Advocacy Resources January 30, 2009
Posted by jfreeman in : Advocacy, Hot Topics , add a commentIn the current difficult economic climate tough decisions are affecting teacher-librarians, school libraries, and library programs. Teacher-librarians know it is important to be proactive, find allies and supporters, and spread the word about the value of teacher-librarians and library programs before cuts are proposed, if possible.
Below are some resources for advocating for teacher-librarians, programs, and funding for library materials, but there are many more. Please use the comments to share your favorite resources for advocacy. Is there a favorite article that inspires you, or a report that turned the tide in difficult times? Inspire us by sharing your stories of how libraries and librarians were saved in your community.
- AASL Advocacy Toolkit:
- ALA Add It Up: Research and statistics to help librarians make the case for libraries at every stage of youth development and education:
- School Libraries Work! from Scholastic: Collection of reports showing the effect of well-funded and staffed school libraries (PDF download):
- Being Heard…Advocacy + Evidence + Students = Impact by Debra Kay Logan (School Library Media Activities Monthly – September, 2006):
- School Library Media Programs and Academic Achievement: A Bibliography and Availability List by David V. Loertscher:
- School Library Impact Studies by Keith Curry Lance:
In a Tough Economy, Databases under Threat January 29, 2009
Posted by Wendy Stephens in : Advocacy, Check this out!, Hot Topics , 2commentsIn the 2007 documentary film “Resolved”, subscription database access is presented as a manifestation of affluence, commitment, and intellectual rigor. In the more competitive suburban schools, databases are a necessary personal expense related to participation in debate at the national level.
Many students rely on resources provided by state consortia or access databases through a regional virtual library. A database vendor at the ALA Midwinter Meeting intimated that funding for our state resources, now only 82 cents per citizen a year, might be cut in half over the next year. Though K-12 resources should represent 65% of the remaining funding allocation, I began to despair for the colleges and universities that have curtailed spending on print journals. A two-thirds reduction in database funding could directly undermine their students’ ability to be competitive for graduate school and employment. Where will our students get access to journals without online databases? In the age of instant digital communication, we cannot insist that information needs wait for interlibrary loan or document delivery services.
This Statement on the Global Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Consortial Licenses suggests many groups are wondering how they can maintain access to digital resources. That coalition proposes flexible pricing, a la carte services to suit individual needs, and trading features for price. Luddites might argue that the problem posed by the looming crisis can be traced to the ease with which we have integrated digital resources. Ownership is explicit with print resources. It was a recurring caveat in library school, usually summarily dismissed by the technophiles. After a decade of access to databases through a state consortium serving public, academic, and school libraries, many institutions limit purchases to print journals not available in digital format. We might have become complacent about the persistence of the data as it became seamless to access. Hardware and bandwidth were less and less expensive. Interfaces became more faceted and offered more ways to manipulate the information we retrieved. Eventually, the acquisition of print periodicals and even reference books could be decried as duplication.
The same sort of dialogue surrounds Renaissance Place, the online version of Accelerated Reader. In my district, a librarian at a suburban elementary school was urging others follow her lead in moving to the online version, despite its per-student cost. Another librarian from a rural community said that she preferred to purchase the quizzes outright because she might not always be able to afford the annual subscription. Were she not be able to maintain that, she said, she would have to remove stickers from most of the books in her library, not having purchased any tests since subscribing. The crux of the conflict is the same. Do we own the resource? Or do we lease it by the year?
We have young teachers who have never used print resources and rely on keyword searching. Media outlets are disappearing or are losing editorial staff. User-generated content in the form of Wikipedia tops search results for Googling just about anything. It is an important time for school librarians to be emphasizing rigorous research standards and citation expectations. But without sustained access to online databases wherever students need them, we run the risk of forgetting what a quality source looks like. In my state, parent-teacher organizations at the more academically challenging schools subsidize site licenses for JStor and Gale products to support the work of college-bound kids. These sorts of communities may step in to fund the databases cut by our state as well. The districts and schools that commit to funding quality resources will produce students with advantages, not only in accessing, but in evaluating sources. Access for all students to resources, which has been shown to influence achievement, can be framed as an issue of equity.
CPSIA Law…Librarians ARE making their voices heard! January 28, 2009
Posted by sbrisco in : AASL News, Advocacy, Hot Topics , 3commentsIt’s not over yet…but we’re getting close! The Consumer Product Safety Commission met with book publishers on January 22nd to discuss the potential problems with the new CPSIA Law that could not only impact the publication and sale of children’s books but possibly also require the removal of children’s books from all libraries serving children ages 12 and under. The results of the meeting has halted any major moves to apply this new law to children’s books and has essentially allowed the CPSC more time to evaluate the situation.
You can read more about the meeting below; however, it’s not over yet! Be sure to continue your great work by contacting the CPSC to let them know the impact that this law will have on your library. Continue sharing the importance of this issue to our children and their libraries… and be sure to watch for continual updates!
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A public meeting was held January 22 with Kristina Hatlelid, Directorate for Health Sciences, and other Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff to allow Allan Robert Adler, of the Association of American Publishers, and major publishing companies to discuss the lead content of books. The meeting was a time for the publishing companies to explain their research to the CPSC staff that proves that normal books (non-play, paper books) do not contain lead in the amount specified under the CPSIA. The publishing companies have compiled a group of 300 test results that can be viewed here.
After the meeting, Cheryl Falvey, General Counsel for the CPSC, stated that a decision should be made by the first week of February. She advised libraries not to take any action at this time, and we are hopeful that the Commission’s decision will exempt libraries.
Even with her assurances, we must let the CPSC know how important an issue this is to libraries. You can visit their Web site, found here, to submit your comments to the Commission. Explain to the Commission that it is simply impossible for libraries to remove all children’s books from the shelves and/or ban children under 12 from the library and still provide the level of service that is needed.
Please feel free to use the sample language below, but personalize it to make your comments known. Studies have shown that individual letters are significantly more effective than form letters, so let’s make sure they understand how important their action will be.
As always, thank you for all that you do. The only way we will be successful in ensuring that children will have access to safe books is with a strong grassroots effort. Your comments to the CPSC need to be submitted as soon as possible, so please tell all your friends and family – we need as many people as possible to communicate that this oversight could have lasting ramifications on our children and our communities.
SAMPLE TEXT:
Dear General Counsel Falvey:
It has come to my attention that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 has been interpreted to include books as a product that must be tested for lead. While I can understand the need to protect children from toxic materials, publishers have already tested the book components and found that the lead levels are lower than the regulations require three years from now. Additionally, all book recalls in the last two decades have been because of toys attached to the books that posed a choking hazard, not the books themselves.
Making these testing regulations retroactive would require both school and public libraries to take drastic steps to come into compliance. They would either they would have to ban children from their libraries or pull every book intended for children under the age of 12 from their bookshelves at the time children are fostering a lifelong love of learning and reading.
In order to allow children and families to continue accessing critical library materials, please either exempt books from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, accept the component tests that have already been done, or exempt all books currently in school and public libraries. This will ensure that our children continue to have access to safe and educational library materials.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
*****
Kristin Murphy
Government Relations Specialist
American Library Association – Washington Office
1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20009-2520
Phone Number: 202.628.8410
Fax: 202.628.8419
kmurphy@alawash.org
The American Information Renaissance January 26, 2009
Posted by Christopher Harris in : Technology , add a commentGet your librarian mojo all fired up, here comes the dawning of the American Information Renaissance. Shortly after his inauguration, President Obama set the tone for a renewed focus on the importance of free and available information. In an Executive Memorandum about the Freedom of Information Act posted on January 21, President Obama delivered a clear message about how the administration is to handle requests for information.
“The Freedom of Information Act should be administered with a clear presumption: In the face of doubt, openness prevails. [Executive Memorandum]“
Reading past this bold statement, however, reveals the true gem from this memorandum. Not only should Freedom of Information Act requests be approached with an intent to fulfill, but agencies are directed to be more proactive in sharing to prevent the need for requests.
“The presumption of disclosure also means that agencies should take affirmative steps to make information public. They should not wait for specific requests from the public. All agencies should use modern technology to inform citizens about what is known and done by their Government. Disclosure should be timely.[Executive Memorandum]“
So what exactly does this mean for school libraries? The newly redesigned WhiteHouse.gov website is already using proactive communication technologies to push information (i.e. to actively send out the information to those who wish to receive it as opposed to passively presenting a static webpage that people could visit). The White House Blog presents coverage of Excutive activities written in a more casual style that makes it accessible for more readers. You can stay updated by subscribing to the RSS feed for the blog.
Or can you? As Pam Burke notes on her SurRural Librarian blog, the White House’s use of a blog as an official medium for communication brings up a potential problem for school libraries. Schools where the word “blog”is just another four-letter-word that doesn’t make it past the filter might need to reconsider overzealous blocking practices. Local policy review will also be necessary considering the use of streaming video (namely YouTube.com) to host the President’s weekly addresses. Though these are openly named “Your Weekly Address” many schools, and thus many students, will be restricted from accessing the President’s messages.
How is your school or library planning to make use of these new information channels coming from the Government?
CPSIA Law, Its Impact to School Libraries, & What You Can Do Now January 24, 2009
Posted by sbrisco in : AASL News, Advocacy, Hot Topics , 1 comment so farKristen Murphy, ALA Government Relations Specialist, sent an email on Thursday evening reporting the results of the meeting with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the impact that the CPSIA Law might have on school libraries IF books are included in the list of products to be removed from the access of children ages 12 and under. The letter is posted below, along with the name and telephone number for Nancy Nord, Acting Commissioner for the CPSC. Ms. Nord needs to know how this new law will impact YOUR school library!
Please take the time to pick-up the phone and discuss this issue with Nancy Nord this week! In the meantime, watch this blog for additional information and talking points to help guide you in this situation.
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A public meeting was held January 22, and Cheryl Falvey, General Counsel for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), stated that a decision should be made by the first week of February regarding libraries. She advised libraries not to take any action at this time, and we are hopeful that the Commission’s decision will exempt libraries.
Even with her assurances, we must let the CPSC know how important an issue this is to libraries. Please call the Acting Commissioner, Nancy Nord, at (301) 504-7923. When you call this number, wait for the automated directory to give you directions to reach Nancy Nord’s office. Explain to the Commission that it is simply impossible for libraries to remove all children’s books from the shelves and/or ban children under 12 from the library and still provide the level of
service that is needed.
As always, thank you for all that you do. The only way we will be successful in ensuring that children will have access to safe books is with a strong grassroots effort. Your comments to the CPSC need to be submitted as soon as possible, so please tell all your friends and family – we need as many people as possible to communicate that this
oversight could have lasting ramifications on our children and our communities.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 has been interpreted to include books as a product that must be tested for lead. While it is understandable that the CPSC must protect children from toxic materials, publishers have already tested the book components and found that the lead levels are lower than the regulations require three years from now. Additionally, all book recalls in the last two decades have been because of toys attached to the books that posed a choking hazard, not the books themselves.
Making these testing regulations retroactive would require both school and public libraries to take drastic steps to come into compliance. They either would have to ban children from their libraries or pull every book intended for children under the age of 12 from their bookshelves at the time children are fostering a lifelong love of learning and reading.
In order to allow children and families to continue accessing critical library materials, please either exempt books from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, accept the component tests that have already been done, or exempt all books currently in school and public libraries. This will ensure that our children continue to have access to safe and educational library materials.
Thank you for your continued support of libraries!
Sincerely,
Kristin Murphy
Government Relations Specialist
American Library Association – Washington Office
1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20009-2520
Phone Number: 202.628.8410
Fax: 202.628.8419
kmurphy@alawash.org
Teacher-librarians = Core teachers January 24, 2009
Posted by jfreeman in : Advocacy, Hot Topics, Spokane Moms , 1 comment so farWhen you have a dedicated group of parents, librarians and legislators, good things happen. Last fall Washington State school libraries were the recipients of a $4 million grant from the state, due to the efforts of school library advocates, including the “Spokane Moms,” librarians, library supporters, and legislators across the state.
Now, another piece of good news out of Washington: the inclusion of school librarians as part of the “Core Instructional Program” of Basic Education in the recommendations prepared by the Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance. The Joint Task Force (JTF) has been working for a year and a half to review the definition and funding for basic education in Washington State. Teacher-librarians and their advocates worked hard to have librarians moved from the category of “Educational Staff Associates” (including nurses and counselors) to “Core Teachers” and in the JTF final recommendations, librarians are now part of the Core Instructional Program.
Other recommendations include:
- Allocation of $155 per student for “Textbook, Library Books, and Other Materials”
- Allocation of $200 per student for student technology
- Function of teacher-librarian be redefined as including information literacy, technology, and media
- That a full-time teacher-librarian is necessary with the allocation based upon the number of students to be served (400-600 depending on the type of school)
These recommendations have resulted in two bills being introduced this past week in the Washington State legislature, HB 1410 and SB 5444, incorporating these recommendations, among many others from the JTF. The future is still uncertain, with a newly elected State Superintendent and the economic forecast, but unwavering advocacy has resulted in heightened awareness of teacher-librarians and their important role in students’ education.
For more information:
- Fund Our Future Washington website: http://www.fundourfuturewashington.org
- Joint Task Force Report: http://www.leg.wa.gov/documents/joint/bef/FinalReport.pdf
Are there librarians in your elementary schools? January 22, 2009
Posted by mkowalsky in : AASL News, Advocacy , 1 comment so farAs we continue to discuss recruitment and training for new library media specialists, we need not only to look for good teachers who want to make the move to the school library media center, but also to look for students in our K-12 and undergraduate classes who might show an interest in the helping professions or skills in applying technologies to solve problems. We may want to start looking for potential new librarians among the youngest students with whom we have contact; as SLMSs we certainly have an opportunity to encourage career choices among those young people we meet every day. However, a more understated approach to building the next generation of professionals may work best with a discerning and often sensitive crowd.
As stewards of the profession, we could encourage skill-building toward a career in librarianship early in life. Even elementary school children could learn the basics of the reference interview; middle school students could learn how to choose appropriate resources for real information needs, such as determining if certain kinds of nformation would be better found online or in a book; and high school students can practice applying recursive research strategies to today’s social and everyday problems, both in school and in the world. Similarly, undeclared college students with technology skills could explore searching, classifying, and communicating information in a variety of subject areas, thus developing library and information science skills without being confronted with the often uninviting question “Have you ever thought of becoming a librarian?”
By developing librarian skills — and not just library use skills — early in life, we make careers in our field naturally more attractive to a Millennial generation. They may then feel that librarian jobs are easy since they already possess the skills and experience needed to do them, or they may like the idea that librarianship is an opportunity to help others through “doing” rather than “being.” Similarly, by tapping into young people’s propensity for technology, for finding information, and/or sharing their learning, we could point out that these skills are central to our profession and to becoming a librarian of any kind.
Perhaps we should look more closely in our immediate surroundings for opportunities to cultivate (and enculturate!) the next generation of librarians by focusing on communicating the modern and accessible aspects of our jobs which young people may understand easily. This may indeed capture the interest of K-16 students who may otherwise perceive our title to be old-fashioned.
Update to CPSIA Law and Children’s Books January 22, 2009
Posted by sbrisco in : AASL News, Hot Topics , add a commentALA has updated their information page on CPSIA
-There was a public meeting at CPSC, requested by AAP, today at 1 p.m. CST. ALA was represented by Washington Office staff and there will be a report out as soon as there is further information. The specific topic to be addressed is exemption for books.
-There is a timetable posted now on the CPSC Web site, which seems to indicate there will be a period of several months following 2/10/2009 before any action would be able to be taken to enforce the law; please visit http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html#publicmeetings (scroll down to the “Timeline” link).
Information about this law and updates can be found on the ALA website and are included here to help you to understand what is happening and how you can become involved:
What ALA Is Doing; What You Can Do
ALA’s goals are:
- CPSC to exempt books from the Consumer Product & Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
- CPSC to accept the component tests that have already been done on book components, as indicated by the AAP.
- CPSC exempt all books currently in school and public libraries ( in other words, to give libraries the same consideration given to thrift shops and secondhand stores)
The ALA Washington Office does not believe Congressional action is needed at this time because members of Congress are already contacting CPSC. ALA is communicating with the CPSC and may eventually ask that members contact the agency, pending the outcome of these negotiations. ALA has also been in touch with the Obama/Biden Transition Team Leader for CPSC, who understands our concerns. ALA is preparing for all potential actions, which may include seeking an injunction, a grassroots effort to contact members of Congress and/or the CPSC, and/or a press campaign highlighting all the damage an extreme, immediate interpretation of CPSIA could cause. Members should remain aware of this situation, educate themselves, and be ready to respond if necessary. ALA’s strategy may change as new information and opinions are issued, so please stay tuned. We expect to know more about what libraries will need to do by the time the law is implemented, but for now that is still being worked out.
Additional information will be posted as soon as it become available.
AASL at Midwinter January 22, 2009
Posted by Laura Pearle in : ALA MW2009, Community , add a commentFor those of you attending, check out the Denver microsite, filled with ideas for restaurants and other “to do”s. The wiki has additional, meeting-related information.
Those of you not attending Midwinter in Denver can follow along from the warmth of your home. These blogs will provide live coverage of the conference:
- Official blogroll
- Twitter #ALAMW09
- Twitter feed for the Youth Media Awards
TRAILS: Assessing Students’ Information Literacy January 20, 2009
Posted by jhurd in : Check this out!, Standards, Technology , add a commentWhile we all work diligently to improve students’ information literacy, it’s not always easy to assess students’ knowledge and retention. TRAILS (Tool for Real-Time Assessment of Information Literacy Skills) provides one possible solution. Created by Kent State with funding from the Institute for Library and Information Literacy Education, this free online tool uses multiple choice questions based on both Information Power and Ohio’s 6th and 9th grade standards.
TRAILS provides multiple assessment areas–either testing general skills or focusing on specific areas–and provides two tests for each type. The program also randomly generates student codes to assign to students for tracking purposes, should you so desire.
Once the set-up information is complete, TRAILS generates a URL for students to access the test online.
Students can review their results by signing in again with their original code; the program also generates both class and student reports via PDF OR you can review the results on line.
The “How Trails Works” link provides a step-by-step walk through for generating your own assessment; it also suggests several ideas for using the tool.
