Friday, March 9, 2012

Internet Use Policies and the Public Library: The Beat Goes On

This article serves as the basis of the current small-group discussions in the UW-Madison SLIS class I'm teaching this semester. (Article not available in full text via Ebscohost.)


Congress got porn out of libraries; now locals need to, by Ernest Istook, The Heritage Foundation.  (Charlotte Observer, 2/28/2012)

Excerpt: Librarians can be strict. In Seattle, for example, you can't eat [see "sidebar" Food and Beverage Rule and Guidelines below], sleep, go barefoot or be noisy in a public library. You can, however, "watch graphic porn on a public computer in front of kids," the Seattle Post-Intelligencer recently reported. 


You don't need to be a literary expert to figure out that making computer porn available is not the highest and best use of limited public resources. And certainly patrons, whose tax payments keep the doors open, deserve better than to have their children exposed to hard-core pornography. 

As a former chairman of a metropolitan library system, I was appalled by the story from Seattle. But it didn't surprise me at all. 

Sadly, Seattle is following a strategy promoted by the American Library Association, which regards pornography as just a routine aspect of protecting the First Amendment. But they generally omit an important qualifier: When taxpayers are paying for the computers, they have a right to insist that children are protected.

Counterpoint:   Library right not to ban porn: Once a ban starts, it's hard to stop, by Seattle Times columnist Danny Westneat.  (2/4/2012)

American Library Association:
Guidelines and Considerations for Developing a Public Library Internet Use Policy
Filters and Filtering.
Some things never change.

Op-ed piece also found at these locations:
Deseret News
McClatchy Washington Bureau
Orange County Register
Safe Libraries

And on a related note, the Annoyed Librarian has her say in The Poster Boy for Library Porn.

McIntosh Memorial Library More Than Fills Its Role as Viroqua's Community Center


Viroqua library use more than doubles since ’01. (Vernon County Broadcaster, 3/7/2012)

Excerpt: A 3-year-old participates in Twilight Time on a Tuesday evening. A retiree reads the daily newspaper in a comfortable arm chair. A father and his child check out books on CD and music CDs for a road trip. Teens check out DVDs for a marathon movie night. 

These are just a few examples of the daily activity at Viroqua’s McIntosh Memorial Library

Trina Erickson, library director, recently completed and the library board approved, the 2011 annual report outlining the happenings at the library. 

The annual report, which is submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, includes such information as the annual public service hours for the library, the number of items in the library collection, the number of registered borrowers, the number of people who take part in programs offered by the library and circulation numbers. 

Erickson said circulation has increased 137 percent since 2001. Ten years ago circulation was 63,556 and in 2011 it was 151,237. “By far we have one of the most active libraries as far as checkouts go [compared to] communities roughly the same size as Viroqua.”

There Patricia Mabie Goes Again


Being led down the primrose path in Boulder Junction. (The Lakeland Times, 2/3/2012)

The self-professed expert speaks: As for the new library, libraries will be a thing of the past because of the electronic age. Libraries need to rethink everyday operations with an eye toward streamlining. What is the Boulder Junction Library doing with at least 143 cookbooks and one set of 2007 World Book encyclopedias on its shelves? These books are taking up much needed space and these kinds of books have progressed to the electronic age years ago.

Why 143 cookbooks?

Perhaps because it's one of the most popular sections of the library's nonfiction collection, as it was at Middleton when I was Director.  (And probably still is.  I don't think things have changed all that much.)

Related posts:
Patricia Mabie opines on the public library. (12/14/2011)
Cherie Sanderson: The Boulder Junction Public Library plays an important role in the quality of life in our community.  (10/15/2011, written in response to.....)
To build or not to build, that is the question in Boulder Junction.  (10/7/2011)
Boulder Junction considers three options for expanding.  (8/29/2011)
Space needs planning at the Boulder Junction Public Library.  (9/13/2010)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

The Physical Archive of the Internet Archive


If my memory serves me correctly, I recall a proposal that was floated, unsuccessfully, sometime during the late 1980s/early 1990s (??), designating the Reference and Loan Library as a depository for "last-copy" adult fiction. (Received from Wisconsin libraries only.)

It was an idea that took hold in Montana.

New Hampshire State Library last copy repository for adult fiction.   (From 2001.  No longer in operation?)

There is also a reference to a Last Copy Fiction Cooperative in the South Carolina State Library Collection Development Policy.  From the 1/21/2011 minutes of the South Carolina Public Library Administrators meetings:  The State Library has plans to close the Last Copy Fiction Collection – contact David if you have any concerns.


In a Flood Tide of Digital Data, an Ark Full of Books. (The New York Times, 3/4/2012)

Excerpt: In a wooden warehouse in this industrial suburb, the 20th century is being stored in case of digital disaster. 

Forty-foot shipping containers stacked two by two are stuffed with the most enduring, as well as some of the most forgettable, books of the era. Every week, 20,000 new volumes arrive, many of them donations from libraries and universities thrilled to unload material that has no place in the Internet Age. 

Destined for immortality one day last week were “American Indian Policy in the 20th Century,” “All New Crafts for Halloween,” “The Portable Faulkner,” “What to Do When Your Son or Daughter Divorces” and “Temptation’s Kiss,” a romance. 

“We want to collect one copy of every book,” said Brewster Kahle, who has spent $3 million to buy and operate this repository situated just north of San Francisco. “You can never tell what is going to paint the portrait of a culture.”  [Emphasis added.]




Twin Lakes Community Library Reopens on March 12


Twin Lakes Library reopens Monday. (MyKenoshaCounty.com, 3/2/2012.  Link is not a direct hit.)

Excerpt: The library has almost doubled in size, from 3,800 sq. feet to 6,300 sq. ft. and along with the Subway restaurant, they are the only two tenants of the building. Walls went down, ceilings went higher, carpeting was laid, paint was applied, and several new restrooms were added, including a baby station in the new youth section of the library. There are now private meeting rooms, a break room for employees and much more storage than before. 

The library has added a dedicated computer area, with nine new computers, free for all to use with a library card and a password. There is a two-hour limit on the computers. The traffic patterns have changed thanks to a new configuration of shelving and bibliomaniacs will find more breathing room in the stacks, making browsing much more relaxing then before. 

The children’s area is tucked in a brightly lit area that has its own miniature chairs and tables, perfect for future art projects. The youth librarian will be stationed at the entrance to make sure little readers get the help they need.

Related posts:
Library renovation underway. (10/8/2011)
Ebooks, Netflix, and library building projects, part 103.  (8/28/2011)

Space Crunch @ the Poynette Area Public Library


Space squeeze hits library. (Poynette Press, 3/7/2012)

Excerpt:   The space crunch has renewed a push among library officials to get moving on a project to expand the library. Last summer, village officials revealed plans to purchase three downtown buildings, including the vacant "Jamieson" building that formerly housed the "Little Blessings" store. 

The idea was to eventually raze those buildings and current library to allow a private developer to come in and build a new facility which the village would not have the expenses of owning. Library officials and some residents didn't like the idea of the library acting as a renter to a private company, and there were disagreements about exactly what that might cost both the library and the village with such a private-public partnership. 

Last month, the Poynette Area Library Board released a press release emphasizing their preference to knock down the wall between the library and the vacant, village-owned "Jamieson" building next door to eventually create a new children's area in front and meeting space in back. Daugherty said solving those two issues would essentially fix the problem for the foreseeable future. 

As of last week, the library had a list of more than 160 patrons who signed a petition at the library to support expanding next door. Daugherty said the petition has proven to be a good way to get the conversation going, as well as dispel potential misconceptions about the position of library officials on expansion. 

"I heard last week there are a lot of people in the community who believe a big, brand-new library is something the library is pushing for, and this hopefully will dispel (that)," she said.

Related posts:
Keeping the lines of communication open. 12/15/2011)
Poynette library board president takes village board to task for poor communication. (11/26/2011)
The library as Poynette's anchor store.  (11/10/2011)
Poynette redevelopment project includes space for library.  (9/29/2011)

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The Chicago Tribune on 'Robolibraries'

Have you implemented or are you considering any such offsite, self-service options?


Robolibraries rolling out in suburbs. More self-service options eyed as way around shortfalls at public facilities. (Chicago Tribune, 3/7/2012)

Excerpt:   The La Grange Public Library is conducting an online survey of residents to see if they are interested in self-service options such as lockers or vending-style machines that would be placed at sites other than the library. 

Tight parking at the La Grange library's downtown location and a desire to improve convenience for patrons are behind the move to gauge patron interest in self-service options.

See also:
Barrington County Library’sElectronic Locker System Installed.  LEID Products blog, 2/5/2010)

 LINK




(Point)


(Counterpoint) A Vending Library is No Library. (Library Journal, 4/15/2012)

A Move to Start School Later

Too early?

Greenfield mom pushes later school start for groggy teens. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 3/6/2012)

Excerpt:   The grass-roots coalition, calling itself Start School Later, descends on Washington on Wednesday to begin presenting members of Congress and White House officials with petitions signed by 5,000 people supporting the change. At this point, they're a band of no-money lobbyists trying to get Washington's - and your - attention.


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Ross Township Special Library Tax? Fuhgeddaboudit!


Book is closed on library tax in Ross. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 3/6/2012)  
 
Excerpt: Ross residents won't be voting on a special library tax after all. 
 
A motion to abandon the proposed referendum was approved Monday by a 6-2 vote.  

Related posts:
Ross Township resident boasts, "In 55 years, I never went to the library". (2/27/2012)
This is how they like to do things in Ross Township Pennsylvania.  (12/16/2011)
Ross Township commissioners discuss library funding referendum. (1/21/2012)

2011 Senate Resolution 48 (relating to creating fiscal year allowable revenues for the state and local governmental units, et al.)

The names of 4 of 132 legislators are attached to resolution.


Senate Committee Endorses Constitutional Constraints on State and Local Revenue and Spending. (Wisconsin Budget Project, 3/5/2012)

Excerpt: Like some of the other proposed constitutional amendments under consideration, this one would tie the hands of future legislators and local government officials by putting detailed state and local fiscal policy into the state constitution.

Remember that constitutional amendments need to be approved by both the Assembly and Senate in two different legislative sessions before going to the voters.


Providence Public Library's $4 Million Restoration Project


Providence Library to announce $4-million restoration, wedding-venue plans. (Providence Journal, 2/23/2012)

Excerpt: The Providence Public Library on Friday will unveil plans for significant restoration to its 112-year-old historic building, and a new venture with Russell Morin Hospitality Solutions that will let the library host weddings, receptions and other gatherings. 

Library officials hope the new venture will help raise revenue for library services, said Tonia Mason, library spokeswoman.

Related post:
Weddings @ the Boston Public Library. (11/5/2011)

Monday, March 5, 2012

Reading in an Age of Distraction


Finding Your Book Interrupted ... By the Tablet You Read It On. (The New York Times, 3/5/2012)

Excerpt:   People who read e-books on tablets like the iPad are realizing that while a book in print or on a black-and-white Kindle is straightforward and immersive, a tablet offers a menu of distractions that can fragment the reading experience, or stop it in its tracks. 


E-mail lurks tantalizingly within reach. Looking up a tricky word or unknown fact in the book is easily accomplished through a quick Google search. And if a book starts to drag, giving up on it to stream a movie over Netflix or scroll through your Twitter feed is only a few taps away. 


That adds up to a reading experience that is more like a 21st-century cacophony than a traditional solitary activity. And some of the millions of consumers who have bought tablets and sampled e-books on apps from Amazon, Apple and Barnes & Noble have come away with a conclusion: It’s harder than ever to sit down and focus on reading.

In related news......

Publishers Sour on Tablet as Reading Platform, Survey Says. (Digital Book World,1/30/2012). “The devices [tablet computers] are capable of so many more distracting things,” said James L. McQuivey, Ph.D., vice president and principal analyst at Forrester, who conducted the survey. “If you have an iPad and 15 minutes to kill, are you going to do something more cognitively difficult like reading, or something brain-dead simple like going on Facebook or watching a YouTube video?”

The Kindle Fire in an Age of Distraction. (policymic, 12/5/2011).  Amazon seems to have learned a lesson from the late Steve Jobs, who derided the original Kindle: “It doesn’t matter how good or bad the product is, the fact is that people don’t read anymore.” [Guess it all depends on your definition of 'read'.]  The company’s business model for the new tablet reflects the fact that Americans prefer to juggle a wide variety of games, apps, and videos rather than sit and focus on a book or essay. The case of the Kindle Fire demonstrates that today’s consumers embrace a lifestyle of interruption, multitasking, and limited focus. Unless we use the Fire and devices like it to read more books, our society may be driven to distraction.

Re: the bold highlight.  I'm sure Neil Postman would have had something to say about this.

Rush Limbaugh: "I chose the wrong words"

Take your pick!





Fox Cities' Public Library Programs for Children Featured in Julie Gilkay's Appleton Post-Crescent Column

Julie Gilkay column: Libraries booked up with activities for children. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 3/2/2012)

Excerpt: “The library is more than its print and electronic collections,” said Tanya Misselt, children’s services supervisor at the Appleton Public Library. “We are a cultural center where people can come to learn, grow, share and have fun. The more broadly we reach out with our collections and programming, the broader our impact is on our community.

Programs featured in article.
















Not sure why Julie didn't include the Menasha Public Library, which, for example, has a series of children's programs taking place during the week of Spring Break.




Getting to Know Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin State Statutes: Part 16, State Aid

43.24 State aid.  (Created in 1971)

(1) Each public library system shall be paid state aid for the operation and maintenance of the system. Except as provided in pars. (b) and (c), the amount paid to each system shall be determined as follows:

 Or, you could just look at this spreadsheet.



(1) (a) 1.  [Formula] Determine the percentage change in the total amount appropriated under s. 20.255 (3) (qm) between the previous fiscal year and the current fiscal year, except that for the 2009−10 fiscal year, determine the percentage change in the total amount appropriated under s. 20.255 (3) (e), 2007 stats., and s. 20.255 (3) (qm) in the previous fiscal year, and s. 20.255 (3) (qm) in the current fiscal year.

(1) (a) 2. Multiply the amount of state aid received by the system in the previous fiscal year by the sum of 1.0 and the result under subd. 1. expressed as a decimal.

(1) (b) If the territory of a public library system is altered, the department shall adjust the aid paid to that system under par. (a). The department shall promulgate rules establishing the method the department will use to make the adjustment.

(1) (c) Beginning in the fiscal year in which the total amount of state aid appropriated for public library systems under s. 20.255 (3) (qm), as determined by the department, equals at least 11.25% of the total operating expenditures for public library services from local and county sources in the calendar year ending in that fiscal year, the amount paid to each system shall be determined by adding the result of each of the following calculations: 

(1) (c) 1. Multiply the system’s percentage of the state’s population by the product of the amount appropriated under s. 20.255 (3) (qm) and 0.85. 

(1) (c) 2. Multiply the system’s percentage of the state’s geographical area by the product of the amount appropriated under s. 20.255 (3) (qm) and 0.075. 

(1) (c) 3. Divide the sum of the payments to the municipalities and counties in the system under subch. I of ch. 79 for the current fiscal year, as reflected in the statement of estimated payments under s. 79.015, by the total of all payments under subch. I of ch. 79 for the current fiscal year, as reflected in the statement of estimated payments under s. 79.015, and multiply the result by the product of the amount appropriated under s. 20.255 (3) (qm) and 0.075.

Section (2)

(2) For a public library system to qualify for and maintain its eligibility for state aid under this section it shall ensure that all of the following are provided: 

(2) (a) Written agreements to provide, to any resident of the system area, the same library services, on the same terms, that are provided to the residents of the municipality or county that established the member library, except for the group programming preference authorized under s. 43.15 (4) (c) 4., and to provide for the interlibrary loan of materials among all participating public libraries, as evidenced by agreements with those libraries. 

(2) (b) Backup reference, information and interlibrary loan services from the system resource library, including the development of and access to specialized collections, as evidenced by a written agreement with that library. 

(2) (d) Referral or routing of reference and interlibrary loan requests from libraries within the system to libraries within and outside the system. 


(2) (e) In−service training for participating public library personnel and trustees. 



(2) (fm) Electronic delivery of information and physical delivery of library materials to participating libraries. 


(2) (g) Service agreements with all adjacent library systems

(2) (h) Professional consultant services to participating public libraries. 

(2) (i) Any other service programs designed to meet the needs of participating public libraries and the residents of the system area, as determined by the public library system board after consultation with participating public libraries. 


(2) (k) Promotion and facilitation of library service to users with special needs


(2) (L) Cooperation and continuous planning with other types of libraries in the system area, which results in agreements with those libraries for the appropriate sharing of library resources to benefit the clientele of all libraries in the system area. 

(2) (m) Planning with the division and with participating public libraries and other types of libraries in the area in regard to library technology and the sharing of resources. By January 1, 2000, and by every 5th January 1 thereafter, the public library system shall submit to the division a written plan for library technology and the sharing of resources. 


(2) (n) That, if the system reimburses a participating public library for the costs of providing interlibrary borrowing services to an individual who holds a valid borrower’s card of another participating public library, the reimbursement shall not exceed the actual costs incurred by the public library in providing such services. The department shall promulgate rules for determining actual costs for the purposes of this paragraph. 

(3) Annually, the division shall review the reports and proposed service plans submitted by the public library systems under s. 43.17 (5) for conformity with this chapter and such rules and standards as are applicable. 
  • Upon approval, the division shall certify to the department of administration an estimated amount to which each system is entitled under this section. 
  • Annually on or before December 1 of the year immediately preceding the year for which aids are to be paid, the department of administration shall pay each system 75% of the certified estimated amount from the appropriation under s. 20.255 (3) (qm). 
  • The division shall, on or before the following April 30, certify to the department of administration the actual amount to which the system is entitled under this section. 
  • On or before July 1, the department of administration shall pay each system the difference between the amount paid on December 1 of the prior year and the certified actual amount of aid to which the system is entitled from the appropriation under s. 20.255 (3) (qm). 
  • The division may reduce state aid payments when any system or any participant thereof fails to meet the requirements of sub. (2). 
  • Beginning September 1, 1991, the division may reduce state aid payments to any system if the system or any participant in the system fails to meet the requirements of s.43.15 (4). 

(3m)  If the appropriation under s. 20.255 (3) (qm) in any one year is insufficient to pay the full amount under sub. (1), state aid payments shall be prorated among the library systems entitled to such aid. 

(4) The division shall assure through an annual audit and adjustment of aids, as necessary, that no more than 20% of the funds received by systems are used for administrative purposes. 

(5) Any interest earned from the investment of state aid paid to each public library system under sub. (3) shall be allocated to the library system receiving the aid payments. 



(6) In submitting information under s. 16.42 for purposes of the biennial budget bill, the department shall include an amount for public library services for each fiscal year of the fiscal biennium equal to 13% of the total operating expenditures for public library services, in territories anticipated to be within all systems in the state, from local and county sources in the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year for which aid under this section is to be paid. The amount shall include a recommendation for the appropriation under s. 20.255 (3) (qm) and recommendations for the funding of other public library services, as determined by the department in conjunction with public libraries and public library systems. 


History:
1971 Senate Bill 47.  43.24 is created.
1971 Senate Bill 943.  43.24 (3) of the statutes, as created by chapter 152, laws of 1971, and as amended by chapter 211, section 126, laws of 1971, is amended.
1977 Senate Bill 77.
  • 43.24 (2) of the statutes is renumbered 43.24 (2) (a) 
  • 43.24 (2) (b) to (h) of the statutes are created. 
  • 43.24 (4) of the statutes is created.
1979 Senate Bill 79.  43.24 (5) of the statutes is created.
1981 Assembly Bill 66.
  • 43.24 (2) (d) 2 and (e) 3 of the statutes are renumbered 43.24 (2) (e) 3 and (d) 2, respectively.
  • 43.24 (2)  (e) 4 of the statutes is created.
  • 43.24 (2)  (f)  and (g) of the statutes are amended. 
1983 Senate Bill 83.  43 .24 (3m) of the statutes is create.
1985 Wisconsin Act 29.
  • 43.24 (1) (a) 1 of the statutes is repealed .
  • 43.24 (1) (a) 2 and 3 of the statutes are amended.
  • 43.24 (1) (b) of the statutes is repealed and recreated.
  • 43.24 (1) (c) of the statutes is renumbered. 43.24 (6) and amended. 
  • 43.24 (1) (c) of the statutes is created are amended. 
  • 43.24 (2) of the statutes is repealed and recreated.
1989 Wisconsin Act 21.  43.24 (2) (n) of the statutes is created.
1991 Wisconsin Act 272.  43.24 (2) (n) of the statutes is amended.
1993 Wisconsin Act 16.
  • 43.24 (1) (a) 2 and 3 of the statutes are amended. 
  • 43.24 (6) of the statutes is repealed.
1995 Wisconsin Act 27.
  • 43.24 (3) of the statutes is amended. 
  • 43.24 (3m) of the statutes is amended.
1997 Wisconsin Act 150.
  • 43.24 (1) (a) 3. of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (1) (a) 4. of the statutes is created.
  • 43.24 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (2) (b) of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (2) (c) of the statutes is repealed.
  • 43.24 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended.:
  • 43.24 (2) (e) of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (2) (fm) of the statutes is created.
  • 43.24 (2) (g) of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (2) (i) of the statutes is created.
  • 43.24 (2) (k) of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (6) of the statutes is created.
1999 Wisconsin Act 9.
  • 43.24 (1) (intro.) of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (1) (a) of the statutes is repealed and recreated. 
  • 43.24 (1) (b) of the statutes is repealed and recreated.
  • 43.24 (1) (c) of the statutes is repealed and recreated.
2003 Wisconsin Act 33.
  • 43.24 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (3) of the statutes is amended. 
  • 43.24 (3m) of the statutes is amended.
2005 Wisconsin Act 420.  43.24 (6) of the statutes is amended.
2009 Wisconsin Act 28.
  • 43.24 (1) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended. 
  • 43.24 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (3) of the statutes is amended. 
  • 43.24 (3m) of the statutes is amended.
  • 43.24 (6) of the statutes is amended.


Related posts:
Part 1:  Legislative findings and declaration of policy.
Part 2:  Definitions.
Part 3:  General duties of the State Superintendent.
Part 4:  General duties of the Division.
Part 5:  Council on Library and Network Development.
Part 6:  Certificates and standards..
Part 7: County library planning committees.
Part 8:  County payment for library service.
Part 9:  Division review
Part 10.  Standards for public library systems.
Part 11.  Resource libraries.
Part 12:  Public library systems; general provisions.
Part 13.  Withdrawal, abolition, and expulsion.
Part 14.  Federated public library systems.
Part 15.  Consolidated public library systems.