Greetings from your ALA Councilor,

My trip to Dallas for ALA Midwinter was a busy one as usual. Here are some of the issues which I feel you should know about. If you’d like more information about these issues or other ALA topics, please do not hesitate to contact me. The more I get to know ALA, the more I am impressed, so I would enjoy speaking with you about your concerns.

Resolutions Passed

There were two significant resolutions passed by the ALA Council. The first was a Resolution on Publishers and Practices Which Discriminate Against Library Users. It stated that ALA opposes any discriminatory policies of publishers and distributors that adversely impact access to content by library users; and that the Working Group on Digital Content in Libraries be directed to review the situation and recommend appropriate action and/or appropriate parties who should be informed of this resolution.

While this resolution might sound like a no-brainer, there was some debate both in Council forum and on the floor. Some were concerned that the resolution, if too strongly worded, might offend the publishers with whom ALA is scheduled to meet next week. In the end, the Council stuck with the original, forceful language and the resolution passed.

The second was a resolution condemning the restriction of access to materials in Arizona schools following state legislation that led to the elimination of a Mexican American studies program in the Tucson Unified School District. While it took some time to sift through the numerous layers of the controversy and identify the real culprits, the resolution passed. For more info, contact me or visit any number of websites including http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=3157, http://saveethnicstudies.org, http://nyti.ms/yd6mfp, http://huff.to/xm4AHq.

ALA Fighting For Libraries, Librarians and Library Patrons

Elsewhere in the Association, a great deal is happening. As I referred to above, leaders of ALA will be meeting with top executives from Macmillan, Simon & Schuster (S&S), and Penguin publishing houses, (which all do not allow libraries to circulate their ebooks,) on January 30^th,January 31^st and February 2^nd to voice the concerns of the Association. For more info, read this article from LJ, http://bit.ly/zr9qS8. In addition, the Working Group on Digital Content and Libraries (http://connect.ala.org/node/159669) will be meeting frequently throughout the year to study the issues and develop advocacy strategies.

The entire organization is also working hard to raise awareness of the White House Petition on School Libraries, http://wh.gov/Wgd, which asks that the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provide dedicated funding to help support effective school library programs. 25,000 signatures are needed by February 4, 2012, in order for this petition to reach the desk of the President. We are more than halfway there, but time is running out!

A few other advocacy initiatives/resources to be aware of are:

1. The updated “The Small but Powerful Guide to Winning Big Support for Your Rural Library,” http://www.ala.org/offices/olos/toolkits/rural,
2. “Keeping Public Libraries Public: A Checklist for Communities Considering Privatization of Public Libraries.” http://www.ala.org/tools/outsourcing.
3. Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit, http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit.

A whole host of additional advocacy tools can be found on ALA’s Advocacy University website, http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/.

I could go on, but I’ll stop for now. Please let me know if you’d like me to come speak with your library co-op about ALA. I’d be happy to try and do so.

Respectfully,

Steve Butzel, NH Chapter Councilor on the ALA Council
skbutzel@cityofportsmouth.com

Categories: ALA

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As many of you may remember, NHLA and the NH State Library sponsored the first ever Small Libraries Summit back in April of 2010, and it was such a success, we’ve decided to sponsor it again for 2012. Even better, we are planning on expanding it so more librarians can come.

Specifically, we’re planning on holding a Summit meeting on Monday, April 2nd for librarians working in communities of 1,500 or fewer residents. Then, we plan to hold a second Summit meeting on Monday, April 16th for librarians working in communities between 1,500 and 3,000 residents. In both cases, we hope to be able to host about 70 librarians at the Local Government Center in Concord, NH.

More details will be announced in the future, but the Small Libraries Summit Committee would like you to save those dates in case you might want to attend.

If you have questions about the upcoming Summits, please send them to me.

Many thanks,
Steve Butzel, skbutzel@cityofportsmouth.com

Categories: NHLA

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• Review NHLA Constitution and By-Laws and proposed changes/updates to be voted on by entire NHLA membership
• Hold Small Libraries Summit in spring 2012
• Plan/organize Annual Conference for spring 2013
• Continue to improve communications with membership
• Continue to fund continuing education workshops offered through the State Library
• Expand and promote the Specialists Network project
• Continue annual NHLA Board member visit to each NH Public Library Cooperative to solicit feedback about needs and to provide information about NHLA

Questions about these goals can be directed to 2012 NHLA President, Lori Fisher, at bfldirector@comcast.net.

Categories: NHLA

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Please click on the link below to access a pdf version of Michael York’s report to the NH House Finance Committee, submitted on 11/30/11.  This report was created in response to a NH legislative request to examine the possibility of reallocating federal funding away from the ILL van service to other unspecified areas.

State Librarian report to NH House 11 30 2011

Categories: NHLA

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The New Hampshire Library Association was proud to honor Annie Donahue, Library Director of UNH-Manchester, as the 2011 recipient of the Ann Geisel Award of Merit at the NHLA Fall Business Meeting on November 4th.

Annie is also an Assistant Professor at UNHM, having taught history courses, plus research and reference skills to students for the past 15 years. She earned a BA in Humanities from UNH, an MLS from Southern Connecticut State College, and an ALM with a concentration in Celtic Studies from Harvard University. Annie is currently pursuing a doctorate in education from Plymouth State University.

Annie has been actively involved with NHLA since 1991, serving as President in 2007 and Spring Conference Committee Chairperson from 2008-2011.

Several librarians and co-workers shared words of praise:

“Annie validated the organization for all types of libraries in New Hampshire, engaging academic librarians, public librarians and school librarians to be part of one organization and to serve that organization together.”

“Annie, always prepared and organized, taught me that serving the NH library community is an important part of being a librarian. Working with Annie taught me that we have a lot to share with not only our patrons and students, but our peers as well…Annie may not know it, but she has served as a mentor to me. Thank you, Annie for helping me become a better librarian.”

“Annie has helped to create a work environment that is warm and inviting, while maintaining impeccable professionalism. I am truly honored and grateful to have her as my Director.”

The Ann Geisel Award of Merit is given to an individual, group or organizations that has made significant contributions to the New Hampshire Library Community.

Categories: NHLA

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YALS officers for 2010-2011 were: Amy Friedman, Hudson (President), Sharon Taylor, Greenland (Vice President), Alex Estabrook, Merrimack (Treasurer), Kate Norton, Manchester (Secretary), and Lisa Houde, Rye (Past President)

The YALS officers for 2011-2012 are Letty Goerner, Henniker, (President),  Kirsten Corbett, Hampton (Vice-President), Alex Estabrook, Merrimack (Treasurer), Kate Norton, Manchester (Secretary),. Amy Friedman, Hudson (Past President)

There are currently 50 YALS Members.

YALS planned a number of programs for the NHLA conference in May including presentations on the nominees for the Flume: NH Teen Reader’s Choice Award and Isinglass Awards, Internet Safety & Youth Today, Including and Serving Patrons with Autism and Asberger’s (with CHILIS), Teen Volunteers in the Library: and a Teen Programming Roundtable.

There are two book awards chosen by young adults in NH. The Isinglass award for middle school readers and the Flume Award for high school readers. The 2011 Isinglass award went to “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner and the 2011 Flume award went to “Paper Towns” by John Green.

The Young Adult summer reading theme from the Collaborative Summer Library Program was World Culture/Travel and the YA slogan was “Your are Here”.

The first YALS mini-conference was held on September 29 at the Lane Library in Hampton. Guest presenters were Beth Gallaway from the Haverhill, MA Public Library, who spoke about teen book discussion books and Bobbi Slossar from the State Library who talked about teens and technology specifically how to deal with mobile devices (IPods, cell phones, etc), how to integrate technology into library service, how to promote programs with technology, pros and cons of various devices including cost and promoting Ereaders. Author Jo Knowles was the luncheon speaker. There was a YALS business meeting in the afternoon. Fifty-five people attended the conference.

Submitted by: Amy Friedman, President YALS 2010-2011

Categories: YALS

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READS membership continued to increase in 2011, with a new membership total of 203, up from 184 in 2010. Welcome to our new members!

The READS Executive Board began its year with change. Gaye Kulvete, READS president, resigned when she moved to North Carolina. VP/President-elect Pat Fickett filled the position of President, and a special election was held for a new VP/President elect. Myra Emmons of Brookline Public Library was elected to that position.

In 2011 the READS programming committee offered three spring Roundtable Discussions titled Purchasing and Weeding: How do you grow your collection?  The sessions, held in Wilton, Rye and Franklin were well attended.

The spring NHLA conference included four sessions sponsored by READS:
When to Call the Police, moderated by Lori Fisher
Read Any Good Books Lately by the Reads-To-Go Committee
Reading Woman: a Guide to Women’s Fiction presented by Nanci Milone Hill
“But I’ve Never Fixed a Carburetor! Readers’ Advisory Training for the General Practitioner” – presented by Nanci Milone Hill

These sessions were also well attended, and the evaluations gave positive feedback to all of them. Many thanks to those who planned and implemented these programs.

In reviewing its Mission Statement, the READS Executive Board has developed a plan for the implementation of “Pop Up Roundtables” to address current concerns of librarians in a timely manner. In addition to our regular Spring Roundtable programs, Pop Up Roundtables could occur any time a group of librarians wish to convene to discuss issues of immediate concern to the membership. Monitoring the NHAIS listserve, and responding to the requests of READS members will be the methods used to identify topics for discussion.

READS-T0-GO added 10 new book discussion kits in 2010. In addition, they submitted a proposal to NHLA for funds to add 3 additional kits. NHLA responded by voting to fund 10 new kits.

The Nominating Committee has had four nominations for the 2011 READS award of excellence. The winner announced at the READS Fall Business Meeting is Thelma Tracy of the Weare Public Library.

The 2011 Executive Board includes:
President: Pat Fickett, Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library
Vice President/President Elect: Myra Emmons, Brookline Public Library
Secretary: Mary Cronin, Madision Library
Treasurer: Deann Hunter, Laconia Public Library
Past President: Linda Taggart, Nashua Public Library
Public Relations: Lori Fisher, Baker Free Library (Bow)
Membership: Emily Weiss, Bedford Public Library
Programming: Erin Apostolos, Meridith Public Library
READS To GO: Diane Mayr, Nesmith Library (Windham)
Conference Liason: Caitlyn Stevens, Bedford Public Library

Many thanks to the Executive Board for all their work This year. Linda Taggart is completing her three year comittment to the board as VP, President and Past President. Thank you, Linda.

Emily Weiss, the Membership Chair is stepping down, having completed her term. She will be replaced by Kersten Matera. Thank you, Emily, for your years of service.

If you would like to serve on any of the READS committees please see Erin Apostolos (programming), Lori Fisher (public relations), Diane Mayr (READS TO GO) or Kersten Matera (membership)

Respectfully submitted

Patricia Fickett
–
Pat Fickett, Director
Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library
Wilton, NH

Categories: READS

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CHILIS Annual Report/ November 2011

The 2011 Spring Conference was held in March at SNHU in Manchester. We have found this to be a great place for showcasing the performers for the Kids, Book and the Arts grant. This past year, we weren’t able to work around the college’s spring break, but found we were able to successfully work around classes in session. 155 people attended the conference.

At the Spring Conference, Gail Zachariah from the Keene Public Library was named the 2011 CHILIS Librarian of the Year. In her nominating letter, Gail’s director, Nancy Vincent, wrote, “Gail is at the heart of the library….She works tirelessly fueled only by her ever present cup of coffee. She is deeply, deeply committed to the idea of intellectual freedom and especially committed to the youth of our community. She is their advocate and support. She is intuitive to their needs and concerns, she knows hundreds of our teens and children intimately and they are moved by her compassion and care for them.”

Summer Reading Program The 2012 SRP theme is a night theme following the slogan, “Dream Big—READ!” CSLP Manuals and Upstart supply catalogs were handed out at the Fall CHILIS Conference. Ann Hoey and Amy Lappin represented NH at the CSLP business meeting in Scottsdale, AZ in April. Many items were discussed and voted on at the meeting including the slogan for the 2013 Underground children’s theme, “Dig Into Reading.”

The Great Stone Face Committee has once again created a great list of 25 nominees for school year 2011-2012. The GSF Award spans grades 4-6, and maintains a standard of excellence in writing and kid appeal. The 2010-2011 GSF Award was presented to Avi for his book Murder at Midnight. A letter of appreciation from Avi can be found at http://www.nhlibrarians.org/chilis/.

Maze Runner by James Dashner was the recipient of the 2010-2011 Isinglass Award. The Isinglass Award Committee is chaired by Amy Inglis, Barrington Public Library. The purpose of the award is to encourage middle school level students to read for enjoyment and promote a life-long love of reading.

The 2011 Fall Conference was hosted by the Keene Public Library at the Keene Marriott on Thursday, October 20, 2011. Programs included presentations by NH author Lita Judge and the musical group, Hunt and Allison who sang and encouraged us all to use music in our library programs and story times. The day ended with a charming presentation by GSF winner, Avi, who flew in from Denver, attending our conference waiving his speaking fees. The 74-year old author has written 72 books and continues to write every day.

During the morning’s business meeting the 2011-2012 slate of officers was voted in. The current President is Kathy Tracy from the Tracy Memorial Library in New London. Our new Vice President is Gail Zachariah, Keene Public Library. Nancy Lang, Dunbarton Public Library, continues to serve as the CHILIS Treasurer. Yvette Couser, Merrimack Public Library, is our secretary. Amy Lappin, Lebanon Public Libraries is the Past President. 105 people attended the meeting.

Scholarships: This past year, CHILIS awarded $500 scholarships to members, Lisa Houde and Patty Falconer. Both were for reimbursement of tuition and materials towards MLS degrees.
The 2012 Spring Conference and KBA Performers Showcase will be held on March 8, 2012 at SHNU. The Summer Reading Committee has chosen 10 performers for the roster.

CHILIS Membership stands at a healthy 187 with 44 new members this year.

Respectfully submitted,
Amy Lappin, CHILIS President 2010-2011, Lebanon Public Libraries

Categories: NHLA

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Two new kits are announced today on our blog and Facebook page!

Categories: READS-TO-GO

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The READS Award of Excellence Committee along with the READS Executive Board is very pleased to announce that Thelma Tracy of the Weare Public Library is the winner of the 2011 Award of Excellence.

Tracy, currently the Assistant Librarian at Weare Public Library, previously worked at the Concord Public Library and the Tucker Free Library in Henniker.  An excerpt from Tracy’s nomination, which was read at the READS fall conference on October 7^th, included the following: “Thelma is the adult services go-to- person…she is a tireless advocate for the library, her performance always goes beyond what’s expected, she gets along well with staff and the public, and in spite of her awareness of the limitations imposed by the size and financial status of the library, she provides traditional and electronic service to patrons.”

For the past 7 years, the READS Award of Excellence has recognized outstanding contributions by a library staff member who has been instrumental in improving library service to adults. Nomination materials for the 2012 Award will be available in late Winter.  For more information, please http://www.nhlibrarians.org/reads/index.html.

READS past president Linda Taggart (left), supervisor of reference services at the Nashua Public Library, presents Weare Assistant Librarian Thelma Tracy with the 2011 READS Award of Excellence.

Categories: READS

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