It seemsvery fitting that in our 60th anniversary year we arecoming full circle and extending our welcome to teens,the age group that gave birth to the library. However,if we keep adding more bays the library will soon havethe distinction of being the longest, skinniest library inAlberta!

Our Friends group is also growing by leaps and boundsand has undertaken a 60th anniversary project to“Green the Library”. Like other strip malls, ours providesconvenient access, but minimal aesthetics. The Friendsproject to build a Founder’s Garden will replace someof the asphalt and cement that surrounds the librarywith two interconnected patios set in plantings ofannuals, perennials, shrubs, and a shade tree.

Of course, a library is not just bricks, mortar and greenspaces. In our 60th year we introduced an electronicnewsletter as a supplement to our print newsletter andwebsite to help keep our members informed aboutupcoming programs and new materials. We’ve starteda teen advisory group to help plan the new teen spaceand advise on teen programming and collections. Wehave a full slate of adult programs for the fall continuingon the heritage theme of the Leaving a Legacy Fair andcontinue to offer our popular children’s programs. Ourcollection is now nearly 40,000 items and our circulationhas doubled in the past five years, in no small part dueto resource sharing enabled by our membership in theYellowhead Regional Library System and TRAC.

Sixty years has brought a lot of change, but we believethat the vision of the United Church Young People’sgroup when they started a library back in 1945 matchesour vision statement today “to connect the people of

our community to the knowledge and cultures of theworld, and to each other”.

Upcoming 45th Anniversary of Wabamun PublicLibraryMrs. Hilda Warren, president of the Home and SchoolAssociation, is to thank for the first community libraryin Wabamun. She raised the initial funds for thecreation of the library by holding a large auction sale.The first Community Library in Wabamun was openedon September 12, 1960.

Even though Mrs. Warren had no sight as a complicationof Diabetes, she spent many hours as a volunteer in thelibrary and when she passed away in 1962, a plaquewas placed in the library to honour her memory anddedication.

The first librarian, Mrs. Mable Hawkins, ran the librarywith the help of many volunteers who took turnschecking out books, receiving donations, cataloguing,and keeping the library clean. Mrs. Hawkins completedthe Librarian Custodian Course offered by theGovernment of Alberta Libraries Branch in 1963. Shethen taught the course to the many volunteers whowere working in the Wabamun Community Library.One of those volunteers, Mr. Mel Watt, provided theessential service of lighting the fire every Mondaymorning so that the volunteers and patrons would havesome heat in the library.

The current Wabamun Public library is located in thebasement of the Community Centre. The library isfamous in the region for the beautiful murals created byVienna Johnson and Kathy Rutland as a part of the1998 renovations. Under the leadership of librarianBetty Lalonde, Wabamun Public Library continues tooffer great programs and services to the community. Anew project underway is the creation of a local historycorner as a centennial project.

Centennial Project at Wabamun Public LibraryThe Wabamun Lions Club, as part of their Centennialproject, has donated $4000.00 to the Wabamun PublicLibrary for the creation of a local history corner. Thecorner will display 25 editions of the Wabamun MirrorNewspaper published in 1914 and 1915 by W.H. Ashley.The newspapers, found in the library’s storage room,contain fascinating information about the First WorldWar and local happenings in and around Wabamun atthat time. The local history corner will also displayphotographs, stories, and books. A church bell, salvagedfrom St. Saviour’s Anglican Church will also form a partof the exhibit.


Christine Bourchier, TALBrenda Raynard, EPL

Delegates at the 2005 conference were treated toinspiring keynote sessions, fascinating sessions, funsocial activities and sunny Jasper weather!

Thursday night saw an inspiring tribute by AlanMacDonald and Ernie Ingles to key figures in thehistory of the Alberta library community. Allison Sivakand Bess Sadler compiled a PowerPoint display ofimportant individuals in the development of Alberta’slibraries. Some of the honourees were on hand toshare their experiences with the audience. It was easyto see that there is a rich history in this province ofdedicated librarians and library advocates. We trulyare building on initiatives that go back to theestablishment of our province in 1905.

Susan Aglukark, an award-winning Aboriginal singer-songwriter and Aboriginal activist provided an inspiringstart to the Friday sessions. She described her lifeexperiences growing up in a small town and her verysheltered life as the daughter of a Pentecostal minister.Susan shared with the audience the circumstancesthat shaped her life, and how she arrived where she istoday – a successful artist with a worldwide recorddeal. Sharing with the audience several meaningfulsongs, she reflected that the songs she writes areabout her life and her home. Through her work, sheseeks to honour previous generations who shedescribed as “having carried the brunt of change forthe Inuit culture.” Her songs are about events in thehistory of her people that need to be remembered.Susan described herself during her first years in themusic industry as very shy, with very little confidence.The ensuing years of growth and learning were verydifficult for Susan, but she remained grounded byreading and learning about her culture, and drawingfrom familiar sources for her song-writing. Moreinformation about Susan Aglukark can be found on herwebsite at www.susanaglukark.com/

Saturday the keynote speaker was equally riveting.Lawrence Lessig, Professor of Law at Stanford LawSchool (www.lessig.org/), shared with conferencedelegates his argument against interpretations ofcopyright that can stifle innovation and discourseonline. He shared with the audience the theory of “TheTragedy of the Commons,” first proposed by GarretHardin in 1968. This theory suggests that too littleregulation or too much freedom regarding the use ofresources brings ruin to all through overuse. In 1998 acounter-argument was suggested by Michael Heller, alaw professor at Columbia University, who coined the

phrase “Tragedy of the Anticommons.” Hellersuggested that too much regulation would leave certainresources subject to under-use, which he suggestedwould also be a tragedy.

Lessig pointed out that there are differences in thenature of resources. Most resources are depleted byconsumption, and if one person or group of people areusing a resource, other people cannot. However,Lessig proposed, not all goods and resources aredepleted when used. The notion of ideas as resourcesdo not fit this model. Rather, they are resources thatcan be spread without lessening the resource. There isno tragedy in the sharing of ideas, for the more thisresource is used, the better for all.

Here Lessig pointed out the nature of copyright as aregulation of the resource of ideas. Copyright acts asregulation over the rights of one to use the ideas ofanother. Lessig encouraged the audience to considerhow the regulation of this resource fits into the conceptsof the tragedy of the commons and the tragedy of theanti-commons. Too little regulation in the use of ideaspresents problems in the production of these resources– how can we encourage creativeness if the creatorsare not given ownership of their ideas? Yet with toomuch regulation, we cannot build on our past andcreators cannot cultivate our past when developingnew ideas. Lessig showed the audience several clipsof digital creativity (digital remixes) that are currentlyconsidered illegal according to the current copyrightlaw. According to the current law, creators need tohave permission for use, and this permission is notforthcoming.

Lessig made it clear that he does not support piracy,but he suggested to the audience that current copyrightlaws will not stop people from making these creations.What these laws mean is that we cannot teach thisform of creativity, we can only punish it. By making thistype of creative work illegal, we destroy creativepotential. Lessig sees the current copyright problemsas another type of tragedy, that of extremism aroundthese issues. Lessig is committed to the notion thatideas should spread freely for the mutual and moralbenefit of the world, and to this end he directed theaudience to his Creative Commons project, http://creativecommons.org/ which offers flexible copyrightfor creative works. Lessig ended his keynote with aplea for librarians to support changes to copyright lawsand continue to support intellectual growth, innovationand democracy.

What a myriad of sessions delegates had to choosefrom! One session, presented by Barbara Brydges

ALALALALALC '05: CeleC '05: CeleC '05: CeleC '05: CeleC '05: Celebrbrbrbrbraaaaating Our Pting Our Pting Our Pting Our Pting Our Past, Embrast, Embrast, Embrast, Embrast, Embracing Our Futuracing Our Futuracing Our Futuracing Our Futuracing Our Futureeeee


from the University of Calgary, covered the history ofthe Alberta Normal School Library which was firstestablished in 1906. The Alberta Normal School wasa training institution for teachers. Teachers-in-trainingattended the Normal School for a 4-month program,which was changed to 8 months in 1917. While takingthe audience through the history of the school and itsmany moves and developments, Barbara made itclear that the development of the library was dependentnot only on the interests and professional training ofthe librarian, but also upon the importance given to thelibrary by the school administrators through fundingand curriculum development. Today this library existsas the only independent library on the University ofCalgary campus, and continues to be an integral partof the education of Alberta teachers.

Bonnie Gray from Alberta Community Developmentpresented an interesting overview of the history ofAlberta libraries. She noted that the 1907 “PublicLibraries Act” allowed for the creation of free publiclibraries open to the public free of charges (this gotquite a reaction among those advocating for doingaway with card fees for today’s public libraries!). Tax-supported public libraries were slow to develop in theearly years of the province, since between 1907 and1927 only 13 were set up.

However, many community and volunteer librarieswere created by literary societies, Women’s Institutes,the IODE, and other community organizations. In 1913the Extension Library was established which providedlibrary service to Albertans across the province throughits traveling libraries. Over the years, provincial policyhas changed and developed, and the “Public LibrariesAct” has seen several developments. What the historyof public libraries in Alberta shows is that public policyhas supported the overall development of public libraryservice in a variety of forms. Looking ahead, we canexpect library service to take on appearances andforms in response to changing population patterns,expectations of our customers, and technologicaldevelopments.

Stephen Abram discussed the fascinating informationbehaviours of “Millennials” – the generation born to thebaby boomers (approximate range 1977-1995).Stephen reminded the audience that this generation isand will be our customers, our future customers, andour colleagues. They are trained very differently in theuse of technology and have high informationengagement levels and information literacy skills.They are demanding in their technological expectations.For instance, as library customers, they expect devicesto work quickly and be capable of multiple functions.

Stephen reminded us how many libraries have single-use computers: some that are just for the OPAC,others that are just for word processing, and some thatare just for Internet access (sound familiar?!).Millennials expect all of these tools and more – on asingle computer station!

In closing, Stephen encouraged the audience not to tryto change their behaviours, but to provide alternativesto their current strategies, recognizing that they are“digital natives” and have different learning styles andstrategies.

In an inspiring session entitled “Creating Excellence!It’s All About the Customer,” Cate McNeely discussedthe new Cambie branch of the Richmond Public Libraryand the philosophy behind their innovative approach tocustomer service. Cate described how the Cambiebranch created excellence by using the following 7principles: first, to figure out what their customers wantand need, and then to match services to meet theirneeds. Second, remembering to put the customers’needs first. Third, using technology to enhance thecustomer’s experience and free up staff time.

Richmond Public Library has a strong tradition of self-service, including picking up holds, self check-out, andpre-sorting materials for check-in. Requesting holdsonline is encouraged – and the Richmond PublicLibrary now receives one million monthly requests.Fourth, the Cambie branch was designed and organizedfrom the customers’ perspective.

Cate reminded her audience that to be relevant, thelibrary must be more than a sea of stacks. Fifth,collections must be selected based on customerpreference, taking into account the different customerbase each branch serves. Sixth, we must strive toorganize collections and develop signage thatcelebrates books and enhances browsing. Cate sharedwith the audience the innovative and appealing signageand displays used at the Cambie Branch. Lastly, Cateencouraged the audience to take risks, and basedecisions on fact not fear.

What Richmond Public Library is doing is not onlyinnovative and inspiring – it is also successful. Theyboast high per capita circulation rates and a high percapita number of card holders, all with average percapita funding. The Cambie branch, the focus of thispresentation, has been open for just 14 months, andboasts a circulation of 40,000 items from a collection of35,000, with an average of 80 customer visits per hour.Cate’s presentation can be found at www.yourlibrary.ca/CreatingExcellence.pdf


Viral Marketing: a strategy thatencourages people to pass on a

marketing message to others, creatinga potential for exponential growth in the

message’s exposure and influence.Before (or off) the Internet, it’s word-of-

mouth.

Here is an excerpt from a column written by Clara N. Bohrer, President of the Public LibraryAssociation ...

You have available a potent, but often underutilized, form of communication that can advanceboth your library’s advocacy and promotional efforts. Word-of-mouth is a powerful phenomenonthat you can use to spread the word about your library. Using word-of-mouth marketing canincrease your library’s perceived value, as well as library usage and support.

Malcom Gladwell, keynote speaker at ALA’s Midwinter Meeting last January, made a strong casefor the powerful effects that are generated from word-of-mouth. In his bestselling book TheTipping Point, Gladwell writes that “viral marketing” [word-of-mouth], can provoke big, dramaticchanges in how people think and act. As people talk to each other about positive experiences atyour library, excitement and momentum build. People who have been merely thinking aboutsupporting or using the library or a new service are now motivated to actually try. Libraries canuse this persuasive effect of word-of-mouth to great advantage.

Most libraries don’t have large marketing or advertising budgets. We do, however, have largenumbers of loyal users and talented staff members. This means we are ideally positioned to makeuse of and benefit from word-of-mouth marketing—if we can harness its power. But how manytimes have we ever said to a library user something as simple as, “Please tell your friends”? Weoften fall short in seeing ways to deliberately use word-of-mouth and integrate it into everydaylibrary operations.

Word-of-mouth marketing isn’t just one person talking to another. It is a strategic approach todelivering a specific message in a conscious, consistent way. It is the result of the quality of eachinteraction we have with the public. It is about responsive customer service. It is about listeningto and learning from our users, and about building relationships. It is about selling—not just telling.

Libraries that use word-of-mouth marketing effectively have a clear, consistent and compellingmessage that is concise enough to be said at the checkout desk or in a grocery store line. Everyone of their frontline people understands the message, and can easily articulate it. Staff usetestimonials to talk about the benefits of products and services. Staff collect and give feedbackon what they hear—good and bad. Conscious word-of-mouth is part of a coherent promotionstrategy.

For word-of-mouth marketing to work, there must be a committed, passionate sales force oflibrary staff, trustees, friends, supporters, and other stakeholders. Everyone needs to getinvolved.

Imagine what it would be like if staff, trustees, and friends became as adept at word-of-mouthmarketing as companies like Saturn, Harley-Davidson, and Apple, all of which have used word-of-mouth to build their brand, increase sales, and enhance their image.

- Public Libraries March/April 2005


Marigold Library System www.marigold.ab.ca

1-800-332-1077

Advocacy!Advocacy!Advocacy!Advocacy!Advocacy! @@@@@ your libraryyour libraryyour libraryyour libraryyour library®®®®®

• focuses on advocacy, marketing, public relations and promotion for libraries• targeted to Marigold Board, member library boards and staff• issued six times a year• invites your ideas, questions, comments and success stories

editorsKaren Labuik, Assistant Director, [email protected] Pilikowski, Communications Officer, [email protected]

Libraries serve an integral role in Alberta’s future. Libraries ...• serve as the single best repository of the information and

knowledge necessary to achieve the province’s vision forthe future

• are uniquely connected to each of the four pillars establishedin Alberta’s 20 year plan (See Advocacy! @ your library® ,#eight)

• can level the educational and technological differencesbetween rural and urban Alberta

• have value that is sometimes difficult to measure

Who can place a value on an a-ha! moment or on the triumph of a child reading his first book?

Showing value: keep a tent card at the checkout desk with the following or similar information ...

Cost to you

SERVICE @ your library In the marketplace

Read a children’s book free $14+ a book

Surf the Internet free $25+ a month

Search a subscription database free $1000+

Read a best seller free $40

Read the newspaper or magazine free $40 - $200 per year

Check out a video or DVD free $5 per rental

Check out a CD free $15+

Attend programs or computer training free $25+ per hour

Meet authors free priceless

Participate in Summer Reading free priceless

Use your card in 240+ libraries less than $35/year priceless

Return materials to any library in Alberta free priceless

Breakthrough for a literacy or ESL learner free priceless

Good value @ your library®


ALC '05 Opening ReceptionA big thanks to the University of Alberta, Ernie Ingles and Alan MacDonald for hosting the opening receptionhonouring Centennial Library Pioneers, Innovators and Leaders. For a complete list of honourees, see the backcover. Here are some of them ....

Joe ForsytheGovernment

D. Blake McDougallGovernment

Duncan RandPublic Libraries

Mary Lou ArmstrongCollege Libraries

Sylvia DubruleExtension

Hon. Mary LeMessurierGovernment

Keith TurnbullPublic Libraries

Fran DrummondSpecial Libraries

Cliff DacreTrustees

Prof. Robert BrundinLibrary Education

Kaye StewardSchool Libraries

Ed DevineVendors


Some of our ALC '05 Exhibitors


To our superheroes, our generous ALC sponsors,we give a huge round of applause and our

thanks!

3MAlberta Community Development

CouttsThomson Gale

Hargreaves & AssociatesLibrary Services CentreMicromedia ProQuest

OCLCThe Alberta Library

United Library ServicesUniversity of Alberta

UserfulXerox


Connie ForstLAA 2nd VP/PNLA Representative

Are you a list maker? Do you think in terms of thingsthat need to be done? Have a to-do list that neverseems to shorten? How about checking out thesechart-topping reasons why you should join the PacificNorthwest Library Association this year!

1. The PNLA memberships for the year are affordable.If you are a first time member, the membership feeis $35 Cdn.

2. PNLA is the only bi-national library association inNorth America. PNLA is made up of members fromAlaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon,Montana, and Washington. It also is the oldestregional library association in the United States.PNLA is an organization of people who work in,with, and for libraries. PNLA provides opportunitiesin communication, education and leadership thattranscend political boundaries and works to aid indeveloping stronger library networks and networkingin the region.

3. Our journal, the PNLA Quarterly, keeps membersinformed on regional, state/provincial, and nationalnews. It also provides a forum for members topublish as well as contains articles from non-members.

4. The Young Reader’s Choice Award. This award,first established in 1940, presents author awardschosen by children and young adults from themember states/provinces within PNLA’s area. Thebooks chosen are published three years previously,

and are nominated by librarians, teachers, students,and others.

5. Email list. The PNLA-L mailing list is intended tocover a variety of library-related interests in thePacific Northwest and Western Canada. We hopeyou’ll find the list useful and enjoy sharing in thisunique community. The list provides news andcurrent information on employment opportunitieswithin the region. It also provides a way ofcommunicating and sharing ideas or discussionwith the PNLA Board.

6. PNLA Leadership Institute. Our first LeadershipInstitute was held in 2004 and the next one is beingplanned for 2006. Stay posted for more informationas it comes available.

7. Membership Directory. As part of you membershipfee you will receive a membership directory whichlists current members and provides you anothermeans for interacting and connecting with like-minded people. It’s all about networking!

8. Committee work. If you are interested in helpingPNLA you can get involved with the IntellectualFreedom, Leadership Institute, Publications, andthe Young Reader’s Choice Award Committees.Try something you’ve never tried before.

9. The annual conference. One of PNLA’s flagshipevents is the conference. For more informationplease check out the PNLA Conference website atwww.pnla.org/events/

10. Drop by for a visit. For more information, visit ourwebsite at www.pnla.org. So make a point to joinPNLA on your next list of things to do. Come checkus out!

Top Ten Reasons to Join PNLA

What’ll it take to get you to give up your password?

Apparently nothing more than a latte by the results ofa marketing stunt run in San Francisco.

In a very unscientific poll, two-thirds of the 272 peopleapproached by VeriSign willingly gave up an electronicpassword for a $3 Starbucks coupon.

Among the easy marks, 79 percent admitted that theyuse the same password to access more than one

application or Web site, a common practice that meansthe loss of one password increases the risk of damageor identity theft.

The down-and-dirty survey also confirmed what anyonewho works in an office already knows:

Some people are more worried aboutforgetting their password than it being stolen,and scribble it on Post-Its stuck to theirmonitor

Many Would Trade Password For A Grande Mocha

ACROSS CANADA AND BEYOND


Deborah L. Davis, Manager@ your libraryThe Campaign for America’s Libraries

The New York Times OpinionEDITORIAL: An Issue for the First Lady, April 8, 2005

The sad state of the nation’s libraries was driven homelast week when all of the libraries in John Steinbeck’sbirthplace, Salinas, Calif., came close to closing. Thecrisis in Salinas is part of a larger picture in whichfinancially strapped local governments have beenslashing library hours and book budgets. Public officials,starting with Laura Bush, the most powerful librarian inthe world, should be clamoring for greater resourcesfor libraries.

The troubles in Salinas began last fall, when tworeferendums that would have brought in more taxmoney went down to defeat. The City Councilresponded by voting to close all three of Salinas’slibraries. Such a step would have made Salinas, afarming community that was the site of some of CesarChavez’s biggest drives to organize farmworkers, thelargest city in the nation without a library. Money hassince been raised, and Salinas has backed down fromthe closings, but the libraries’ situation remainsprecarious.

There have been many library cutbacks across thecountry that have gotten far less attention. Detroit hasslashed library services, and the library in Bedford,Tex., has closed its doors for at least six months. TheNew York Public Library’s services were cutsubstantially after the Sept. 11 attacks, and havecome back only recently. As globalization takes hold,American workers have more competition than everbefore from well-educated, hard-working people inplaces like India and China. For the United States tomaintain its standing and its standard of living, it needsto make a greater commitment to books, literacytraining, materials on English as a second language,and all of the other services libraries provide. Congressshould make libraries a higher priority. But even if itdoes, most of the money for libraries will still be raisedat the state and local level, where the competition forbudget dollars is intense. Mrs. Bush, who is a librarian,has quietly supported greater federal spending onlibraries and started a small foundation for libraries.But she would be doing a real service if she spoke outmore forcefully to encourage states, local governmentsand private donors to give libraries the resources theyneed. Second terms are a time when occupants of theWhite House usually think about their legacies. Beingthe nation’s foremost champion of libraries would be alaudable one for Mrs. Bush.

Editorial: An Issue for the First Lady

Courtesy of TechWeb News

Using e-mail and other messaging technologiesexcessively can lower your IQ as much as if yousmoked some weed, according to recent researchsponsored by Hewlett-Packard. According toresearchers at the University of London Institute ofPsychiatry, there’s a serious “Info-Mania” problemamong British workers, who are so addicted to constantlychecking e-mail and text messages during meetings, inthe evening, and on weekends that their IQs fall by 10points. That’s more than double the four-point plummetseen in studies done on the impact of smokingmarijuana, the researchers said, and equal to the affectof missing a night of sleep.

“This is a very real and widespread phenomenon,” saidDr. Glenn Wilson, a psychologist with the Institute, ina statement. “We’ve found that Info-Mania, ifunchecked, will damage a worker’s performance byreducing their mental sharpness.”

An accompanying survey of 1,100 Britonscommissioned by HP found that 62 percent wereaddicted to checking messages out of office hours andwhile on vacation. Half of them responded to an e-mailwithin an hour, and one in five said they were “happy”to interrupt a business meeting or social gathering torespond to an e-mail or telephone message. Thedistractions not only dull workers’ intelligence, but irkother workers, said the survey and the study. Nearlynine out of ten said that colleagues who answer e-mails, text, or phone messages in a face to facemeeting are “extremely rude.”

“We are in danger of being caught up in a 24 hour‘always on’ society,” said David Smith, of HP’s U.K.division, in a statement. “This is more worrying whenyou consider the potential impairment on performanceand concentration for workers, and the consequentimpact on businesses. HP’s posted a guide to spottingInfo-Maniacs, and putting a stop to the problem; it’s inPDF format and can be downloaded from the U.K. Website of Hewlett-Packard.

Stoned On E-mail


Backbone Monday June 6, 2005

The three-day work week

What wastes time at your office? Unclear objectives,lack of team communication and ineffective meetings,according to a recent worldwide Microsoft office survey.

Survey respondents also said they are trapped betweenthe need to work longer hours and the desire for betterwork-life balance. Not surprisingly, perhaps, they alsonoted they rely heavily on technology tools to helpoptimize personal and team productivity.

The survey drew responses from 1,584 Canadianinformation workers and more than 38,000 people in200 countries.

Included in the conclusions:

- People work an average of 45 hours a week; theyconsider about 17 of those hours to be unproductive.

- People spend 5.6 hours each week in meetings; 69per cent feel meetings aren’t productive.

- Only 34 per cent said they are using proven schedulingtools and techniques to help them gain more free timeand balance in their lives. Likewise, 60 per cent saidthey don’t have work-life balance, and beingunproductive contributes to this feeling.

- The most common productivity pitfalls are unclearobjectives, lack of team communication and ineffectivemeetings, chosen by 32 per cent of respondents overall,followed by unclear priorities at 31 per cent andprocrastination at 29 per cent.

- More than half of the Canadian participants, 59 percent, said they relate their productivity directly to theirsoftware.

- Canadian workers said they receive an average of 45e-mail messages per day. This is far less thanAmericans, who receive an average of 56 per day, butmore than Europe (40).

Ken Haycock & Associates Inc.Building capacity for leadership, advocacy and collaboration

Specialists in serving library boards…✓ executive searches for directors and senior staff to ensure

the best match for your needs

✓ training and consulting in effective governance, boardleadership, advocacy and community development

Contact Michelle Rudert, Director of Client Services101 - 1001 West Broadway, Suite 343, Vancouver, BC V6H 4E4

Voice: 604.925.0266 • Fax: 604.925.0566 • E-mail: [email protected]

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We’re Only Productive Three Days out of Five

AACL Alberta Association of College LibrariansAALT Alberta Association of Library TechniciansALC Alberta Library ConferenceALTA Alberta Library Trustees AssociationAPLA Atlantic Provinces Library AssociationAPLEN Alberta Public Library Electronic NetworkBCLA British Columbia Library AssociationCALL Canadian Association of Law LibrariesCAPL Canadian Association of Public LibrariesCARL Canadian Association of Research LibrariesCLA Canadian Library AssociationCPL Calgary Public LibraryCTCL Community and Technical College LibrariesELLA Edmonton Law Libraries AssociationEPL Edmonton Public LibraryFLA Foothills Library AssociationGELA Greater Edmonton Library AssociationGMC Grant McEwan CollegeIFLA International Federation of Library AssociationsJPL Jasper Park LodgeLAA Library Association of AlbertaLHLLP Lois Hole Library Legacy ProgramLISAA Library and Information Studies Alumni AssociationLISSA Library and Information Studies Student AssociationLRC Learning Resources CouncilMLA Manitoba Library AssociationNSLA Nova Scotia Library AssociationNWTLA Northwest Territories Library AssociationPNLA Pacific Northwest Library AssociationSAIT Southern Alberta Institute of TechnologySALA Strategic Alliance for Library AdvocacySLA Saskatchewan Library AssociationSLIS School of Library and Information Studies (U of A)TAL The Alberta LibraryTRAC The Regional Automation ConsortiumU of A University of AlbertaU of C University of CalgaryYRCA Young Reader's Choice Awards

WHAT'S IN AN ACRONYM

Untangle Acronyms @ your library®


President: Judy Moore [email protected] President: Pam Ryan [email protected] VP: Anne Carr-Wiggin [email protected] VP: Connie Forst [email protected]: Rachel Sarjeant-Jenkins [email protected]

Directors:Jody Crilly [email protected]

Contact Us at LAADebbie Feisst [email protected] Janewski [email protected] Skaronski [email protected]

Executive Director/Newsletter Editor:Christine Sheppard 403/[email protected] full contact information, visit www.laa.ab.ca


2005

Aug. 14 - 18 World Library and Information Congress: 71st IFLA General Conference and Council.Oslo, Norway. For information, visit www.ifla.org/IV/index.htm

Aug. 22-25 6th Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Librariesand Information Services. Durham, England. "The Impact and Outcomes of Library andInformation Services: Performance measurement for a changing Information environment".For information, visit http://online.northumbria.ac.uk/faculties/art/information_studies/imri/PM5/PM5.htm.

Sept. 13-17 Fourth International Indigenous Librarians' Forum. Regina, SK. Hosted by the LibraryServices for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples Inc. For information, visit www.4iilf.org.

Sept. 22-24 Northern Lights Library System Annual Conference. “Celebrate Libraries”. Elk Point, AB.for information, contact Kerry Anderson 780.724.2596 ext 229 or [email protected].

Sept. 29-30 Peace Library System Rural Libraries Conference. Grande Prairie, AB. For information,visit www.peacelibrarysystem.ab.ca.

Oct. 16-19 3rd International Evidence Based Librarianship Conference. Brisbane, Queensland,Australia. Early bird rates apply until 1st August. Current financial members of ALIA, ASA,ASLA, CILIP, ALA, SLA, CLA and LIANZA are eligible for member rates. For information,visit http://conferences.alia.org.au/ebl2005/index.html.

Oct. 17-19 Access 2005. Edmonton, AB. For information, visit http://access2005.library.ualberta.ca/

Oct. 17-23 Canadian Library Week. “Lifelong Libraries - Discover Us”. Watch the TAL and CLAwebsites for more information. www.thealbertalibrary.ab.ca, www.cla.ca.

Oct. 19-21 Netspeed 2005. The Alberta Library’s technology conference. Edmonton, AB. For information,visit www.thealbertalibrary.ab.ca/netspeed/index.html

Oct. 24 National School Library Day. For information, visit www.nsld.ca/

Dec. 12-13 Augustana Faculty Library of the University of Alberta 5th Annual Information LiteracyWorkshop. Camrose, AB. Speaker: Judy Peacock (Information Literacy Coordinator -Queensland University of Technology - Brisbane, Australia). Dec. 12: Embedding InformationLiteracy into the Curriculum: Proven Method or Potential Madness. Dec. 13: IntentionalProfessional Development in Information Literacy: Librarian as Leader and Learner. Forinformation visit www.augustana.ca/library/workshop.

2006Apr. 27-30 Alberta Library Conference. "Libraries @ Your Service". Jasper, AB. Visit

www.albertalibraryconference.com.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

LETTER OF THE LLETTER OF THE LLETTER OF THE LLETTER OF THE LLETTER OF THE LAAAAAAAAAAAdAdAdAdAdvvvvvererererertising Rtising Rtising Rtising Rtising Raaaaates Eftes Eftes Eftes Eftes Effffffectivectivectivectivective Jane Jane Jane Jane January 1, 2005uary 1, 2005uary 1, 2005uary 1, 2005uary 1, 2005

Advertising rates are as follows, based on four issues per year:

Back Cover $300 per issue or $1080/yearInside front cover $270 per issue or $972/yearInside back cover $240 per issue or $864/yearFull page ad 7" by 10" $195 per issue or $702/yearHalf page ad 7" by 5" or 3 1/4" by 10" $105 per issue or $378/yearQuarter page ad 3 1/4" by 5" $ 60 per issue or $216/yearBusiness card standard size $ 40 per issue or $144/year

First measurement is width. GST will be added to the above rates.Ads that are other sizes are charged at the rate for the next larger ad.LAA members (personal, commercial or institutional) receive a 10%discount on single issue advertisements. Business card ads andannual rates are not discounted.Advertising copy deadlines: March 15, June 15, September 15 andDecember 15Camera-ready or electronic ads accepted. Back cover and inside frontand back covers may be full colour. Inside page ads are black and white.The newsletter is printed on 80lb. Luna Matte paper.Conference exhibitors may, with their exhibit application, have abusiness card ad in the January or April issue for $25.

The editor gratefully acknowledges the following proofreaders forLetter of the LAA: Linda Cook, Edmonton Public Library; Della Paradis,

Edmonton Public Library; Karen Labuik, Marigold Library System;and Pam Ryan, University of Alberta Libraries.

Next deadline fornewsletter submissionsis September 15, 2005.

The editor welcomesarticles and letters

as well as yourcomments andsuggestions.

Please mail, faxor email to:

Christine SheppardNewsletter Editor

80 Baker Cres. NWCalgary, AB T2L 1R4Phone 403/284-5818FAX 403/282-6646

[email protected]

The Letter of the LAA is the official newsletter of the Library Association of Alberta and is distributed by the 15thof January, April, July and October. Its purpose is to serve as a publicity and informational tool; as a forum forprovincial library issues; as an information link between associations and types of libraries; and to report on theactivities of the Board of Directors.

Submissions to the Letter of the LAA are solicited from the LAA Board and its Committees, affiliated associationsand LAA members. The Editor reserves the right to edit any submission for grammatical and spelling errors andlength. The Editor also reserves the right not to include a submission for reasons of accuracy, appropriatenessor currency. Items such as bibliographies or articles containing thinly-disguised product advertising will notnormally be included. Submissions are due by the 15th of March, June, September and December.

Please submit all documents as either a .doc or an .rtf. The Letter of the LAA is published in the Arial Font, size10. Please use a single space after a period. Feature articles of 1,000-2,500 words on any topic in librarianshipor a related field are welcome. We are always looking for short 400-500 word descriptions of great ideas inlibraries.

The complete editorial policy is available by request from the Editor or the Executive Director of LAA.

The opinions expressed by the contributors to Letter of the LAA do not necessarily reflect the position or policyof the Library Association of Alberta.

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Centennial Library Pioneers,Innovators and Leaders

LETTER OF THE LAA ALC 2005Letter of the LAA Summer 2005 i The official printer of the Letter of the...

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Transcript of LETTER OF THE LAA ALC 2005Letter of the LAA Summer 2005 i The official printer of the Letter of the...