Channel
Channel
A Newsletter of the Wisconsin Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning Vol. 35, No. 5/May-June 2000
Implementation of Wisconsin’s new county funding law
by Mike Cross, Consultant county clerk the three numbers below by July 1 (all three of
Public Library Administration and Funding which are reported on the library annual report form). Systems
Beginning next year (based on appropriations to be made this or county library services may coordinate the submission of this
fall), counties are required to pay each public library in the information to the county clerk.
county at least 70 percent of the cost of library services provided 1. the total number of all loans of material during the prior
to residents of the county who do not maintain a public library. calendar year
The only exceptions to this requirement are consolidated county 2. total library operating expenditures (not including capital
libraries, counties with a population over 500,000, and counties expenditures or expenditures of federal funds) for the prior
with no residents who do not maintain a public library. calendar year
Cost calculations for this requirement are to be based on total 3. the number of loans of material by the library during the
library operating expenditures, not including capital expendi- prior calendar year to residents of the county who are not resi-
tures and expenditures of federal funds. The minimum county dents of a library municipality
payments first will be required by March 1, 2001, but will be
based on calendar year 1999 circulation statistics and calendar The calculations necessary to calculate the minimum pay-
year 1999 expenditures. ments are:
Starting this year, each public library will supply to their • divide operating expenditures (#2 above) by total loans (#1
above)
• multiply the result by the number of
Channel expands distribution to include loans to residents of the county who are
not residents of a library municipality (#3
all Wisconsin public library trustees above)
by Cal Potter, Administrator •multiply the result above by 70 percent
Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning
In a continuing effort to keep the Wisconsin library community informed about The above formula represents the mini-
significant statewide library developments, this publication soon will be distrib- mum payment that must be made to each
uted to all trustees of public libraries and library systems in Wisconsin. Currently, library in the county. Counties are free to
the only library board members that receive Channel are presidents. use other formulas to determine cost of
Wisconsin’s public libraries rely on their volunteer trustees to make well-in- service and to distribute county reim-
formed decisions and advocate for quality library service. We hope that the infor- bursements, as long as the payment to
mation in Channel will assist all trustees with these very important responsibili- each library in the county meets or ex-
ties. ceeds the statutory minimum formula
Expanded distribution of Channel will begin with the July/August issue. Public amount.
libraries will receive copies for each of their trustees through the van delivery ser- In counties with a county library board,
vice. We are asking library directors to distribute copies to their trustees—either at the county library board distributes the
a board meeting or sent out as part of the board meeting packet. payments to the libraries. In counties
Beginning with the July/August issue of Channel, there will be a new regular without a county library board, counties
column focusing on topics of interest and concern to public library trustees. We have the option of making payments di-
are considering a question and answer format for the trustee column. If you have rectly to the library or through the library
questions or topics you would like addressed in this new column, please contact system. Each library may elect to have a
Mike Cross at (608) 267-9225 (michael.cross@dpi.state.wi.us). portion of their 70 percent cost reim-
We also encourage trustees, library friends, and anyone else to subscribe to our bursement reallocated to “shared ser-
e-mail newsletter Channel Weekly. Directions for subscribing to this free e-mail vices” provided by a county library ser-
newsletter are at www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dltcl/eis/chweekly.html. ❚❚ vice or library system (such as a
Please see Library funding—page 11
Legislative Action
Efforts continue to influence library policy
by Calvin J. Potter, Administrator • copyright and distance education; TEACH proposal—was not considered in
Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning • public access to government informa- the Assembly, even though it was on the
The Federal Scene tion; calendar the last day of the regular session.
A six-member Wisconsin delegation • filtering requirements; and The provisions of SB 60 definitely will be a
spent May 1-2 in Washington, D.C., pre- • universal service discounted telecom- focus when compiling library legislation
paring for and visiting our Congressional munications rates. agendas in the future.
representatives as part of activities of the The State Superintendent and DLTCL
American Library Association’s 26th Annual Each Congressional office received two in- staff members now are developing the
National Library Legislative Day. formational packets—one from ALA and 2001-03 DPI biennial state budget requests
Delegation members were: WLA Federal the other from DLTCL staff—that included to be submitted to the Department of Ad-
Relations Coordinator Jane Pearlmutter; printouts of specific financial benefits re- ministration and Governor’s office in Sep-
UW Law Library Assistant Director Sue ceived in each respective district from the tember. The provisions of that request will
Center; WEMA President-Elect Mary Lou federal library aid programs such as E-rate, be shared with a number of library groups
TLCF, and Please see Legislative—page 3
LSTA. This
district im-
pact is of in-
terest to each
office.
A special
Channel
Channel
thanks to
Sue Center May-June 2000
Volume 35, Number 5
who sched-
uled this Channel (ISSN 0146-1095) is published every-
other month by the Division for Libraries,
Wisconsin’s library delegation is pictured with Rep. Mark Green (R-Green Bay) year’s office Technology, and Community Learning, Wis-
during the recent visit to Washington, D.C. Pictured l-r are Carol Diehl, Jane visits and is consin Department of Public Instruction
Pearlmutter, Mary Lou Zuege, Sue Center, Green, Madge Klais, and Cal Potter. already (http://www.state.wi.us/agencies/dpi/dltcl/).
Its primary purpose is to provide information
thinking about the state library agency and on
Zuege; ALTA Legislation Chair Carol Diehl; about and planning for next year’s trip. Wisconsin’s administration and use of Library
WEMA Legislative Chair Madge Klais; and There is ample room, opportunity, and Services and Technology Act funds, some of
which partially support Channel publication.
DLTCL Administrator Cal Potter. need for a larger Wisconsin delegation, so
The May 1 Briefing Day provided the give serious consideration to participating Unsolicited articles are accepted, but will be
printed only after approval from DLTCL staff.
opportunity for the various state library in the April 30-May 1, 2001 ALA library is- Press releases of state and national library/me-
folks to receive in-depth background and sue advocacy session. dia/educational organizations are printed
status reports on the numerous issues and when space allows and if they are considered
to be of statewide interest.
legislative proposals facing federal legisla- The State Scene
Deadlines are February 1 for the March-April
tors that impact libraries of all types. On When assessing the Wisconsin legisla- issue, April 1 for the May-June issue, etc.
May 2 the Wisconsin crew had a busy and tive scene over the last year-and-a-half, we Send comments about bylined articles to the
productive day visiting all 11 offices of our can conclude that, generally, the 1999- authors. Direct other content inquiries to edi-
federal elected officials. 2000 session was a successful one for li- tor Mark E. Ibach at (608) 266-3374
(mark.ibach@dpi.state.wi.us). Mailing list
Issue areas covered in the Capitol Hill braries. The State Budget achieved funding changes and requests for subscriptions or ex-
discussions included; for BadgerLink, the four service contracts, tra copies should be submitted to Karen
• Library Services and Technology Act; Newsline for the Blind, additional monies Nowakowski at (608) 267-9219
(karen.nowakowski@dpi.state.wi.us).
• library services through education for System aid, and the restoration of the
The DPI does not discriminate on the basis of
and literacy programs; Common School Fund revenues for school sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry,
• Elementary and Secondary Education library media centers. age, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental sta-
Act reauthorization including TLCF; On the bill front, SB 62 and SB 204 were tus, sexual orientation, or physical, mental,
emotional, or learning disability.
• database protection legislation; signed into law on April 25, but SB 60—the
2 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
Division for Libraries, Technology,
Legislative—from page 2 and Community Learning
in the coming weeks. Many of those budget item requests can
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 125 South Webster St., P.O. Box
readily be identified even at this stage of budget formation. For 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841; (800) 441-4563, fax (608) 267-1052
example, Act 150 of the 1998 session requires the DPI to request a
Calvin Potter
13 percent increase in the System aid level, and the four library Division Administrator ........................................... (608) 266-2205
service contracts—Newsline for the Blind, and BadgerLink—will Public Library Development Team
need their funding to continue. ❚❚ Larry T. Nix, Director ......................................................... 266-7270
Robert Bocher, Consultant
Technology ....................................................................... 266-2127
Peg Branson, Consultant
LSTA and Continuing Education ........................................ 266-2413
Michael Cross, Consultant
Public Library Administration and Funding ...................... 267-9225
Vacant, Consultant
Specialized Services .......................................................... 266-0419
Vacant, Consultant
Public Library Youth Services ............................................ 267-5077
Alan Zimmerman, Consultant
Public Library System Administration & Finance .............. 266-3939
Instructional Media and Technology Team
Wisconsin’s library delegation is pictured with Sen. Russ Feingold (D- Neah J. Lohr, Director ........................................................ 266-3856
Madison) during the recent visit to Washington, D.C. Pictured l-r are Mary Kathleen Boguszewski, Technology Consultant
Cal Potter, Carol Diehl, Sue Center, Feingold, Jane Pearlmutter, and Information & Technology Literacy Standards & Integration .. 267-1282
Stuart Ciske, Technology Consultant
Mary Lou Zuege. Instructional Technology Integration ............................... 267-9289
James Klein, Technology Consultant
Library Standards—from page 9 Information & Technology Literacy Standards ................. 266-2741
Robert Roy, Technology Consultant
library undertake a planning effort to assess local service needs. Technology Literacy Challenge Fund ................................ 261-6332
Stephen Sanders, Education Consultant
When accepted planning methods are conscientiously employed
Instructional Technology Program ................................... 266-71 12
to develop service goals and a plan of action, the resulting goals Richard J. Sorensen, Consultant
will more accurately reflect the needs of the community. This is School Library Media Programs ........................................ 266-1924
not meant to suggest that libraries that adopt a planning process DPI Library & Statistical Information Center
should abandon the standards. In the context of a broader plan- Kay Ihlenfeldt, Team Leader ............................................... 266-3108
ning process, a library can use the checklists to gather informa- Patricia Stutz
Library Services Assistant .................................................. 267-1289
tion about itself and the community during the information-
Interlibrary Loan and Resource Sharing Team
gathering phase of a planning process. The topics and issues
2109 S. Stoughton Rd., Madison, WI 53716; fax 224-61 78
addressed by the standards could be used as an outline for a lo- Sally J. Drew, Director .......................................................... 224-6161
cal plan of service. Circulation Desk .................................................................. 224-6169
At least one library system is assisting member libraries with Mary Clark, Head
use of the standards. The Winding Rivers Library System is using Resource Sharing Technology ........................................... 224-61 79
Loretta Harmatuck
the standards in the context of a library assessment process avail- Government Services ........................................................ 224-6165
able for member libraries. That assessment takes into account Mary Struckmeyer, Head
the standards and provides the library with an analysis, sum- Reference and Interloan ................................................... 224-6168
mary, and recommendations for areas needing development. Willeen Tretheway
Audiovisual and Technical Services ................................... 224-61 71
When using the standards document, there often is a tempta-
Terry Wilcox
tion to focus on the easily measured quantitative standards, but Interlibrary Loan Services .................................................. 224-6163
the bulk of the document deals with non-quantitative issues. Be- WISCAT User Support (Stefanie Morrill) ............................ 224-6166
cause many factors that are very important in determining the To send e-mail, use the following format (all lowercase letters):
quality of local library service are not measurable, the Public Li- firstname.lastname@dpi.state.wi.us
brary Standards Task Force urges library boards and staff to uti- Cooperative Children’s Book Center
lize the entire publication—not just the quantitative measures— 4290 Helen C. White Hall, 600 N. Park St., Madison, WI 53706
when evaluating their library and planning for service ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/
improvements. Ginny Moore Kruse, Director .................................... (608) 263-3720
The CCBC is a noncirculation children's & young adult literature research
For more information about the Wisconsin Public Library library and book examination center cosponsored by the Department of
Standards, contact Mike Cross at (608) 267-9225 Public Instruction and UW-Madison.
(michael.cross@dpi.state.wi.us). ❚❚
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 3
BadgerLink
Users share searching habits, satisfaction
An analysis of BadgerLink Service, Part III
Editor’s Note: This article was prepared by Dietmar Wolfram & lTable 2 — Purpose for which BadgerLink is Used
Hong Xie, School of Library and Information Science, UW-Milwau-
Type of Use Yes No
kee.
Research 72% 28%
This third article evaluating the state of Wisconsin BadgerLink Education 44% 56%
service shares the results of a survey completed by end-users of Work-related 42% 58%
BadgerLink. Previous issues of Channel reported on factual usage Personal information 41% 59%
of the service using data collected by database vendors, and the
Recreation 18.50% 81.50%
results of a survey sent to a sample of Wisconsin libraries. The
present web-based end user survey consisted of questions deal- Other 2.50% 97.50%
ing with user access to the service, searching habits, and satisfac- professional. Eighty-six percent of respondents were at least 30
tion with the resources made available. Highlights of the survey years of age. Sixty-five percent were female. The vast majority of
findings are reported here. respondents (95 percent) accessed the Inter-
net at least a few times a week.
Figure 1 – Primary BadgerLink Access Site
60.0% Access and Usage of BadgerLink
Respondents were asked how they prima-
50.0% rily accessed BadgerLink (Figure 1). Most us-
ers reported that they accessed the service
40.0%
from locations other than a library (68 per-
cent), with almost half of the users indicat-
ing that they primarily accessed BadgerLink
30.0%
from home. Even so, this did not negatively
impact use of library resources. Most re-
20.0% spondents indicated they made more use of
library resources (38 percent) or that the ser-
10.0% vice had no effect on how they made use of
the library (28 percent). A smaller percent-
0.0% age indicated that they made less use of the
Home School / Office / Public College / Other Other library (19 percent) or were uncertain of the
School Work Library University Library impact of BadgerLink on their library use
Library Library
(14 percent).
Eighty-one valid responses were received electronically, from Respondents also were asked how they became aware of Bad-
residents in all parts of the state representing diverse back- gerLink and how they learned to use the service. Libraries and
grounds. Occupations of respondents included teachers, infor- institutions/individuals affiliated with education were the pri-
mation and other professionals, students, and others. The typical mary means by which respondents found out about BadgerLink,
respondent appeared to be a mature, Internet-literate, working accounting for two-thirds (67 percent) of responses. Although
users relied on libraries and educational institutions to learn
lTable 1 — How End Users Learned to Use BadgerLink about the existence of the service, a majority (65 percent) re-
ported that they learned how to use the service on their own
Method Yes No (Table 1). A smaller percentage indicated they had attended
On own 65% 35% training sessions (28 percent). Based on the results of these ques-
Training session 28% 72% tions, it appears that libraries have been effective in raising
Friend/Relative 4% 96% awareness of BadgerLink, but wider availability of end user train-
Written instructions 2.50% 97.50% ing may be needed.
End users reported that they used BadgerLink for a variety of
Other way 5% 95%
Continued on next page
4 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
purposes (Table 2), primarily related to research, education, and felt it was a valuable service and were quite satisfied. Benefits of
work. A smaller number of respondents reported that they used this service can be summarized into the following aspects based
the service for personal or recreational information. on users’ comments:
Respondents engaged in a variety of searching and browsing 1. convenience and flexibility;
behaviors (Table 3). Most respondents indicated that they used 2. ease of use;
the service to search for specific information (as opposed to 3. broad coverage of databases;
‘surfing’) and a notable number browsed for specific subject ar- 4. high quality of resources;
eas. Users were more interested in full-text articles, but also en- 5. currency of information; and
gaged in browsing abstracts for bibliographic citations. A minor- 6. supplement to traditional library service.
ity of respondents indicated that they searched for full-text
articles only (31 percent). Convenience and flexibility were the primary benefits reported
Of particular note is how users selected databases available by users. The availability of BadgerLink provides residents an op-
through BadgerLink (Table 4). Familiarity with databases was the portunity to access information resources at any time and from a
variety of places. As one user said: “I can
lTable 3 – Searching and Browsing Habits do research and school work at home,
and I can find out if libraries have publi-
Habit Yes No
cations I need before going there; an in-
Search specific information 60.50% 39.50% credible time saver.” Another user further
Browse abstracts of full-text articles 54% 46% illustrates its advantages: “It saves me
time and offers a high degree of conve-
Browse specific subject area 46% 54% nience and flexibility in performing re-
Search only for full-text articles 31% 69% search for the classes I teach and for my
Browse abstracts of citations 21% 79% online Ph.D. program.” “Very easy to use”
was a common remark. One user summa-
Other searching / browsing habits 4% 96% rized it well with: “It is quick and easy to
use. I’ve been able to find information
most frequently cited reason. Users also relied on content, publi- that would have been much more difficult to find another way.”
cation coverage, format, description, and reputations. A small The broad coverage of databases, high quality of resources,
number of users (10 percent) indicated they were unaware that and currency of information attract many residents to use the
they were able to select different databases or that they just re- service, and many of them have become regular users. One user
lied on the default database presented (6 percent). This also pro- commented about the broad coverage of the databases available:
vides evidence that more end-user training may be needed to al- “It has enabled me to find information on a variety of subjects
low users to more effectively use BadgerLink resources. without much problem.” Moreover, “BadgerLink has many jour-
nal articles not available at the library,” another user added. The
User Assessment of BadgerLink BadgerLink service offers not only broad coverage of databases
Overall, 88 percent of respondents felt they benefited from the but also high quality resources. Currency of information is an-
BadgerLink service. Many of the respondents indicated that they other reason that users appreciate the service. One user com-
mented: “I don’t have the excuse that I can’t find current infor-
Table 4 – How Databases were Selected mation.” It also is considered to be a great addition to traditional
Selection Criterion Yes No library services. One big advantage is “it has helped me find in-
formation not available in the regular library,” one user said. An-
Familiarity 54% 46%
other wrote, “We no longer rely on ILL as much as we did be-
Content 38% 62% fore; what a difference in doing research.”
Publication coverage 36% 64% In addition to all the benefits, some users pointed out areas for
Format 33% 67% improvement in the service. Although some users touted ease of
Descriptions 25% 75% access to online materials, others felt the connectivity to the re-
Reputation 20% 80% source was sometimes problematic. The service was unavailable
Did not know other 10% 90% at times and slow response times during peak hours was frustrat-
databases could be ing for some. It should be noted that these connectivity issues
selected are beyond the control of the service, having more to do with In-
Database was presented 6% 94% ternet traffic and Internet Service Provider access.
first (default) Usability of the site was another issue reported by some users.
Other criteria used 4% 96% Please see BadgerLink—page 18
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 5
AV Notes
More ‘Picture of Health’ and other
new videos available at Reference and Loan
by Willeen Tretheway with the addition of new titles as they are received, and with the
Audiovisual and Technical Services deletion of withdrawn titles. A keyword search of “picture
The Reference and Loan Library (R&LL) has received 42 new health” or “picture of health” will bring up a listing of all of the
titles in the Picture of Health series, a continuing series of pro- available programs in the series. A search by specific condition
grams on VHS videocassette produced by the UW Hospital and or illness will be successful if the word appears in the title. A key-
Clinics Department of Outreach Education. word search for “asthma,” for example, will retrieve citations for
One year ago R&LL received and made available for loan the programs in the Picture of Health series, as well as for any other
initial collection of approximately 240 titles (see CHANNEL, Vol. programs in R&LL’s collection with that word in the title. The
34, No. 8/July-August 1999, page 8). The addition of these new programs in the Picture of Health series all will be cataloged and
programs expands the number of topics eventually will appear on WISCAT, the
covered, and provides updated replace- statewide union catalog of library hold-
ments for some of the original titles. ings (http://wiscat.brodart.com).
The programs provide community and
patient information on a variety of Other Recent Additions
physical and mental health and related CCBC Choices 2000, produced by the
issues and concerns. They contain cur- Friends of the CCBC Inc., is a two-part
rent information intended to help the live videorecording of the March 11,
average adult viewer make informed 2000, Cooperative Children’s Book Cen-
choices about his or her health and ter presentation. At this event, CCBC di-
health care. The new videos are on such rector Ginny Moore Kruse and staff
topics as Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, members Kathleen T. Horning and
grief, diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclero- Megan Schliesman introduced the
sis, women’s wellness, post-traumatic printed publication “CCBC Choices
stress disorder, enlarged thyroid, cystitis, 2000” and discussed some of the books
herbal medicine, child safety and child- published in 1999 that are recommended
hood illness, and more. for young people in this annotated bibliography. Part one is
Each 30-minute program features one or more guest experts “CCBC Choices for Older Readers” and part two is “CCBC
from the faculty and staff of the UW Hospital and Clinics, Medi- Choices for Younger Children.” Each part is approximately 90
cal School, or School of Nursing in a discussion hosted by a pro- minutes long. The program is accompanied by a copy of the
fessional moderator. These medical specialists answer questions printed bibliography, and will be of special interest to children’s
and explain diseases, conditions, and treatments in language for and young adult’s librarians and to others interested in literature
the lay person. for young people. Ask for video number VHS V-7061 (025503).
The nearly 260 programs in the Picture of Health series have Digital Divide: Technology and Our Future is a two-part program
been deposited at the Reference and Loan Library by the UW dealing with the computer revolution and concern for building a
Hospital & Clinics Department of Outreach Education in order nation of technological haves and have-nots. Part one is entitled
to make all of the current titles available for free library loan. “Computer Classes” and shows visits to several high schools in
New programs are added to the collection as they are produced, an examination of the push to wire America’s schools and of the
at the rate of about four each month. Titles considered to be effectiveness of incorporating the new computer technology into
outdated by the hospital and production staff as a result of their the curriculum. Part two is entitled “Virtual Diversity” and looks
annual program evaluation are withdrawn. at economic challenges to community and home access to com-
The titles in the Picture of Health series may be found in the puters and the Internet. It also explores the fundamental alien-
Reference and Loan Library’s VHS Videocassette Loan Catalog ation felt by many girls and students of color in the computer
online at www.dpi.state.wi.us/dltcl/rll/vhslist.html. This world, and the need for fostering an environment of inclusion.
unannotated title listing of R&LL’s more than 7,000 VHS video- The program was produced by Studio Miramar and released in
cassettes can be searched by keyword. The list is kept up-to-date Continued on next page
6 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
AV Notes—from page 6
2000 by Films for the Humanities & Sciences. Each part is 57 the peril of societal indifference relating the ethnic violence in
minutes long and is closed-captioned. Ask for video number the past, today and in the future. (113 minutes) (VHS V-7049
VHS V-7051 (025490). (025488))
Millennium Evenings at the White House is a series of seven pro-
grams hosted by Hillary Rodham Clinton and President Bill Libraries and media centers of all types may call or send re-
Clinton (and sponsored by the White House Millennium Coun- quests for videocassettes directly to the Reference and Loan Li-
cil) in celebration of achievements of the old millennium and in brary or they may send them through regular interlibrary loan
anticipation of the new. They are a series of lectures and perfor- channels. Organizations and businesses, teachers at kindergarten
mances presented by prominent scholars, writers, and musicians through 12th grade schools, faculty and staff at academic institu-
that recognize and highlight creativity and inventiveness tions, and state agency employees also may choose between con-
through ideas, art, and scientific discoveries. These special tacting R&LL directly or sending interloan requests through their
events were recorded, broadcast, and cybercast as they occurred libraries. The R&LL telephone number for direct video requests
between February 1998 and April 1999. Programs include com- is (888) 542-5543 or (608) 224-6169. The fax number is (608)
ments from President and Mrs. Clinton, and discussion and 224-6178. All other users, including individual borrowers,
questions from the audiences. should request materials on interlibrary loan through their pub-
1. “The Living Past: Commitments for the Future.” Historian lic library rather than contacting Reference and Loan directly.
and Professor Bernard Bailyn speaks on the historical connec- Title numbers included in the citations in this article may be re-
tions between the country’s past and its present, covering the ferred to when requesting videocassettes from R&LL. ❚❚
continuing historical relevance of the Federalist Papers, sla-
very and racism, Puritanism and evangelical Protestantism,
and the ideas contained in the writings of John Adams, Tho- CCIC works to distribute
mas Jefferson, and James Madison. (67 minutes) (VHS V-7043
(025482))
child safety materials
2. “Imagination and Change: Science in the Next Millen- Child Care Information Center staff have assisted the De-
nium.” Physicist and Professor Stephen Hawking draws on his partment of Workforce Development in distributing health
understanding of the laws of science and their effect on hu- and safety related materials and information to Wisconsin
man life to lecture and lead a discussion on how scientific and certified child care providers. This effort is designed to make
technological advancements will shape and be shaped by hu- child care centers safe and healthy places for children and is
man knowledge. (71 minutes) (VHS V-7044 (025483)) funded through a federal grant program.
3. “A Celebration of Poetry in American Life.” Rita Dove, Rob- CCIC staff selected a variety of
ert Hass, and Robert Pinsky, past and present Poets Laureate of safety devices such as first aid kits,
the United States, recite excerpts of famous poems and com- smoke detectors, cabinet slide locks,
ment on the evolution of poetry through the century. (90 and other physical items for distri-
minutes) (VHS V-7045 (025484)) bution. In addition, a variety
4. “Jazz: An Expression of Democracy.” Wynton Marsalis, of informational materials also
Marian McPartland, and other performers are featured in a were included. The center dis-
celebration of jazz as a uniquely American contribution to tributed brochures, flyers, and
music and in a review of the development of jazz in the booklets containing information
United States during the 20th century. (94 minutes) (VHS V- on first aid, common poisonous
7046 (025485)) plants, ways to prevent poisoning
5. “The Meaning of the Millennium.” Professors Natalie Davis of and injury to children, reducing
and Martin Marty examine the millennium from historical, re- the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syn-
ligious, and humanistic perspectives. (98 minutes) (VHS V- drome (SIDS), good nutritional practices, safer playgrounds,
7047 (025486)) and other topics.
6. “Women as Citizens: Vital Voices Throughout the Century.” CCIC has also published two newsletters this year, Heath
Speakers Nancy Cott, Alice Kessler-Harris, and Ruth Simmons and Safety and Sources of Support. Library staff interested in
lecture and discuss the roles and perceptions of women in lists of articles, books, and audiovisual materials on child-
public life, focusing on the themes of women as volunteers care topics can request copies of these newsletters and back
and reformers, women’s struggle for rights, and women in copies of others. The CCIC website has copies of past news-
public and civic life. (120 minutes) (VHS V-7048 (025487)) letters for reference as well as information on CCIC services
7. “The Perils of Indifference: Lessons Learned from a Violent (www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dltcl/rll/ccic/index.html). ❚❚
Century.” Elie Wiesel speaks on violence in the 20th century,
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 7
Certification Rules
• Provisional certificates issued prior to
New rules for public librarian June 1, 2000, will be effective for five
certification implemented June 1 years when their current annual certifi-
cates expire, provided they have com-
plied with the continuing education re-
by Peg Branson, Consultant than Continuing Education Points quirements in effect at the time they
LSTA and Continuing Education (CEPs); received provisional certification and
The Wisconsin Revisor of Statutes pub- • librarians at all levels of certification continue to work at the same library.
lished revised Administrative Code rules are required to participate in 100 hours • Administrators of public libraries af-
regarding public librarian certification in of continuing education in the five-year fected by a population increase will be
May, with new certification rules effective period prior to recertification; notified by the DLTCL when the new
June 1, 2000. Along with the new rules, a • provisional certification will be population figures from the census are
revised Certification Manual for Wisconsin granted for a five-year period provided available and certification at the appro-
Public Librarians will be produced. The the applicant continues to work at the priate grade level will be effective at
manual will provide guidance for imple- same library and complies with the re- that time.
menting the certification rules. certification requirements; • Provisional certificates granted prior
The revised certification rules and • a new type of certificate, called a to June 1, 2000, to applicants who have
manual do not reflect substantive changes temporary certificate, is available to ap- not completed the necessary educa-
to previous certification rules and guide- plicants who have completed the gen- tional requirements for certification
lines, but rather changes that clarify, up- eral education requirements but not will become temporary certificates
date, and refine those rules and guide- the library course requirements; when current annual certificates expire,
lines. The changes will improve and • library directors eligible for tempo- provided the applicants are complying
clarify the certification program for those rary certification are required to apply with their approved schedules for com-
who administer it at the system and state for temporary certification within 3 pleting course work.
level, and for those who must abide by months of employment in order to be
the certification rules and guidelines. eligible for such certification; and A copy of the Certification Manual for Wis-
The revised certification rules came • temporary certification for a one-year consin Public Librarians will be mailed to
about as a result of recommendations by period may be granted to a previously all public library directors in the state.
a public librarian certification committee certified applicant whose certification The Wisconsin Administrative Code rules
appointed to review the certification rules has been expired for at least one year for public librarian certification, the new
and guidelines. Serving on the certifica- and who has not served as the adminis- edition of the Certification Manual for Wis-
tion committee were: Jocelyn Bubolz, trator of a public library or public li- consin Public Librarians, and the certifica-
Waukesha County Federated Library Sys- brary system in Wisconsin during that tion application and continuing educa-
tem; Carol Erickson, Winding Rivers Li- period. tion reporting forms will be available
brary System; Ken Hall, Winnefox Library online at www.dpi.state.wi.us/dltcl/pld
System; Sandra Robbers, Indianhead Fed- The impact of new certification rules on /cert.html in the next few weeks.
erated Library System; and David current certificates are as follows. For more information, contact Peg
Weinhold, Eastern Shores Library System. • Permanent certificates issued under Branson, public librarian certification
All committee members were system cer- certification rules in effect prior to May consultant, at (608) 266-2413
tification validators with a broad under- 1, 1979, continue to be valid. (peg.branson@dpi.state.wi.us). ❚❚
standing of certification issues and con-
cerns. Peg Branson, Mike Cross, and Larry
Nix, Division for Libraries, Technology,
and Community Learning (DLTCL) staff,
More information about Public
worked with the committee.
Highlights of the revised certification
Librarian Certification can be found at
rules are:
• continuing education participation is http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dltcl/pld/cert.html
to be measured by contact hours rather
8 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
$27 Million for
School Library
Media Programs
Assistant Superintendent of the Division for Librar-
ies, Technology, and Community Learning (DLTCL)
Cal Potter accepted a symbolic check for $27 million
at the 2000 Wisconsin Educational Media Associa-
tion (WEMA) Conference, April 2 at the Marriott Ho-
tel, Middleton.
State Treasurer Jack Voight and Dan Wisniewski
presented the check. Wisniewski is the Secretary of Pictured from left to right are WEMA President Sherrie Freiberg, State Treasurer Jack
the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, the Voight, Board of Commissioners Secretary Dan Wisniewski, and Assistant Superinten-
agency that manages the Common School Fund and dent Cal Potter.
other state trust funds. The Board of Commissioners
is made up of the State Treasurer, the Attorney General, and the will translate into $16.94 per child, as compared to $21.79 per
Secretary of State. child this year. However, this is not “money in the bank.” It is
The $27 million nearly doubled last year’s School Library Aid based on interest to be paid in March 2001 on loans that are ex-
payments. The larger amount was available this year because pected to be made from the $400 million available from the
• the Legislature ended the practice of using a portion of the Common School Fund between now and then. Many things can
Library Aid to fund the TEACH Wisconsin Block Grants, and alter this estimate, including the actual number of loans made,
• $12 million was left over from last year, when the two fixed potential changes in the interest rate, and fluctuations in the
amounts ($14.3 million for Library Aid and $5 million for number of children between the ages of 4 and 20 on which each
Block Grants) did not exhaust the amount available. district’s allocation is based.
Information about the Common School Fund, including each
Next year’s Library Aid allocation will be somewhere between school district’s allocation, is found on the DPI website at
the 1999 and 2000 levels, probably around $21 million. This www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dfm/sfms/lib1.html. ❚❚
How to use the new Public Library Standards
by Mike Cross, Consultant lection, resources, public services, access, ings. Limiting the review of the checklists
Public Library Administration and Funding and facility. to one chapter per board meeting would
As reported in the last issue of Channel, At the most basic level of use, a library allow board members time to discuss the
the Third Edition of the “Wisconsin Pub- can focus its attention on the checklists issues raised by the review and possible
lic Library Standards” has been published provided in each of the topical chapters, actions the library could take to attain ad-
and distributed to Wisconsin ditional standards. Libraries
public libraries and library sys- Standards are established for a wide range exceeding the standards could
tems. The publication also is develop service goals based on
available electronically at of factors that determine library service local needs.
www.dpi.state.wi.us/dltcl/pld/ quality—governance, administration, staff- At a higher level of effort, a
standard.html and single paper library can apply the stan-
copies are available upon re- ing, collection, resources, public services, dards in the context of a
quest. access, and facility. broader, locally based plan-
The standards publication is ning process. This process is
developed as one tool Wisconsin public noting whether or not the library meets discussed in Chapter 1 of the standards
libraries can voluntarily use to help assess the recommended minimums. The check- document. By engaging in a planning
local library service and plan for appropri- lists are formatted to allow a library to process, local planners can produce a plan
ate service improvements. Standards are copy and use them separately. Copies of of service designed to meet specific local
established for a wide range of factors the checklists could be distributed to each needs. One of the standards in Chapter 3
that determine library service quality— library board member and the checklists of the document, in fact, requires that a
governance, administration, staffing, col- could be completed at library board meet- Please see Library standards—page 3
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 9
Digitization
Efforts underway to digitize library materials
by Sally Drew, Director This planning initiative would be car- • Review methods and sources of digi-
Reference and Loan Library
ried out in conjunction with the Technol- tization technologies.
The Division for Libraries, Technology, ogy Strategic Planning Committee that • Recommend priorities for digitizing
and Community Learning (DLTCL) has the Division appointed in May 2000. The projects.
begun planning for the potential digitiza- planning committee likely will have a • Recommend standards for digitizing
tion of library materials that would not subcommittee that would assist in the projects.
otherwise be widely available outside li- grant implementation and assist in the • Recommend links to be included on
brary collections. Initial activi- the BadgerLink webpage.
ties also have begun in several • Determine the best means
areas. Materials digitized would The Division for Libraries, Technology, and of creating an open, publicly
be added to BadgerLink to im- Community Learning (DLTCL) has begun accessible collection of digital
prove the scope of full-text ma-
terials available to Wisconsin planning for the potential digitization of library materials for Wisconsin resi-
dents.
residents. materials that would not otherwise be widely • Review policy issues around
The Division submitted a establishment of a search en-
grant request to the Institute of
available outside library collections.
gine/or single interface for digi-
Museums and Libraries in Feb- tization projects.
ruary, 2000. If funded, the grant would following planning activities related to • Determine the best way to utilize
begin in October 2000 and funding digitization of library materials. materials from different collections and
would assist the Division staff in carrying • Review the evaluation of BadgerLink integrate them into a single website or-
out the following activities. conducted in the winter of 1999. ganized around a specific theme.
• Identify unique resources housed in • Expand the collaborative structure
Establishment of an expanded collabora- Wisconsin libraries, museums, and ar- among Wisconsin’s libraries, museums,
tive planning initiative to identify unique chives that should be considered for and archives.
collections in academic and public libraries, digitization.
UW-Madison Libraries, the State Historical • Review the procedures for the pilot Expansion and improvement of access to
Society (library, museum, archives) (SHS), projects undertaken as a part of this state government information through
and Wisconsin museums, which should be grant award. implementation of an UltraSeek search en-
digitized in order to provide wider access to • Review digitization goals for access gine, the development of a thesaurus for
Wisconsin and United States citizens. and those for preservation. Please see Digitization—page 11
School libraries are critical components
of effective reading instruction
The National Research Council listed the following as essential sive reading program using scientific research-based practices,
to an environment that ensures adequate resources to meet there is a positive effect on all students’ academic perfor-
children’s needs: “Manageable class sizes and student-teacher mance and a reduction of special education referrals.
ratios, high quality instructional materials, good school librar- The complete document is found at www.dpi.state.wi.us
ies, and a school-wide commitment to literacy success.” /dpi/een/readscceri.html.
The complete list is found on the Department of Public “Critical Components of Effective Reading Instruction” is
Instruction’s (DPI’s) website in the area describing the Reading found in the report “Preventing reading difficulties in young
Evaluation and Demonstration of Success or READS project. children” developed by the National Research Council Wash-
The READS project is a statewide research initiative designed ington, D.C. and published in 1998 by the National Academy
to demonstrate that when schools implement a comprehen- Press. ❚❚
10 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
Digitization—from page 10 ment each other to forward digitization
efforts in Wisconsin.
state agencies to improve subject access, and collaborative planning committee to work Currently, the DLTCL is using Library
the development of metadata standards and together, and develop methodologies for fu- Services and Technology Act (LSTA) fund-
a metadata template for state agency staff. ture digitization projects, cost assessment ing to allow the State Historical Society to
Experimentation with archiving and storage models, and standards digitize 30,000 newspaper articles on the
of state government publications. Provision The UW-Madison School of Library history of 400 Wisconsin cities and
of specialized access to government resources and Information Studies and the Music towns. These articles, now stored as
for children in grades three through seven. Library and Folklore Program also sub- 35mm microfilm, will be converted to
The Department of Administration mitted a grant to IMLS under the training computer format and published as digital
(DOA) has purchased UltraSeek software category to provide training on digitiza- images on the State Historical Society
that is operating on the DOA website. tion of resources for libraries and muse- website and then linked through Badger-
This software allows users to search the ums. If funded, these grants will comple- Link. ❚❚
webpages of all state agencies simulta-
neously in order to find information on
state services and projects. The Reference
and Loan Library staff is in the process of Funding law—from front page
working with other states to create a the-
saurus of terms related to state agency ser- centralized technical processing service or a shared computer system). The library
vices and training materials for state board must formally approve this reallocation.
agency staff on creating metadata for web In counties that will provide funding at the 70 percent level, Division for Librar-
publications. The thesaurus will be used ies, Technology, and Community Learning (DLTCL) staff members recommend
to create a topical index for the UltraSeek that the county library service (if one exists) or the library system coordi-
software. Grant funds will provide staffing nate the submission of the necessary statistics and reimbursement
costs to create metadata for key publica- calculations to the county, including any payments to be made for
tions distributed through the Wisconsin “shared services.” Counties funding their libraries at above the
Document Depository Program. minimum 70 percent level will not need to change budgeting
procedures, but should be aware that payments are due to librar-
Digitization of state and local historical ies by March 1 each year.
information on Great Lakes Maritime His- County clerks, or other county officials, can request access to
tory now held by the Wisconsin State His- all books and records used to determine the annual library ma-
torical Society (library, museum, archives), terial loans to county residents who do not maintain a public li-
Milwaukee Public Library, and the Area Re- brary, the total annual library material loans, and the total li-
search Center at UW-La Crosse. Selected in- brary operating expenditures. The identity of individuals using
formation from these collections in a wide the library, however, is protected under Wisconsin Statutes s.
variety of formats including photographs, log 43.30.
books, old newspaper clippings, underwater Some libraries may receive significant increases in county
video footage, books, industry records, sound, funding in 2001 as a result of this law. It is extremely important
and database listings of ships will be consid- for libraries and municipalities to be aware that county funding
ered for inclusion. A website on Great Lakes cannot be included in calculations of the maintenance of effort
Maritime History will be created and made requirement for a library to participate in a library system. Wis-
available to the public. The digitization por- consin Statutes section 43.15 (4)(c)(5) requires that for a munici-
tion of the project will develop a model for pal or joint library to be a library system member it must receive
the selection, collection preparation, quality from the municipal governing body (or each governing body in
benchmarking, experimentation with digiti- the case of a joint library) funding at least equal to the average
zation of material formats, digital storage, funding received for the previous three years. This statute further
and web design and access. This project will stipulates that funding received from county, state, federal, and
digitize sufficient information to create a private sources for library services cannot be claimed as local
substantial resource site on Great Lakes maintenance of effort.
Maritime History Information on 200-300 For more information on the new county planning and funding requirements,
ships, but will not attempt to digitize the en- visit the DPI website at www.dpi.state.wi.us/dltcl/pld/act150.html or contact Mike
tire collections of the above agencies at this Cross at (608) 267-9225 (michael.cross@dpi.state.wi.us). ❚❚
time. The process will be used to assist the
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 11
WISCAT Update
WISCAT moves closer to cluding the ability to search the entire da-
tabase at once; expanded searching of
notes and contents fields; and date-range
online environment searching.
by Mary Clark, Head quarterly schedule. WISCAT Client Software
Resource Sharing Technology
The average WISCAT user may not be In addition to web access, library staffs
The newest edition of WISCAT— aware of all the behind-the-scenes activi- soon will have client access to WISCAT,
Wisconsin’s Statewide Union Library ties in which staff from the Division for which will allow them to perform a num-
Catalog—remains one of the largest state- Libraries, Technology, and Community ber of activities related to the statewide
wide catalogs in the country, containing Learning (DLTCL) are engaged to move catalog. The WISCAT Client software con-
6.5 million titles and more than 30 mil- toward the new product. In addition, the sists of two separate modules. These two
lion holdings from over 1,265 contribut- varied new product line that is being de- modules can be installed together, but
ing libraries. veloped may confuse some users. The they are separate, distinct programs with
During recent months, WISCAT staff new WISCAT products are described here. unique functions and interfaces. The two
have been working diligently to translate modules are:
the WISCAT database to a new online en- WISCAT on the World Wide Web • Client Holdings Maintenance Mod-
vironment and to perfect the WISCAT Although WISCAT on the web has been ule: The primary function of the Hold-
end-user software. Things are moving available since 1997, a brand new Web ings Module is to allow users to add,
closer to completion every day, and be- user interface will be introduced this year, change, or delete their library’s hold-
ginning sometime in the last half of 2000 along with some new features. Some of ings in WISCAT. Any changes to hold-
the database will be updated with new the new features include: a web-based ings made with this product will be
data as frequently as monthly. Until that bibliography feature to create printed bib- seen in the WISCAT database immedi-
time, updates will still be done on the liographies; new searching capabilities in- ately. This module also allows users to
export MARC records to a local auto-
mated library system and to print or
Newsline for the Blind service save bibliographies.
• Client ILL Module: The primary
expands in Wisconsin function of the ILL Module is to allow
users to create interlibrary loan forms
The Department of Public Instruction has contracted with the National Federation using the WISCAT database. Users can
of the Blind to provide Newsline to Wisconsin residents who are blind or physi- create three types of interlibrary loan
cally handicapped in a way that prevents usage of traditional library materials. forms using this product:
Newsline for the Blind began service is the spring of 1998. 1. Printed ILL forms—Printed forms
Newsline for the Blind provides access to three Wisconsin and three national can be mailed or faxed to a library to
newspapers read in an electronic voice. The newspapers can be accessed through request an interlibrary loan.
servers in Madison (224-5346) and Milwaukee (286-0600) using a regular touch 2. QuILL ILL forms—These forms are
tone telephone. There is a toll free number—(877) 775-5901—for people outside specifically for use in the QuILL Inter-
Madison and Milwaukee. Available newspapers are the New York Times, Washing- library Loan System. Libraries creating
ton Post, Chicago Tribune, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin State Journal, QuILL forms with the Client need ad-
and The Capital Times. ditional software to send and receive
Library staff who help register users for the Regional Library for the Blind and requests at the State’s centralized ILL
Physically Handicapped are encouraged to also inform potential users about this processing center.
service. Applications and further information can be obtained through the Re- 3. Text ILL forms—The saved text files
gional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (800-242-8822) and the can be printed or sent via e-mail to
Reference and Loan Library (888-542-5543). Applications are sent to and pro- other libraries.
cessed by the National Federation of the Blind, and eligible users will be provided
an identification number and a security code. ❚❚ The ILL module of the WISCAT client al-
Please see WISCAT—page 13
12 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
At R&LL
Reference and Loan Library hopes
to fill the gap in music resources
by Mary Struckmeyer, Head could be located. The book includes music for simple folk tunes
Reference and Interloan Services in the public domain, gradually increasing in difficulty and so-
Theremin, kena, and zampona. phistication.
What do these three things have in common? They are all mu- Sukay workbook: flutes & melodies of the Andes from Sukay In-
sical instruments and the Reference and Loan Library (R&LL) has strumental written, designed, and illustrated by Quentin
music and information on how to play them. Howard (Mel Bay Publications, c1998) includes instructions for
The library also is constantly adding new materials to its ex- playing and making a kena, which is a hollow tube with holes
tensive songbook collection. Staff members purchase materials in it. This book also has instructions for playing the zampona,
that will not be available elsewhere, including songbooks from which consists of pipes or hollow tubes closed at one end, and
earlier decades, complete scores for musicals, personality music for many songs to be played on these instruments. The
songbooks, and music for particular genres. All items are in- book concludes with a description of Andean music and the
dexed in the library’s song index, which eventually will be avail- various types of instruments used to play it.
able online. Meanwhile, librarians are encouraged to contact Irish Union Pipes: a Workbook by Denis Brooks (Irish Pipers’
Reference and Loan Library staff directly for a check of the in- Club, distributed by “Irish Connection” ‘, 1998, c1985) is aimed
dex. Contact June Huizenga toll-free at (888) 542-5543 at beginners and covers fingering, ornamentation, and style as
(june.huizenga@dpi.state.wi.us) for more information about a well as offering tips for maintenance. Practice exercises are
specific song. printed throughout the book. There is a list of music books and
In response to a discography, but music for complete songs is not published in
reference requests this book.
WISCAT —from page 12 pertaining to un- The bowed psaltery is an instrument whose origins are un-
ready has been released and is opera- usual musical in- clear—it has either been passed down through generations from
tional in over 130 QuILL libraries struments, when- antiquity or was invented in the late 1940s, according to The
around the state. The Holdings ever such items can Bowed Psaltery: Instruction & Song Book, compiled and edited by
Maintenance module is scheduled be identified staff Jean and Lee Schilling (Crying Creek Publishers, c1989). The
for release in a controlled distribu- has attempted to book contains a brief history of the instrument, information on
tion pattern sometime after June purchase materials care and tuning, instructions for starting to play it, and music
2000. WISCAT staff wants to be cer- showing how to for American, English, Scottish, and Irish tunes and hymns.
tain that the Holdings Client pro- construct and play J’aprends l’ocarina en do: methode pour debutants—Learning the
gram is adequate to handle the an- them. Following is ocarina in C: method for beginners (Editions DesRoches, c1995)
ticipated user load before releasing it a description of re- was purchased when it was identified in the process of working
to all Wisconsin libraries. cent purchases and on a reference request. The text, like the title, is bilingual, in
At this time, WISCAT on CD-ROM older materials ac- both English and French. The book includes music for both
no longer is being supported. Many quired to fill re- American and French folk songs.
libraries currently are using an ear- quests. Singing bowls; a practical handbook of instruction and use by Eva
lier version of the WISCAT client. Method for the Rudy Jansen (Binkey Kok, c1990) is the work of Dutch scholars.
This current WISCAT Client software Theremin, Book 1, The author discusses how these instruments, also known as “Ti-
(known in Wisconsin libraries as the Basics by Robert B. betan bells,” create sound massage; synchronization; shaman-
“Interim Client”) will be completely Sexton (Tactus ism and brain waves; and gives practical instruction for working
replaced by the enhanced WISCAT Press, c1996) was with them. Matching the right bowl to the right person also is
Client software (also referred to as written in 1996 be- discussed.
the “Real Client”). cause no published Another resource at the Reference and Loan Library for find-
Once the new WISCAT products instructions for this ing information on world music and musical instruments and
are available, the “Interim Client” no electronic instru- their place in the cultures of different countries is The Garland
longer will be supported. ❚❚ ment, which was Encyclopedia of World Music (Garland Publishing, 1998-). Vol-
invented in 1920, Please see Music resources—page 24
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 13
American Library Association honors Wisconsin library advocates
by Larry T. Nix, Director The purpose of the National Advocacy has been an active advocate for library
Public Library Development Team Honor Roll is to identify and celebrate legislation and funding especially at the
The American Library Association (ALA) those individuals and groups who have national level. She served for three years
and its Association for Library Trustees actively supported and strengthened li- as the Wisconsin Library Association’s
and Advocates (ALTA) recently an- brary services at the local, state, or na- Federal Relations Coordinator.
nounced the selection of a National Advo- tional levels over the last 100 years. The Miriam Erickson is a library trustee, a
cacy Honor Roll for extraordinary library honorees are advocates who have led ma- member of her local school board, and a
advocates of the 20th century. Individuals jor initiatives or sustained efforts to en- retired school library media specialist.
selected for the honor roll were recog- hance library development and/or public She has been active in promoting librar-
nized at a banquet July 7, 2000, at the awareness. Their accomplishments are ies and bringing library services and new
ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. noteworthy and provide models for oth- technology to students in the Gibraltar
Wisconsin individuals and organiza- ers who wish to expand advocacy efforts. Area Schools and schools throughout the
tions honored with the first award are Current advocates and posthumous hon- state. She has served on many statewide
Carol Diehl, Meriam Erickson, Calvin Pot- orees from each state were honored at the task forces and committees to improve
ter, the Wisconsin Educational Media As- ALA banquet. education and access to information.
sociation, and the Wisconsin Library As- Calvin Potter was appointed Assistant
sociation. Advocates to be honored Current Advocates State Superintendent for Libraries, Tech-
posthumously are Wayne R. Bassett, Eliza- Carol Diehl is a library trustee, a mem- nology, and Community Learning at the
beth Burr, Muriel L. Fuller, S. Janice Kee, ber of her local school board, and a re- Department of Public Instruction in
and Lutie E. Stearns. tired school library media specialist. She 1998. Prior to that he represented the 9th
Senate District from 1990 to 1998 and
served in the Wisconsin Assembly from
Instructional Technology Coordinator 1975-1990. While in the legislature, he
served as chairperson of numerous educa-
license standards recommended tion and library-related legislative com-
by Stephen Sanders, Consultant mittees, including the Legislative Council
Instructional Technology Program Study Committee on Library Laws in
A new administrative, district-level instructional technology coordinator license 1977 and the Legislative Council Com-
was approved in the recently adopted Department of Public Instruction (DPI) mittee on Public Libraries in 1997. He
teacher licensure rules. While school districts are not required to have an instruc- was a consistent advocate for library
tional technology coordinator, if a person is performing that function they will funding in the legislature. Potter also is a
have to be licensed. This is an administrative license; so as with many other ad- two-time recipient of the WLA Citation of
ministrative licenses, eligibility to hold a teaching license and three years experi- Merit.
ence as a classroom teacher are required. The Wisconsin Educational Media As-
As a first step in developing this license, a work group recommended content sociation (WEMA) brings together more
standards or “competencies” necessary to perform this job. The work group, than 1,200 library media technology pro-
chaired by Roger Kees of CESA 10, recommended 17 competencies that are avail- fessionals throughout the state of Wis-
able for review online at www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dltcl/imt/tekcordlic.html. consin representing a wide range of edu-
Other members of the committee included: Dave Pedersen, McFarland School cational institutions and businesses.
District; Sue Steiner, Kiel Area School District; Vicki Lyons, Bloomer School Dis- Several years ago WEMA established a
trict; Sue Polashek, School District of Marinette; Dennis Allmon, West Allis School Coalition Building Committee to pro-
District; James Kasum, Cardinal Stritch University; Anne Zarinnia, UW- mote library media and technology ef-
Whitewater; Dean Ryerson, Wisconsin Rapids School District; and Sue Conner, forts with other library and educational
Portage Community Schools. organizations. This effort has been very
Once approved, the content standards will be used by teacher education institu- successful in bringing members of the li-
tions to develop programs leading to the instructional technology coordinator li- brary community together to support leg-
cense that will become available in 2004. In addition, a committee is working on islative issues.
recommendations for an alternative method of obtaining this license. The Wisconsin Library Association
For more information regarding these proposed content standards, contact (WLA), which was founded in 1891, has
Steve Sanders, DPI, at (608) 266-7112 (stephen.sanders@dpi.state.wi.us) or Roger been a strong advocate for library devel-
Kees, CESA 10, at keesra@cesa10.k12.wi.us. ❚❚ opment and library legislation through-
Please see ALA honorees—page 19
14 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
Special Libraries Association
Wisconsin chapter offers networking, educational opportunities
by Sharon Locken, PR Chair This fall, SLA will be one of the spon- search project, rather than directing a
Special Libraries Association, Wisconsin sors for Global 2000, The Worldwide Con- patron or customer to relevant re-
The Wisconsin Chapter of the Special Li- ference on Special Librarianship, in sources.
braries Association was established in Brighton, England. The conference will
1931 and today has more than 200 mem- feature information professionals and in- Famous Members
bers representing businesses, hospitals, formation industry representatives who Last year, a member of our chapter
consultants, universities, government, will deal with trends and issues that go made national news by making the cover
and nonprofit institutions. Members in- beyond international borders. These is- of a widely read business publication. Inc.
clude: International Crane Foundation, sues relate to the future of the informa- magazine featured Lisa Guedea Carreno,
Miller Brewing Company, Robinson Map tion industry: copyright infringement; Highsmith Company Inc. (Fort Atkinson)
Library (UW-Madison), Sentry Insurance, role of the Internet in information distri- in its January 1999 issue. The seven-page
Fort James Corporation, Oscar Mayer bution; and knowledge management. article discussed the value of corporate li-
Foods, and Spacesaver Corporation. brarians, and how Lisa helps her CEO
Continuing Education know “everything worth knowing about
Chapter Meetings The Chapter also sponsors a number of its business and the world.” She is de-
The Wisconsin Chapter meets seven continuing education programs, the most scribed as “a secret weapon,” and
times per year to provide members with recent of which focused on designing and Highsmith Inc. as “the smartest little com-
educational and networking opportuni- delivering effective training. The Chapter pany in America” for its use of corporate
ties. Meeting topics have included also has hosted programs on competitive library services. She was awarded the
downsizing, marketing your library, intelligence, one-person library manage- Membership Achievement Award by SLA In-
intranet development, library education ment, Internet resources, and positioning. ternational, an award that honors an SLA
and the profession, building and remod- In addition, SLA International offers state- member for “raising the visibility and
eling library facilities, negotiating license wide satellite programs on such topics public awareness of and appreciation for
agreements, and new technology issues. such as intranet development, marketing the profession/or the Association.”
Speakers have included: Lisa Guedea library services, and licensing agreements. The meat and poultry industry honored
Carreno, Highsmith Company librarian; Tom Whitemarsh, Oscar Mayer Foods Di-
Mary Ellen Bates, information broker; and Characteristics of Special Libraries and vision of Kraft Foods (Madison) as being
Louise Robbins, UW-Madison SLIS. their Librarians an “unsung hero.” He received the Award
We welcome members from other asso- • Library collections and services are for Service at the Meat Industry Research
ciations and library organizations at chap- focused on the needs of the organiza- Conference (MIRC) in October 1999.
ter meetings. Announcements of meet- tion. The collection often centers on a Since joining Oscar Mayer in 1972, he has
ings are posted on several library-related core content area and other related top- made a number of contributions to the in-
discussion groups and at the Chapter’s ics. Special librarians often are expert dustry, continually introducing new infor-
website at www.sla.org/chapter/cwi. researchers in these subject areas. mation technology to Oscar Mayer that
• Many operate as one- or two-person has advanced research methods in the en-
International Meetings libraries. “Solo librarians” do it all: ad- tire industry. The chairman of MIRC
SLA-WI is a chapter of the international ministration, budgeting, research, auto- praised Whitemarsh for his contribution
Special Libraries Association, which has a mation, circulation, serials, and techni- of “volumes of technical and scientific in-
membership of over 15,000. It is the sec- cal services. formation to help the industry defend it-
ond largest library association in North • Our supervisors often do not have a self against misguided initiatives or ad-
America and the third largest in the library background. vance its own positive efforts.”
world. SLA has 56 chapters throughout • Libraries often do not fit neatly into For more information about SLA, con-
the United States, the Caribbean, Pacific, the organizational structure. tact SLA-WI President Meagan Eggers,
Europe, Canada, and the Arabian Gulf. • We are often among the first in our Pleasant Company, at (608) 836-7200, ext.
Many members attend SLA’s annual organization to use new technologies— 4109 (meagan_eggers@pleasantco.com).
meeting, where they exchange ideas and intranets, CD-ROM, and Internet access. Visit the SLA-WI website at www.sla.org/
information with other special librarians • We often deliver the “answer” to an chapter/cwi or the SLA International
from around the world. information request as a completed re- website at www.sla.org. ❚❚
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 15
Wisconsin libraries celebrate America’s Library
by Larry T. Nix, Director by Victorian Horn,
Public Library Development Team the graphic artist
On April 25 and other dates thereafter, for the Department
Wisconsin libraries joined with libraries of Public Instruc-
across the nation to celebrate the bicen- tion.
tennial of the Library of Congress. They
did so by holding second-day-of-issue cer- Madison
emonies and events for the Library of On April 25 sev-
Congress commemorative stamp which eral library agen-
was issued by the United States Postal Ser- cies in Madison
vice (USPS) on April 24. celebrated the bi-
The Wisconsin Library Association centennial of the
(WLA), through its Public Relations Com- Library of Con-
Pictured above is the envelope and postmark developed for the
mittee, and the Division for Libraries, gress by recogniz-
Bicentennial of the Library of Congress.
Technology, and Community Learning ing special anni-
(DLTCL) actively promoted these events. versaries of local libraries. The event was Kabler. Attendees also were able to pur-
The Milwaukee District of the USPS held in the auditorium of the State His- chase a special illustrated and postmarked
(which covers most of Wisconsin) and in- torical Society of Wisconsin (SHSW) envelope. Staff from the Madison Post Of-
dividual post offices around the state co- building on the UW-Madison campus. fice were on hand to sell stamps and post-
operated in this effort. The Library of Barbara Kelly, WLA president, presided at mark envelopes. A special exhibit on the
Congress, which encouraged the involve- the ceremony. Presentations were made Library of Congress bicentennial, pre-
ment of the nation’s libraries in its bicen- by Michael Edmonds, director of the pared by SHSW staff member Rob Nurre,
tennial celebration, provided a special SHSW Library; Elizabeth Lieurance, Madi- was on display in SHSW Library Reading
tool kit to help libraries holding second- son postmaster; Cal Potter, DLTCL admin- Room. A display of postal collectibles re-
day ceremonies. istrator; Kenneth Frazier, director of UW- lated to the Library of Congress (from the
As part of its support for these events, Madison libraries; and Barbara Dimick, collection of DLTCL staff member Larry
DLTCL developed a special postmark that director of Madison Public Library. WLA Nix) was located in the SHSW foyer.
could be adapted by individual libraries presented all attendees with a special sou-
and post offices for use on the day of venir program designed by WLA Public Antigo
their event. The postmark was designed Relations Committee member Deborah The Antigo Public Library, with the
leadership of program coordinator Heidi
Guile, staged an elaborate ceremony on
April 25 that included local and state dig-
nitaries. The Antigo High School Band En-
semble provided a musical prelude, and
art work by the children of the Antigo
Unified School District was on display.
Cudahy
The Cudahy Public Library held a
three-day celebration, starting April 24
with birthday cake. Patrons also received
amnesty for fines if they sang happy
birthday to the Library of Congress, and
nearly 70 patrons did just that. The li-
brary held a readathon on April 25, with
patrons reading out loud for 20 minutes
shifts, continuing from 10 a.m. until clos-
ing at 9 p.m. Patrons read poetry, short
Elizabeth Lieurance (left) and Barbara Kelly unveil the Library of Conress stamp during a stories, famous historical speeches, and
ceremony at the Wisconsin Historical Society Museum in Madison. Please see LOC celebration—page 17
16 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
LOC celebration Group database search contracts
From page 16 offered for medical libraries
children’s books. On April 26, the li- by Sally Drew, Director 8945 (donna.roach@mdconsult.com).
Reference and Loan Library
brary held its commemorative stamp
ceremony, which included: a presen- The Division for Libraries, Technology and STAT!Ref
tation of the colors and a gift of a Community Learning provides access to or STAT!Ref, a product of Teton Data Sys-
flag to the library from the local has arranged for discounts for a number of tems (TDS), provides access to three prod-
VFW group; patriotic music played medical resources for hospital libraries or ucts: Medical Library, Oncology Library,
by the civic band; presentations by other organizations providing medical in- and Medline, and provides a 15 percent
local, county, and state officials; and formation services. discount to these services. The Electronic
presentations by the postmaster and Medical Library provides access to 31 gen-
the librarian. Special illustrated en- MD Consult eral medical, specialty, and drug reference
velopes were sold and more birthday The Reference and Loan Library has ar- books. It now includes coding and reim-
cake was served. The library also had ranged for a group discount to MD Con- bursement data from Medicode, the lead-
a historical display on the Library of sult for medical libraries, hospitals, aca- ing health care information company pro-
Congress. demic libraries, and other viding comprehensive financial
organizations specializing and clinical management solu-
in medical information de- tions for payers, providers,
New Glarus
livery. The discount is for a and self-insured/self-adminis-
The New Glarus Public Library
limited time, so libraries tered employers. Users can
held a low-key event April 28. It in-
interested in using this ser- cross-reference ICD-9-CM
cluded a 200th birthday cake for the
vice are urged to consider diagnostic coding and the
Library of Congress that was cut by
purchase before the dead- Physicians’ Current Proce-
the postmaster. An informational
line. New MD Consult sub- dural Terminology (CPT).
display also was provided.
scribers will receive a 20 These coding schemes
percent discount when are used in patient
Princeton
making a purchase by July records, patient billing,
Princeton Public Library cel-
31, 2000, or a 15 percent and insurance claim filing.
ebrated with a two-part event on discount if purchasing by With the addition of the
April 26. During the day, the post- August 31, 2000. Existing MD Consult cus- coding information, healthcare profession-
master was the preschooler’s story- tomers also are eligible for the 20 percent als now can quickly flip back and forth be-
time guest. She shared several sto- discount when accounts are renewed if a tween text, tables, graphics, and the nu-
ries, including Never Mail an discount was not received when the MD meric codes used to communicate with
Elephant, and distributed “how-to Consult was first ordered. A 10 percent re- health plans and insurers.
collect stamps” handouts to the chil- newal discount will apply to all current STAT!Ref is available via the Internet,
dren. Each child received a special and new MD Consult customers. MD-Con- corporate intranet, and on CD-ROM for
envelope, compliments of the li- sult also will provide discounts on The single users or network applications. The
brary, as a keepsake/collectible. In “Reference Desk Edition” which is de- software enables users to perform quick,
the evening, the postmaster was on signed to provide smaller medial libraries full-text searches. Results are displayed in
hand to sell stamps and postmark with affordable access to the core content a format resembling a book. Users can
envelopes with a special postmark. offerings of MD Consult for use within the look up anything they could find in a
Special printed envelopes were avail- library itself. large, science library including detailed
able for purchase. Cake also was MD Consult was developed through a tables and graphics. Potential users should
served. joint venture of leading medical publish- contact Neil Spencer at (800) 755-7828.
Other libraries holding events in- ers including W.B. Saunders, Mosby,
cluded: Deerfield Public Library; Ra- Lippencott Williams & Wilkins, and over BadgerLink
cine Public Library; Marathon 50 additional publishers and organizations In addition, a number of medical re-
County Public Library; McIntosh which contribute content. Users can access sources are available for free through
Memorial Library in Viroqua; Mead MD-Consult through the Internet and free BadgerLink. Medical libraries can access
Public Library in Sheboygan; Brown customer service is available. Potential us- EBSCOhost’s Health Source Plus, Clinical
County Library in Green Bay; and ers can register for a 10-day free trial. For Reference Systems, USP DI Volume 2 Ad-
Burlington Public Library. ❚❚ more information, or to purchase the ser- vice for the Patient, and Comprehensive
vices, contact Donna Roach at (615) 662- Medline w/MeSH. ❚❚
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 17
WHLSA
Organization helps effect change to address patron needs
by Sharon Wochos, Immediate Past-President through...duplication and needless conflicts of procedure and
Wisconsin Health Science Library Association
regulations.”
Seeds of organization for the Wisconsin Health Science Library The newsletter reported
Association (WHSLA) were meetings of a Southeast
sown in 1968 when the Today’s members face challenges and change that Wisconsin group of hospi-
William S. Middleton li- were not imagined when WHSLA was founded. Print- tal, medical, and pharma-
brary of the UW-Madison ceutical librarians and the
Medical school founded a based utilities such as libraries are being challenged “Madison Municipal Group
newsletter. The first issue by electronic alternatives. End users…are increasingly of Health Science Librar-
urged State health science
librarians “to begin to
engaged in independent information-seeking behavior ians.” askedJuly 1970 news-
letter
The
the question: “
make the most of what we that pushes the medical librarian into new roles. are we ready for a statewide
have and to expand our organization?”
services and resources in such a way as to support and comple- Workshops and state meetings were taking place regularly,
ment each other rather than to waste our efforts and representatives from six areas of the state met in 1974 and
formulated a plan for a Wisconsin Health
Science Information Network.” Mean-
while, consortia were being formed in
BadgerLink —from page 5 four areas of the state. In March 1977
These respondents were confused by the layout of the BadgerLink and database area representatives and others met and
vendor sites, and had difficulty figuring out how to use the resources. Although entertained a suggestion to form a state
BadgerLink provides access to a broad range of information, some users found organization. The name was formalized
they were unable to locate material on specific topics or specialized publications and a charge for bylaws issued. Formal
(e.g. Books in Print). adoption of the bylaws and election of a
Approximately 86 percent of users indicated that they were unable to find in- first President in 1978 signaled the offi-
formation of cial birth of WHSLA.
interest to Today’s members face challenges and
them at some change that were not imagined when
point. Analysis WHSLA was founded. Print-based utilities
of the specific such as libraries are being challenged by
reasons indi- electronic alternatives. End-users—physi-
cates that us- cians, nurses, allied health staff, students,
ers see Badger- even patients—are increasingly engaged
Link as a in independent information-seeking be-
one-stop infor- havior that pushes the medical librarian
mation-searching environment—instead of as a supplementary resource to the into new roles.
on-site library resources—and expected to find everything they needed online. It The emphasis in health sciences librar-
also is likely that users were unable to develop appropriate queries to retrieve ies today, as it is in many other types of
information of interest. libraries, is on training and transference
Based on the end-user responses, BadgerLink is clearly viewed as a valuable of information skills to users. Patrons
service to Wisconsin residents. Respondents appreciated its availability and want remote access to full-text books and
found it to be a convenient way to meet their information needs. It is being journals and Internet-based services. They
widely used for a variety of information seeking tasks from many different loca- do not necessarily wish to be limited to
tions. If anything, comments made by users indicate that they would like to see accessing a physical location. The chal-
the service expanded. ❚❚ lenge is to allocate resources to satisfy the
Please see WHLSA—page 19
18 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
ALA honorees—from page 15 cial Services Award in 1971, and was the
WLA Librarian of the Year in 1979.
Elizabeth Burr was the consultant for
out the 20th century. All major library leg- budget for libraries in the state’s history. Children’s and Young People’s Services
islation of the century has received the for the Wisconsin Free Library Commis-
endorsement and support of the associa- Posthumous Honorees sion and later the Wisconsin Division for
tion. Of particular note has been the work Wayne R. Bassett was the WLA Legisla- Library Services. She helped found the
of its Library Development and Legisla- tive Advocate for many years. As a former Cooperative Children’s Book Center,
tive Committee (LD&L), that played a legislator from Minnesota, he understood served as President of the Children’s Ser-
leadership role in gaining passage of mile- the workings of the legislature well. He vices Division of ALA, and chaired the
stone legislation establishing state sup- served as Director of the Marathon Newbery-Caledecott Committee in 1969.
ported public library systems in 1971. County Library and the Wisconsin Valley WLA’s Elizabeth Burr Award is named in
Most recently LD&L helped lead efforts to Library Service. He served as WLA Presi- her honor.
gain passage of the most successful state dent in 1975-76, received the WLA Spe- Muriel L. Fuller was Professor at UW-
Extension and the UW-Madison Library
School, served as WLA’s President in
WHLSA—from page 19 1968-69, and received WLA’s Citation of
Merit in 1972. She was a leader in pro-
moting library legislation and continuing
patron’s need for electronic access while munications, planning, and continuing education for librarians. WLA’s Muriel F.
maintaining the traditional on-site collec- education serve the membership. Con-
Fuller award is named in her honor.
tion as a back-up. tinuing education is a focus of the orga-
S. Janice Kee served as Secretary of the
Managed care—with its reimbursement nization and classes are offered at the an-
Wisconsin Free Library Commission from
issues—brings a different challenge to nual meeting as well as throughout the
1956-1965. Kee led the Wisconsin Free Li-
WHSLA members. Reductions in year as opportunities arise. Recent topics
brary Commission at a critical time in the
medical facility revenues have re- included marketing library services,
development of public libraries in Wis-
sulted in downsizing, mergers, National Library of Medicine
consin. She became Secretary of the Com-
and library closures. Most medi- PubMed, and a “hot topics” is-
mission at the time of the passage of the
cal libraries have felt the pinch sues forum.
federal Library Services Act, which pro-
at budget time. In addition to continuing
vided funding for the demonstration of
WHSLA strives to address education, another WHSLA
the concept of federated public library
these issues and to be supportive of objective is to provide a forum for
health science librarians struggling to the discussion of mutual problems systems in Wisconsin. For her leadership
deal with them. and the exchange of ideas and infor- efforts Kee received the 1965 WLA Special
Membership is open to anyone en- mation among members. A WHSLA Service Award.
gaged in health science library work or discussion list, bimonthly newslet- Lutie E. Stearns was the first Librarian
those interested in health science li- ter, and website of the Wisconsin Free Library. Between
braries. The organization has about 130 (www.whsla.mcw.edu) serve as ve- 1895 and 1914 Stearns traveled thousands
members from such diverse institu- hicles to achieve this. of miles to help established over 150 free
tions as hospitals, clinics, medical WHSLA holds an annual meeting public libraries and 1,400 traveling librar-
schools, colleges, and mental health fa- (usually in the spring), sometimes in ies. During her tenure at the Free Library
cilities. conjunction with another organization. Commission, she visited towns, gave lec-
Elected representatives from the four In addition, a board meeting is con- tures, conducted surveys, recommended
consortia—Fox River Valley, Southeast- ducted each fall. better library procedures, assisted com-
ern, Northwestern, and South Central—sit Healthcare has changed considerably munities in obtaining Carnegie grants, ad-
on the WHSLA board along with the since WHSLA’s formation in 1978. Man- vised in book selection, trained librarians,
president, president-elect, immediate past aged care, institutional mergers, and elec- and dealt with local town councils. In
president, secretary, treasurer, and a rep- tronic resources have altered the way we 1927, to honor Miss Stearn’s contribu-
resentative to the National Network of Li- do business. What hasn’t changed is the tions to library development, the Wiscon-
braries of Medicine. need for health sciences librarians to in- sin Library Association made her an hon-
Committees on legislation, nominating teract with fellow librarians with com- orary life member. This was the first time
and elections, bylaws, annual meetings, mon interests to effect change and make such an honor was bestowed by WLA,
institutional issues, membership, com- decisions. WHSLA fulfills that need. ❚❚ and was not repeated until 1941. ❚❚
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 19
Technology Literacy Challenge Fund
141 school districts share $6.6 million
in technology literacy funds
by Debra A. Bougie to help students learn through computers highest concentrations of child poverty in
DPI Communications Specialist
and the information superhighway, to en- making grant awards. All 49 grant recipi-
Federal funding that will help schools sure that all teachers and students have ents and all school districts within a con-
integrate technology into teaching and modern computers in their classrooms, to sortium must have a comprehensive tech-
learning will reach 141 Wisconsin school ensure that every classroom is connected nology plan in place, a federal and state
districts as they share more than $6.6 mil- to the Internet, and to ensure that effec- requirement.
lion from the Technology Literacy Chal- tive and engaging software and online An advisory panel made up of technol-
lenge Fund. learning resources are an integral part of ogy specialists from local school districts,
The funds are part of the 2000 alloca- every school curriculum. The grant pro- higher education, government, and other
tion of $425 million for the Technology gram also helps states and districts to groups provided direction for
Literacy Challenge Fund, a five-year, $2 implement their technology plans. Wisconsin's Technology Literacy Chal-
billion federal effort intended to encour- Wisconsin's 2000 grant priority re- lenge Fund grant allocations. Members of
age state, local, and private sector invest- quired applicants to focus 70 percent of that panel were:
ment in technology for improving educa- the project on support and training for Judy Brown, emerging technology ana-
tion. This is the fourth year of the grant teachers so they can help their students lyst, Wisconsin Technical College System;
program. learn through the use of computers and Scott Colantonio, director, Technology
"Computers, Internet access, and other technologies. Additionally, the DPI Support Services, Stevens Point Area
knowing how to use expanding technol- considered geographic location and School District; Miriam Erickson of Fish
ogy to learn is a must for every class- projects that would serve areas with the Continued on next page
room," said State Superintendent John T.
Benson. "In Wisconsin, this federal fund-
ing is targeted where we believe it can
have the most benefit, by training teach- New study shows impact of school
ers so that using computer technology is
second nature."
libraries, librarians on students
Wisconsin received $6,655,800, of Educators and parents agree children need good skills to succeed in school. But
which 95 percent flows through the De- how do they gain these skills? A new study shows that strong library media pro-
partment of Public Instruction to school grams are an important component.
districts. The DPI portion of the grant is “How School Librarians Help Kids Achieve Standards—the Second Colorado
used for administrative expenses associ- Study,” released by the Library Research Service of the Colorado State Library,
ated with the Technology Literacy Chal- Colorado Department of Education, demonstrates that student scores on stan-
lenge Fund program. dardized tests are 10 percent to 18 percent higher at schools with outstanding li-
Grant readers from around the state re- brary media programs and staff.
viewed 106 applications requesting over Deputy Commissioner of Education Dick Elmer said, “We are beginning to
$15.5 million in funding for the program. isolate data which enables us to determine the factors that contribute to higher
The 49 grants (many applications are student achievement on the CSAP (Colorado Student Assessment Program) test.
from consortia of multiple school dis- I’ve always believed school libraries play a critical role in successful teaching.
tricts) chosen to receive funds impact I’m not surprised they contribute to higher CSAP scores.”
more than 24,219 teachers and more than The study found that CSAP reading scores are higher in schools whose library
371,896 students. media programs are better staffed, stocked, and funded, and where library me-
The Technology Literacy Challenge dia specialists play a leadership role in their schools, collaborate with classroom
Fund grant program was developed at the teachers in the design and delivery of instruction, and utilize computer net-
federal level to ensure that all teachers Please see Impact—page 23
have the training and support they need
20 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
Creek, Gibraltar Area School District tion Technology, UW-System; Carol structional Technology Services Council.
Board of Education; John Gravelle, tech- Orlandi, teacher, Vincent High School, For more information about the TLCF
nology coordinator, Merrill Area School Milwaukee; Mahrie Peterson, grant ad- grant program, contact Rob Roy, DPI
District; Linda Hanson, director of school ministrator, TEACH Wisconsin; Gerald TLCF consultant, at (608) 261-6332.
services, Educational Communications Trochinski, district administrator, Westby For a list of agencies receiving grants,
Board; Dana Nelson, system academic School District; and Ross Wilson, tech- and their grant allocations, see below. ❚❚
planner, Office of Learning and Informa- nology education director, CESA 10 In-
Technology Literacy Challenge Fund Awards
For grants awarded to a consortium, the first district listed serves as the fiscal agent.
Ashwaubenon School District -- $58,000 School District, South Shore School District,
Washburn School District
Beaver Dam School District -- $50,000
Horicon School District -- $57,000
Beloit School District -- $225,000
Beloit Turner School District, Clinton Community Howard-Suamico School District -- $180,000
School District Pulaski Community School District
Black River Falls School District -- $53,000 Kaukauna Area School District -- $50,000
Central/Westosha UHS School District -- $111,600 Kiel Area School District -- $58,000
Brighton #1 School District, Bristol #1 School District,
Paris J1 School District, Wheatland J1 School District La Crosse School District -- $55,000
Columbus School District -- $100,000 Madison Metropolitan School District -- $200,000
Poynette School District Middleton-Cross Plains School District
East Troy Community School District -- $150,000 McFarland School District -- $58,000
Burlington Area School District
Menasha School District -- $59,000
Edgerton School District -- $59,000
Menomonee Falls School District -- $245,000
Fond du Lac School District -- $59,000 Brown Deer School District, Hamilton School District,
Kettle Moraine School District
Gibraltar Area School District -- $59,000
Milwaukee School District -- $948,451
Hayward Community School District -- $245,000
Ashland School District, Bayfield School District, But- Monticello School District -- $240,000
ternut School District, Drummond Area School Dis- Albany School District, Belleville School District, Juda
trict, Glidden School District, Hurley School District, School District, Monroe School District
Maple School District, Mellen School District, Mercer
School District, Northwood School District, Park Falls Neenah School District -- $55,000
School District, Phillips School District, Solon Springs Please see TLCF awards—page 22
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 21
TLCF awards—from page 21
New Lisbon School District -- $60,000 Sturgeon Bay School District -- $59,000
Oconto Falls School District -- $120,000 Sun Prairie Area School District -- $58,000
Coleman School District, Crivitz School District, Flo-
rence School District, Gillett School District, Lena Superior School District -- $60,000
School District, Marinette School District, Oconto
School District, Peshtigo School District, Suring School Tomorrow River School District -- $58,000
District, Wausaukee School District
Turtle Lake School District -- $110,000
Owen-Withee School District -- $250,000 Cumberland School District, Luck School District,
Bruce School District, Cadott Community School Dis- Menomonie Area School District, Prairie Farm School
trict, Gilman School District, Granton Area School Dis- District
trict, Greenwood School District, Ladysmith-Hawkins
School District, Lake Holcombe School District, Loyal Viroqua Area School District -- $60,000
School District, Neillsville School District, Spencer
School District, Stanley-Boyd Area School District, Washington-Caldwell School District -- $146,000
Thorp School District North Cape School District, Norway J7 School District,
Waterford Graded J1 School District
Phelps School District -- $58,000
Waupun School District -- $59,000
Princeton School District -- $38,000
Wausau School District -- $250,000
Richland School District -- $247,000 Athens School District, D C Everest Area School Dis-
Ithaca School District, Kickapoo Area School District, trict, Edgar School District, Marathon City School Dis-
North Crawford School District, Seneca School Dis- trict, Mosinee School District, Stratford School District
trict, Wauzeka-Steuben School District
Wautoma Area School District -- $200,000
Ripon School District -- $55,000 Adams-Friendship Area School District, Westfield
School District
Sheboygan Area School District -- $56,000
Webster School District -- $110,000
Shullsburg School District -- $240,000 Ellsworth Community School District, Pepin Area
Argyle School District, Barneveld School District, Black School District, Siren School District, Spring Valley
Hawk School District, Darlington Community School School District
District, Pecatonica Area School District
West Allis School District -- $200,000
Saint Francis School District -- $59,000 New Berlin School District, Waukesha School District
Stevens Point Area School District -- $150,000 Whitehall School District -- $250,000
Tri-County Area School District Alma Center School District, Arcadia School District,
Blair-Taylor School District, Independence School Dis-
Stoughton Area School District -- $220,000 trict
Evansville Community School District, Parkview
School District Wisconsin Rapids School District -- $59,000
22 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000
Impact of libraries, librarans felt in schools—from page 20
works to extend the reach of the library The study was a follow-up to the
media center throughout the school. 1993 study “The Impact of School Li-
• School library media specialists who are brary Media Centers on Academic
leaders meet regularly with their princi- Achievement,” published by the
pals, serve with teachers on standards and Colorado State Library. This first
curriculum committees, and meet regu- study demonstrated that quality
larly with their own staff. library media programs led to
• Collaborative library media specialists higher student test scores.
provide in-service training and planning The replication and expan-
assistance to teachers as well as deliver in- sion of the study in 1999
formation literacy instruction to students. also looked at Colorado
• “Hi-tech” library media programs uti- Student Assessment Pro-
lize local or wide-area networks to make gram (CSAP) scores.
information resources available to stu- It corroborates the original
dents and teachers in classrooms, labs, of- findings as well as evaluating
fices-wherever learning is taking place. the role of the school library
media specialist and the rela-
The research took into consideration tionship between better school
school differences such as district expen- library services and better stu-
ditures per pupil, teacher/pupil ratio, and dent performance. Similar recent studies For information on the study, contact
community differences such as racial/eth- for Alaska and Pennsylvania also support Keith Curry Lance or Marcia J. Rodney at
nic and income demographics. The rela- these findings. The study was conducted (303) 866-6906
tionship between library media factors by the Colorado State Library and the (conner_l@cde.state.co.us). For a variety
and test scores is not explained away by University of Denver Library & Informa- of documents related to the study, visit
other school or community conditions. tion Services Department. http://www.lrs.org. ❚❚
Around Wisconsin Lissa List, director of the Woodville Public
Library, recently resigned as director but will
remain on staff.
Mary Nichols is the new director at the
Centuria Public Library.
People Judy Davis is the new director of Leon- The UW-Madison School of Library and In-
Helen Adams, school library media spe- Saxeville Public Library in Pine River. She formation Studies recently named Wally
cialist/technology coordinator for the came from Lansing, Iowa. Olsen (a 1956 graduate) as the alumnus of
Rosholt School District, recently was elected Meagan Eggers is the new corporate librar- the year.
vice-president/president-elect of the Ameri- ian at Pleasant Company in Middleton. She Dorothy Peters, children’s librarian at the
can Association of School Librarians. replaces Patti Sinclair. Cadott Public Library for the past 20+ years,
Susan Barribeau and Edie Dixon are the Ken Frazier, director of the UW-Madison retired at the end of April.
2000 UW-Madison General Library System General Library System, is the year 2000 re- Kathy Spahn, adult services librarian at
Librarians of the Year. cipient of the ALA Hugh C. Atkinson Memo- the Waunakee Public Library, recently re-
Hilary Bauman is the new director of the rial Award. tired.
Albany Public Library. She replaces Rosalie Ed Pflug, a longtime member of the Win- UW-Madison SLIS Professor Doug Zweizig
Ness. nefox Library System Board, stepped down in retired May 12 after 18 years of service to the
Pam Brown, WCTS coordinator for the March. He was up for re-election in April. school.
Winnefox Library System since 1990, retired Paula Kiely is the new deputy city librar-
March 31. ian of the Milwaukee Public Library system. Places
Shawn Carlson is the new assistant man- She succeeds Beverly DeWeese, who retired A grand opening celebration was held April
ager of technology at the Waukesha Public in March. 2 for the new Johnson Library in Darlington.
Library. Deb Klossner is the new director at Au- The Markesan Public Library held a dedi-
Sandy Cope, the children’s services man- gusta Public Library. cation and open house May 7.
ager at the Waukesha Public Library, retired Mary Larson, director of the Colfax Public The grand opening of the new Muskego
May 12 after 24 years of service. Library, recently resigned. Public Library was held April 30. ❚❚
CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000 23
Music resources—from page 13 • The Essence of Playing Mallets: Special
Exercises for the Drummer & Percussionist,
umes published to date cover Africa; (Note: This program is licensed for with percussionist and vibist Emil
South America, Mexico, Central America, home-use-only) (VHS V-6548 Richards (Interworld Music, 1991; 60
and the Caribbean; Southeast Asia; South (024961)). minutes) (VHS V-2514 (023064))
Asia: the Indian Subcon- • Beginner’s Harp Book Companion • Folk Rhythms: Learn to Play Spoons,
tinent; Europe; and Aus- Video, written by Phyllis Schlomovitz Washboard, Bones, Hambone, Paper Bag,
tralia and the Pacific Is- and featuring harpist taught by David Holt (Homespun
lands. Each volume Renee Quinn (Harpress Video, 1996; 47 minutes) (VHS V-7033
includes a compact disc of California, 1991; 2 (025472))
to provide audio ex- videocassettes with • Learning Plectrum Banjo, taught by
amples linked to discus- books and booklets) Buddy Wachter (Homespun Video,
sions in the texts. Al- (VHS V-2068 (023060)) 1990; 90 minutes) (VHS V-2478
though this title is • College of Piping Tutor (023162))
classified as a reference Part 1, taught by bagpipe in- • Learning Tenor Banjo, taught by
resource, individual vol- structor Seumas MacNeill Buddy Wachter (Homespun Video,
umes will circulate for two weeks for in- (MacKinnon Productions, 1989; 60 1990; 60 minutes) (VHS V-2479
library use. minutes) (VHS V-6686 (025118)) (023163)) ❚❚
In addition to seeking books on un-
usual music or musical instruments, the
library also purchases videocassettes on 2000
how to play musical instruments. These July 14 Council on Library and Network Development, Plover branch of the Portage
are some of the titles purchased to fill re- County Library.
quests for instruction. The title numbers July 15-20 American Association of Law Libraries Annual Conference, Philadelphia.
cited may be referred to when requesting July 19 DLTCL Public Library System annual meeting, Madison.
videocassettes from Reference and Loan. July 24-25 WILSWorld 2000, Madison.
• The Art & Joy of Hand Drumming, Aug. 2-4 16th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning, Madison.
with percussionist John Bergamo Aug. 10 Library Issue Discussion Group meeting, Madison.
(Interworld Music Associates, 1990; 45 Aug. 13-18 International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, Israel.
Sept. 12 Reference & Loan Library Fall Interlibrary Loan Meeting with staff from public
minutes; with manual) (VHS V-2515
library system headquarters and resource libraries.
(022667)).
• The Art of the Didgeridoo, with teacher For more details about specific meetings, see the WISDOM calendar at
and didgeridoo maker Allan Schockley www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dltcl/pld/wisdom.html.
(Media Kinetics, 1994; 60 minutes)
DIVISION FOR LIBRARIES, TECHNOLOGY Bulk Rate
AND COMMUNITY LEARNING U.S. postage
Department of Public Instruction paid
125 South Webster Street Madison, WI
P.O. Box 7841 Permit No. 1369
Madison, WI 53707-7841
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Printed on recycled paper.
24 CHANNEL/MAY-JUNE 2000