Cy STAFF
Editor Dillon Stanley Library Ferrum College P.O. Box 1000 Ferrum, Virginia 24088 [phone] [e-mail] Associate Editor Nancy H. Seamans Virginia Tech University Libraries Blacksburg, Virginia [phone] [e-mail] Editorial Board Karen W. Dillon Contract Manager SWING (Southwest Information Network Group) 3045 Dugspur Road Callaway, Virginia 24067 [phone] [e-mail] John T. Kneebone Publications Division Library of Virginia 800 E. Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 [phone] [e-mail] Rebecca R. Laine Longwood College Library Farmville, Virginia 23909 [phone] [e-mail]
Virginia Libraries
July/August/September, 1999, Vol. 45, No. 3
COLUMNS
Cy Dillon Sandra Heinemann 2 4 Openers: An Interview with Alyson Hagy Presidents Column: Committees Fuel the VLA Fire Virginia Books
Julie A. Campbell, Ed.
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FEATURES
Scott Silet 6 Anatomy of the Internet Reference Resources Web Page: a UVA Library Experiment Washingtonpost.com Publisher Marc Teren Links Future of Libraries and Media Hollins Universitys New Wyndham Robertson Library Teen Read Week Sparks Regional Cooperation in Metropolitan Richmond, Virginia The VLA Paraprofessional Forums 1999 Conference Accessing Virginia Statistics on the Internet University of Virginias Alderman Caf Earns High Marks from Faculty, Students, and Customer Survey
Patricia C. Bangs
11
Marna Hostetler
13
Pat McKay and Janet Baumgardner
16
18
Mary Dessypris Anne Lawrence and Melissa Norris
23 26
Graphic Design by Lamp-Post Publicity, Meherrin Printing by Farmville Printing, Farmville
Virginia Libraries is a quarterly journal published by the Virginia Library Association whose purpose is to develop, promote, and improve library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to advance literacy and learning and to ensure access to information in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The journal, distributed to the membership, is used as a vehicle for members to exchange information, ideas, and solutions to mutual problems in professional articles on current topics in the library and information field. Views expressed in Virginia Libraries are not necessarily endorsed by the editor or editorial board. Information in Virginia Libraries is copyrighted by the Virginia Library Association. Material may be reproduced for informational, educational, or recreational purposes. Virginia Libraries is indexed in Library Literature. Items for publication and editorial inquiries should be addressed to the editor. Inquiries regarding membership, subscriptions, advertising, or claims should be directed to VLA, P.O. Box 8277, Norfolk, VA 23503-0277. All personnel happenings and announcements should be sent to the VLA Newsletter, Mary Hansbrough, P.O. Box 90001, University Libraries, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24062, [phone], fax [phone], e-mail maryhans@ vt.edu. Virginia Libraries is available by subscription at $20 per year. The guidelines for submissions to Virginia Libraries are found on the inside back cover.
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OPENERS
An Interview with Alyson Hagy
by Cy Dillon
A
AH
lyson Hagy, a native of Franklin County, Virginia, will publish her third collection of short stories and her first novel during the coming year. She teaches writing at the University of Wyoming. How did growing up on
VL the edge of the mountains in Virginia affect your development as a storyteller? Isnt your father something of the old-time country doctor? Growing up on the edge of the Blue Ridge mountains, just at the intersection of Appalachian and Piedmont cultures, had a great effect on me as a writer. I was raised on a farm just outside of Rocky Mount, Virginia, so the richness of the rural landscape the large vegetable garden, the ancient barns, the hay fields, the murky Blackwater river fed my imagination, though I wasnt consciously aware of that fact. Southerners are grand storytellers, so I think being raised in a tale-telling culture also influenced my imagination. My father, who was a general practitioner in Franklin County until I was 15 (he still practices as a family doctor in Roanoke), is a great talker, and he collected anecdotes and tales from his colleagues and patients, often bringing them home to share with us. I also think that traveling on house calls with my father (which we often did) deepened my appreciation for a wide range of people,
black and white, poor and poorer, since I often saw families on the edge of grief. I was also welcomed onto the porches of those families and became familiar with the careful, hard-working rhythms of their lives. Even now, after years away from Virginia, I am still drawn to rural areas, to places that are often beautiful (as the Virginia mountains are) but difficult to live in.
North Carolina. My guess is that Im intrigued by survivors, by people who work on land or water where their livelihoods are affected by natural forces far beyond their control. Why would anyone want to live on a barrier island or in a mountain hollow? Because its beautiful and challenging, and because independence and a high level of solitude are often desirable. I dont think that everyone should live in such places; I dont think most of us would want to do so. But people who live on our American margins geographically, economically, culturally deeply intrigue me, perhaps because they are always in conflict with weather or economic success as we usually define it. I cannot tell which landscapes will trigger my imagination. Ive recently completed a novel set on a racetrack in Kentucky, which is not a project I would have predicted for myself. I think I was drawn to the track because it harbored a rich microcosm of American dreamers, but Im not absolutely sure.
VL many of your stories in exAH
Why do you think you set so
VL ing the language of different AH
characters and narrators. Do you have a method for absorbing the idiom, or does it come naturally? I suppose Ive become a trained listener. I wasnt conscious of this tendency, either. The only conscious training I did as a
You have a knack for captur-
treme landscapes? The Outer Banks and the Upper Peninsula are quite different from western Virginia. I wasnt aware of my predilection for extreme landscapes until I was deep into my collection of stories about the Outer Banks of
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young person was read, and I read because I loved it, not because I dreamed of being a writer. I dreamed of being a veterinarian. Or an archaeologist. Or an equestrienne. My parents are both excellent singers, so maybe the ability to hear idiom comes from some halfburied musical ability. I wish I could sing. I wish I could make peoples skin prickle at the sound of my voice the way the great singers do. Maybe Im a writerone with an interest in sound and rhythmbecause I cant sing. Not well enough to go beyond the church choir, in any case.
are likely to connect me to the realistic tradition of Eudora Welty, Carson McCullers, etc. Which is not a bad place to be.
AH
VL chora is your ideal reader. Do AH
You say that your sister Mel-
VL right in the middle of the AH
realist tradition. Do academic critics accept this of you, or do you get the feeling theyd rather see you go in a different direction? Its hard to say what the critics think of me. I havent made much of an appearance on the critical scene though I am occasionally contacted by a graduate student interested in my Appalachian or Southern roots. I suppose some critics wont find me Southern enough, but I feel deeply Southern. Its simply been my path to take my rural roots out into wider America. What I mean when I say Im in the middle of the realist tradition is that Im not a particularly postmodern writer. My stories (and my novel) are traditional in structure and focus; they have beginnings, middles, and ends. About half of the important American writers are still realists; its an abiding strain in our literature. Yet I am interested in what the experimenters are doing with language and form. I try to keep up (to some degree) with avant garde fiction on the internet, for instance. I just havent found a way to use my interest in the new to fuel my own work. Not yet. So for now critics
You have said that you are
you use the reactions of readers in writing and revising your stories, or do you keep them to yourself until they are in final form? When Ive done all I can with a story (after many, many drafts), Ill try it out on a tough reader or two. Even after 20 years of experience, Im not always my own best editor. Skilled readers are very important to me. My sister is not a writer, but she is a devoted reader of all sorts of books. Shes a great one to test fiction on. Your story Sharking is narrated from the point of view of a character who is almost the polar opposite of you. He is a disillusioned loner who reveals human compassion almost begrudgingly. Why did you select such a character to inhabit? Tough question. I remember seeing this heavy, tattooed, eccentric guy at the end of Frisco Pier on Hatteras Island once. I never forgot him the way he looked, the way his equipment was arrayed around him. Something began to hum when I saw himand the hum didnt go away for years. Finally I was able to imagine a voice to go with his body and his obvious passion for shark fishing. Many of my stories begin like that with a tableau, or a couple of sentences of dialogue. I seem to store those fragments until I can use them. I also feel more challenged when I write away from myself. I think other folks are much more interesting than I am. Im a born chronicler, I guess. After three short story collec-
writing goals do you have for yourself in the next few years? Id like to get to work on a new novel, perhaps something set in Wyoming where we have plenty of intriguing extremes. And Im always writing storiesabout lots of different places and characters. There is probably at least one more Virginia book in me, as well. Im regularly haunted (in a good way) by some half-formed, Blue Ridge-type characters in my imagination. Do you find that teaching
VL creative writing at a university AH
VL
AH
VL tions and a new novel, what
helps or hinders your own writing? Have you had students who are successful writers themselves? I can still teach effectively and get my own writing done, but it seems to get harder and harder. Writing becomes more demanding the better you get at it, so it can become difficult to share your best wisdom with your students when that wisdom is so hard-earned and more difficult to define. Right now, I still love teaching. Its a thrilland a chance for me to learn. Theres also the desire to give something back to eager young writers. Ive had some truly great teachers in my day George Garrett (now at UVa) is one of the most brilliant, generous artists Ill ever know. I also learned some vital lessons from Richard Ford, Janet Kauffman, and Charles Baxter. Ive had the privilege of working with many students who have gone on to publish and publish well. I dont take credit for their work, however. I may have helped them solve a short-term problem or two, but success in writing has more to do with what you learn than what you are taught. And, most of that learning occurs from reading (no surprise there) and putting pen to paper. Persistence and passion. Those are the keys. VL
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PRESIDENTS COLUMN
Committees Fuel the VLA Fire
by Sandra Heinemann
W
hen asked to serve on a committee, most of us inwardly groan. We want to know How much time is it going to take? What are we supposed to do? When do we have to have it done? and so forth. We assume that a committee is being formed because there is a problem to be solved, a task to be completed, or a study to be undertaken; and we have a talent, skill, interest, or past experience that will get the job done. It is flattering to be asked, but most committees have a downside they demand a lot of work. The upside is an opportunity to exercise intellectual skills, change a situation for the better, and interact with others with similar concerns or interests. On balance, shouldnt we say yes? Fortunately, many competent people have said yes to the Virginia Library Association. The Association runs on the energy, commitment, and time of its volunteers. The appointed committees and their chairs address issues of importance to the VLA membership and to the profession. At present, VLA has ten standing committees and one ad hoc committee. A total of 120 members participate in these committees, approximately 10 percent of the membership. The work they do is vital to the organization. Without VLAs Legislative Committee, we would not have secured the support of members of the
General Assembly in sponsoring and passing legislation to provide $2.8 million to increase state aid to public libraries in 2000 and $500,000 to fund the technology plan, Infopowering the Commonwealth. This was the result of a focused, organized effort on the part of committee members under the leadership of Janis Augustine and Linda Krantz with the advice
The Association runs on the energy, commitment, and time of its volunteers.
and counsel and efforts of VLAs legislative liaison. This same group influenced the direction of Internet use legislation that resulted in passage of HB1043 which provided for local control of Internet use in Virginias public libraries. Without VLAs Continuing Education Committee, the Association would not have sponsored a plethora of continuing education and training programs for the membership. C. E. opportunities are always among the top three services that members expect from the Association. Louveller Luster, 1998/99 Chairperson, and her committee members annually plan a continuing education training workshop
for forum and section chairs which generates program ideas and guidelines for successful meetings. They monitor continuing education programs through a liaison system which provides additional support for the program planners. Without VLAs Conference Committee, there would not be a stimulating, challenging annual conference. Hours of planning, telephoning, negotiating, and soliciting are needed to develop a conference with appeal to a broad spectrum of interests, to secure first-rate speakers, and to develop worthwhile programs. With the assistance of the Executive Director and Chairperson Mary MayerHennelly, committee members also plan social events, determine schedules, contact vendors, and decide on program brochures. All of this serves to attract people to the conference and support the needs of members to network and learn in a stimulating environment. Without the efforts of the Publications Committee, VLA would not have state-of-the-art communication tools for use by the membership. During the past few years, a web site was developed and a listserv begun. These two services complement the VLA Newsletter and Virginia Libraries, insuring that we have an informed, involved membership. This year, co-chairs Barbie Selby and Sue Trask and their committee have worked to secure revenue to support publica-
Sandra Heinemann is Head Catalog Librarian at Hampden-Sydney College.
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Publications Committee members convene at Barbie Selbys home this spring.
tions through advertising. Other VLA committees monitor intellectual freedom issues, select individuals and groups to receive recognition and awards, choose VLA scholarship recipients, and develop organization manuals. Committees form the underpinning of VLA. They provide an opportunity for individuals to develop leadership skills which will be needed in the future. Professionals, paraprofessionals, and other library supporters are able to work together and learn from one another. VLA emphasizes inclusiveness and regional participation within all committees so that people from all areas of the Commonwealth can contribute. Members who work on committees are often the unsung heroes of the association. They all deserve a round of applause for their contributions to strengthening the association and the profession in Virginia. VL
1999 VLA Committees
Administrative Services Stella B. Pool, Chair Karen Cary Carol Creager Deborah H. Dawson Donna Gant Sally Jacobs Maurice LaPierre Edward Lener Donna Pletcher Carol Sinwell Awards & Recognition Susan Keller, Chairperson Barbara Ecton Connie Gilman Velma Haley Collette Macin Steve Murden Olivia Osei-Sarfo Sarah Parker Carmy Witzke Conference Mary Mayer-Hennelly, Chairperson Sandy Heinemann Linda Hahne Carolyn Barkley Libby Blanton Harriett Edmunds Linda Farynk Connie Gilman Jim Gwin Carol Hunter Olivia Osei-Sarfo Continuing Education Louveller Luster, Chairperson Althea Acshmann Molly Brennan Elizabeth Doolittle Harriett Edmunds, ex officio My Guidarelli Pat Howe Mary Prendergast Barbara Rittinger Therese Wagenknecht Sarah Wiggins Lydia Williams Intellectual Freedom Neal Wyatt, Chairperson Ruth Arnold Jeff Clark Connie Gilman Ted Hostelter Sarah Parker Timothy Coggins Stephanie Michel Jane E. Sullivan Starr Smith Kristen Steele Legislative Janis Augustine, Co-Chair Linda Krantz, Co-Chair Sam Clay, Vice Chair Beth Askew Ellen Bell Barbara Burdette Ann Friedman Bess Haile Tom Hehman Mary Mayer-Hennelly Sarah Hudson Chuck Koutnik Patrick M. OBrien Sarah Parker Sally G. Reed Laurie S. Roberts Gail Tatum John Twombly Spencer Watts Publications Barbie Selby, Co-Chair Sue Trask, Co-Chair Antoinette Arsic Margaret R. Brinkhuis Caroline Gilson Andrea Kross Loretta Parham-OBrien Cy Dillon, ex officio Linda Hahne, ex officio Mary Hansbrough, ex officio Steve Helm, ex officio Scholarship Sydney Simpson, Chairperson Donna Bausch Velma Haley Sandy Heinemann, ex officio Lindsey Ideson Elna Ann Mayo Marianne Ramsden Carol Sinwell John Trotti
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Anatomy of the Internet Reference Resources Web Page: a UVA Library Experiment
by Scott Silet
T
his just in: The number of Web sites surpasses 53 gazillion worldwide number of reference librarians experiencing information meltdown attributed to the number of web sites at an all-time high. While this isnt an actual headline (yet), I suspect many of us feel as though we read it every week. Keeping up with the deluge of information available on the Internet is a full-time job. Indeed, organizations like Yahoo, The Scout Report, and the Internet Public Library have sizable staffs whose sole responsibility is to survey the farthest reaches of the virtual universe and keep the rest of us informed about what is new and interesting on the web. As the number of resources available over the Internet has grown, many reference librarians around the state have responded by establishing their own virtual collections of reference resources. For samples of such collections see Virginia Techs http://www.lib.vt.edu/research/ resources/, General Reference Resources, William & Marys http:// www.swem.vm.edu/Gateway/ref. html, Reference Resources, Fairfax Countys http://www.co.fairfax. va.us/library/internet/ref.htm, Reference Bookshelf, and Rockbridge Regional Librarys http://www.lib.
rang.gen.va.us/Infofldr/departs/ reference/Index.htm, Index of WWW Resources. The University of Virginia also maintains a collection called http://www.lib.virginia. edu/reference, Internet Reference Resources (IRR), which has existed in one form or another since the spring of 1995. The following arti-
Keeping up with the deluge of information available on the Internet is a full-time job.
cle is a brief history of that reference page, a discussion of how it is currently maintained and administered, and a listing of issues and challenges that face it and similar collections in the future.
Background
As is the case with many such pages at other libraries, the IRR essentially started out as a series of handy web sites which University of Virginia reference librarians found and bookmarked on their office or reference desk computers.
As the number of these resources grew, we found they became increasingly useful in our work answering reference questions. In response to this trend, many of us created lists of Internet-accessible resources on our librarys reference pages. Unfortunately for our users, most were difficult to find and poorly organized indicating, perhaps, that they were designed primarily for ourselves and not our library users. Lacking any standards of style or development, the quality of pages varied widely. Some used a straight alphabetic listing while others attempted to annotate each site or to group items by subject, but what these lists gained in organization they frequently lost in comprehensiveness. The pages grew independently of one another over the next two years, a fact reinforced by the lack of communication between librarians who maintained them. As the web grew, the time needed to maintain these pages increased as well. Realizing that the task of maintaining this collection was better handled by a centralized effort, I proposed in the spring of 1997 that we consolidate our efforts and create a single page that would serve all UVa libraries. An Advisory Committee made up
Scott Silet is Instruction and Information Services Librarian at the University of Virginia.
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Image 1, left, the Internet Reference Resources homepage. Image 2, below, is an example of catalogued resource.
of six reference librarians (many of whose pages were integrated to make IRR) was established to coordinate the creation, design, and maintenance of IRR which officially went public in the fall of 1997.
Page Design
Whats in a Name?: One of the first tricky issues the Advisory Group had to resolve was what to name the page a seemingly simple task which ultimately proved to be somewhat problematic. Many variations on a theme for reference pages existed already: Virtual Reference Desk, Electronic Reference Shelf, On-line Reference Works, Reference Sources on the Internet, etc. (See http:// www.lib.virginia.edu/reference/new/ univrefpages.html for the variety of names used at other university libraries.) We all felt that no one name adequately described the unique nature of the collection, specifically how it differed from the Librarys primary (fee-based) collections of resources accessible on the web, including InfoTrac, Lexis-Nexis, and Encyclopedia Britannica. After much debate, we
settled on Internet Reference Resources our thinking being that that name would best represent a collection of resources which had come from out there on the Internet and not owned by (i.e. from within) the Library. Categories: The Advisory Group wrestled with several items related to the organization of the page, starting with establishing a coherent and logical subject hierarchy (see image #1). We settled on five main categories and concluded that the top-level page should display general resources sources materials which would most likely be of interest to users in all libraries. We chose four other subjectspecific categories (Arts & Humani-
ties, Engineering, Science & Medicine, and Social Sciences) to reflect the major areas of study at the University. The five categories, six if you consider the New category which was added later, were colorcoded to give users a sense of location within the complex IRR structure. We then divided each category into a series of subcategories (topics). Topics: We created the list of topics for the General category after looking at our existing resources as well as by looking at those topics used by other college and university reference pages. Topics for the four subject-specific areas, on the other hand, relate directly to the fields of study at the University
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and are named primarily after academic departments. Several fields have a large number of resources (government / foreign affairs - 64, business-58, travel-43, and books32) so we chose to further subdivide these topics into logical and useful groupings (e.g., geographical, chronological, material type, etc.). Once topics have been created and subdivided, items are then organized according to their usefulness or popularity relative to the grouping. Here, we rely on our own experience using the page to determine the most beneficial order of entries which does, it should be noted, change from time to time, particularly with time-sensitive materials. Entries may be cross-listed between categories and/or topics, if appropriate. If a source lends itself well to more than two topics within the same category, it is placed in a special general/disciplinary topic heading. Annotations: Annotations in IRR describe the content and evaluate the usefulness of a resource. As a general rule, annotations should alert the user to the authority, comprehensiveness, currency, and ease of use of an item as well other things like the existence of search engine or index. They should also highlight any additional resources such as glossaries, source lists, or advanced searching forms which might prove helpful when using the page. Equally as important, annotations serve as words which are indexed by the IRRs internal search engine; therefore the selector/annotator needs to use words which users might employ to describe and find that item. Layout: We were fortunate to have a number of talented individuals within the Library to assist with the graphical and mechanical design of the IRR. Our Publications Office helped with the design of
the left-hand frame and category/ topic headers. I should add that it was only after some discussion that the Advisory Group accepted frames as the best way to organize the IRR, and we havent looked back since. This Office also provides us with a regular report of broken, orphaned, and redirected URLs using LinkBot. We have a graduate student assistant fix out-
It is important to have guidelines governing the selection of library materials, and web reference sources are no exception.
Purpose/Audience: With few exceptions, sites included in IRR support the instructional and research programs of the University. If the resource is general or basic in nature, then it will be included if it is perceived by the selector to be of interest to our faculty, students, and staff. If there is some doubt as to the appropriateness of a resource to the collection then the determining scenario is Might someone within the University community ask us a question which this source would help answer? Scope: The resources included must serve to answer a factual or quick reference question, just as if it were a title added to our print ready reference collection. The relatively narrow scope of the IRR is what differentiates it from other library or commercial reference pages. It generally differs from its colleagues in one of two ways: those sites only include general, not subject-specific, resources or they include sites that would not be considered ready reference in nature by our selection criteria. The site at http://www.indiana. edu/~librcsd/internet/, created by Jian Liu and now maintained by Anne Graham, is an excellent example of the former and http:// sunsite.berkeley.edu/InternetIndex/, The Librarians Index to the Internet, is an equally good example of the latter. I survey both regularly to supplement our collection. Access: In order to be included in IRR, it is necessary that reference resources either be freely-accessible or free with a simple registration. No detailed registrations or ones that require personal information are included because it is not the intention of the IRR to profile our users for web capitalists any more than browser cookies already do. Resources appearing to be free for
dated links on a monthly basis. PERL-meister Patrick Yott, director of our Geo-Statistical Center, also assisted us by writing a series of complex scripts to update the graphical, navigational, and functional changes required by each of the dozens of HTML files that make up the IRR.
Collection Development
It is important to have guidelines governing the selection of library materials, and web reference sources are no exception. Some institutions, like the University of Oregon, have established collection development policies specifically for Internet resources (see http:// darkwing.uoregon.edu/~chadwelf/ intesele.htm). While UVa has not gone to these lengths, selectors contributing to IRR use many of the same guidelines for inclusion that govern our print reference materials. These include, but are not limited to:
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limited time are included at the discretion of the selector and noted in the sites annotation. Only in a few instances do we list subscription-based web databases, another characteristic that distinguishes our page from those of many other libraries. There are many reasons for doing this. Even now, the majority of the Librarys databases cannot directly be linked because they are part of a suite of databases that are (IP) authenticated at the collection level, and this can be quite confusing. Additionally, more than half of our users are not affiliated with UVa, and the Advisory Group considers it bad form to include resources to which not all have access. Lastly, we decided that keeping up with what was available outside the Library provided us with a sufficient amount of work for now. Authority/Accuracy: Whenever possible, we verify information within a reference web site against print sources to verify the accuracy of the data. Authorship, if known or not apparent from the URL, is typically included in the annotation. Currency: Ideally, sites for inclusion are regularly updated. Exceptions to this rule include resources such as historical works (biographies, bibliographies, etc.). Notes on currency, if known, are added to the sites annotation. Arrangement/Ease of Use: The content of resources included in IRR should be organized to allow the user to easily extract needed information. Poorly designed sites, in spite of the utility of the information they contain, are regularly excluded. One of the keys to a good site is the availability of a good index or search engine. When linking to a site, we try to lead users directly to a search engine or index screen, rather than placing the onus of finding the
resources on them. As a general rule, we do not include resources that are produced and viewed with Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) since these files are typically large with no logical or apparent means of internal navigation other than a search tool. Additionally its not possible to link to a specific item such as a table or an appendix within a .pdf file, and this also limits utility.
resources while searching our library catalog, but it might prove useful to look into this. Use Statistics: Currently the toplevel IRR page receives roughly 5,000 hits per month (up nearly 500% since July 1997), approximately 40% of which come from within the University. The top eleven most frequently accessed areas during April, 1999 were: 1). General-Phone (816) 2). Arts & Humanities (651) - the most popular topic within this category was English Language & Literature (229) 3). General-Encyclopedias (603) 4). General-Style Manuals/ Grammar (496), 5). General-People/Biographies (371) 6). General-Books/Publishers (345) 7). General-Libraries/Archives (339) 8). Humanities-Popular Culture (movies, television, music) (334) 8). Social Sciences (334) - the most popular topic within this category was Government & Foreign Affairs (212) 10). General-Dictionaries (323) 11). General-Local (Cville, UVa, Virginia) (284) General topics get substantially more use, we presume, because their scope is useful to a broader range of users and because these topics are also what the user sees first after connecting to the page. We use a software program called NetTracker to compile a series of use statistics including number of views by month and day, average time viewing a page, plus the users two and three-digit domain name extensions (i.e. .edu, .uk), browser, and platform. This data is useful in determining who comprises our user base, what resource areas they are using, and, more
One of the keys to a good site is the availability of a good index or search engine.
Access & Use of IRR
One of the perpetual challenges we face with the IRR is promoting the wide variety of resources contained in it whether they be a popular resource of local interest like the Charlottesville Movie Guide or a nationally-known scholarly resource like the Handbook of Latin American Studies. Since it came into being two years ago, the IRR has benefited greatly from its location on the top-level of the Librarys homepage (serendipity continues to play a role in our Librarys collections). Many patrons also learn about IRR when we use it to help answer their questions at the reference desk. Additionally, whenever appropriate, we use it in classes taught through the Librarys instruction programs. Another source of user awareness comes from Virgo, our on-line catalog. Each of the resources in IRR is cataloged, many of them courtesy of Jackie Shieh a former member of our Cataloging Department (see image #2). We have no data as yet indicating how many people find and use these
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generally, where we should be focusing our efforts in the future. For those users who do not want to browse the subject hierarchy for a resource, we offer a moderately useful search engine, Webinator, which indexes every word in the site and is updated weekly by our Library systems department. Unfortunately, this search engine is not entirely sufficient for our needs because it retrieves only the name of topics, not individual items, which contain the users search term. This forces users to search that topic page to find the specific resource. We are currently investigating using a more sophisticated mark-up language (SGML) which would allow for much more effective user search and retrieval. SGML will also allow us to track which individual resources are being used. Administration & Maintenance: While suggestions for resources come from many different areas of the library, updates to the IRR are done primarily by two reference librarians, one covering the Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering and one covering the rest. We are currently working on a web-based form generated by a complex PERL script which would allow users and librarians to suggest resources for inclusion on-line. Entries to IRR are added on an as-find/have-time basis (generally 24 times a month). We added a New category about a year ago to highlight recent entries. The IRRs custodians themselves find these categories particularly useful when scanning comprehensive reference sites like the New This Week section of http:// sunsite.berkeley.edu/InternetIndex/ (Librarians Index to the Internet), and, at the same time, to provide our Cataloging Department with a current list of resources to be
added to the library catalog.
Immediate/Long-term Challenges
User awareness is, arguably, the key to the success or failure of reference web pages which, in turn, justifies the amount of effort that goes into building and maintaining them. Awareness of these resources starts at home. It is
Another challenge for reference librarians is to use our unique knowledge of the web to compile or create new web reference sources.
important that UVa reference librarians regularly scan newly added resources to IRR, just as we do to keep up with new print and subscription-based electronic resources. We must also continue our efforts to publicize throughout the library those new resources which are of interest to us all. Keeping up with the deluge is a problem that will most likely persist for IRR selectors indefinitely. One response is to continue to identify high-quality current awareness resources like the Scout Report and the Librarians Index to the Internet to assist in this discovery and selection process. Another is to investigate building consortial collections which would enable librarians from peer institutions to contribute to a shared resource or, at the very least, develop a mechanism by which we share our discoveries with each other. These could take
the form of a collective web page or a current awareness list-serv to highlight new reference resources. Another challenge for reference librarians is to use our unique knowledge of the web to compile or create new web reference sources. For example, we received a reference question a few months ago from someone who needed to know the individual companies that made up several major stock indexes. We could not find a source (print or electronic) that compiled this data, but in the process of searching we found that many individual indexes had this information available on their web sites. We then brought these lists together in one resource on the IRR called Stock Index Directories (http://www.lib.virginia.edu/ reference > Social Sciences > Business > Stocks - #20). As the beginning of the 21st century approaches, we find that nearly everything related to the library and its collections are in a state of flux. Here are a few things that will characterize that state: users will be increasingly defined by who comes in through our homepages rather than our doors, the number of reference resources on the web will be inversely proportional to the amount of time our users have to find them as well as our ability to collect, organize, and make it all accessible, and resource management in the dawn of the information age must take place concurrently with the building of electronic collections and not be an afterthought. Resources like the Internet Reference Resources page are poised to make a valuable and lasting contribution to a librarys reference collection, but we must meet these challenges head-on in order to ensure our continued success.
VL
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Washingtonpost.com Publisher Marc Teren Links Future of Libraries and Media
by Patricia C. Bangs
A
s information navigators, both libraries and the news media are successfully reinventing themselves to stay relevant in the digital age, explained Marc Teren, president and publisher of Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, in a recent speech to the Fairfax County Public Library staff. We are similar in many ways, remarked Teren in a keynote address at the Librarys annual Staff Day, a half-day in-service event that hosted almost 500 Library staff on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University. Unfortunately that means we are seen by some as relics of an analog era. Soon to be replaced by ubiquitous access to a global pool of information open 24 hours a day and available in a den or office near you. Accused of being unnecessary or irrelevant, we are being asked to reinvent ourselves to secure our future in a digital world. Teren, who took the helm at Washingtonpost.com in December 1996, readily admits that his experience in the information business is relatively new. Previously in charge of developing interactive entertainment services for The
Marc Teren addresses the Fairfax County Public Library staff on the common future of libraries and the news media in the electronic era. Walt Disney Company, Teren brings a businessmans acumen (and an M.B.A. from Harvard) to the dissemination of information in the digital age. But he understands the key role of the information navigator, whether a librarian or newspaper reporter, in the electronic era.
Referring to an image familiar to librarians of the Internet as a library with all its books strewn on the floor, Teren explained, The ability to make sense of information is a skill even more in demand in the age of the Internet. Searching for authoritative information online is like setting sail in a hurricane. Most of us sailors will get swamped before we reach our destination. People need help navigating the swelling sea of information to be found on the Internet. That is where we come in. That is why I believe our role is more important now than ever. Citing statistics that 77 percent of Fairfax County residents own library cards and 82 percent of the County population uses the library, Teren feels the Fairfax County Public Library is successfully involving the community in their local libraries a key to staying relevant in the information age. Just as Washingtonpost.com wants to be an extension of what its community of users perceive The Washington Post to be, libraries want their consumers to use the library as an extension of their home and the larger community
Pat Banks is Staff Writer in the Public Information Office of the Fairfax County Public Library.
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in which they live, Teren believes. Once at the library you can connect them to a world of information and a range of services that meet their growing information needs. And those needs are growing. And they will continue to grow, he explained. Teren highlighted a fact familiar to librarians, that the public library is the number one alternative point for accessing the Internet outside of home, work, or school. Teren suggests that since the number of individuals using the library as an alternate access point to the Internet continues to increase, The Internet is likely to grow rather than shrink your audience. As always you are the access point for individuals of all economic backgrounds. For many, and particularly for those for whom the playing field is not always equal, you are the access to the web and as such the gateway to knowledge, information and exploration. Seems to me that your position in the community is more important than ever. Teren also talked about the viability of print in an age of rapidly developing electronic formats. Noting that annual paper consumption rose from 86.8 to 99 million tons from 1990 to 1998, according to recent statistics from the American Forest and Paper Association, Teren gave Mark Twains well-known witticism a new twist: Predictions of a paperless society have been greatly exaggerated. He continued, Despite the popularity of the Internet, it appears we have not yet lost interest in reading text on paper. As a matter of fact, thanks to Amazon.com, interest and access to books has never been higher. Based upon their 20-plus billion-
dollar valuation, Id say the markets are betting that print on paper still has quite a future. But, it is in the new electronic medium that traditional information disseminators must be most creative. Teren described a new partnership between Washingtonpost.com and Encyclopedia Britannica that provides individuals with in-depth access to the encyclopedias resources as it relates to current news.
Seems to me that your position in the community is more important than ever.
He concluded his remarks by congratulating the library profession on being early-adapters to the information age. You are one of the first professions to become expert at making sense of the Internet. And I read that librarians have been in the informationdissemination business for 6,000 years. For you, this Internet thing is just one more format to master. Serving the community by evaluating and organizing the wealth of information available on the Internet is the key to staying relevant in this new medium, Teren emphasized. Whether it is print or online, the value of perspective and understanding can not be underestimated. The key is to go out there each day and prove our value to the constituencies we serve. Many in the audience found Terens remarks perceptive and
enlightening. I found Marc Terens business approach to information access, his emphasis on the need to identify the customer, in the case of public libraries, the needs of the community, enlightening, said one anonymous staff member on a Staff Day evaluation form. The head of the Librarys new Information Central service, which provides research services to Fairfax County government staff, saw Terens remarks on the future of libraries and librarians as reassuring. He effectively linked librarians and journalists, seeing each as a knowledge portal in an expanding world of information, MaryAnn Sheehan explained. Training Coordinator Fran Millhouser agreed. He broadened my perspectives on what information services libraries can provide. If the Post can partner with Encyclopedia Britannica to provide in-depth information to online newspaper readers, libraries can continue to explore the many information partnerships the Internet can provide. Terens final words mirrored both libraries and newspapers need to seek creative approaches to preserve our expertise in an electronic era. Every day that we spend defining our craft for this new medium, we carve a bigger place for it in the New World order . What we face each day isnt easy. We must reinvent our institutions for the future so that our children and our childrens children can reap the reward of their continued existence. Ours is important work. We must stay focused, stay true, and know that we are not alone. VL
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Hollins Universitys New Wyndham Robertson Library
by Marna Hostetler
H
Funding
ollins Universitys new Wyndham Robertson Library opened to the public March 30, 1999 and was formally dedicated two weeks later as part of an entire weekend honoring the schools literary tradition. After a five-year fundraising effort and three years of construction, the Hollins community welcomed the new building with enthusiasm.
Features
The 56,620-square-foot library was designed with student input and has many exciting features. The building has seating for almost 300 patrons, and each seat has a network connection, allowing patrons to bring in their personal laptops and connect comfortably. The entry level houses the Circulation Wing, the Frazier Reference Wing, the Government Documents Collection, and the Lewis Reading Room with twostory windows. There is also a fully networked, Viennesestyled coffee commons with an adjoining reading porch. The lower level is home to the bound periodicals and microform collections, as well as the Jessup Media Commons. The Media Commons includes a television studio and control room, video editing and production equipment, and a multimedia development center for faculty and students. The Jackson Screening Room seats 40 people and can accommodate film screenings, bibliographic instruction, small conferences, computer training, and interactive media presentations. The Media Library contains approximately 3,000 items and is serviced by the Media Circulation Desk.
Beginning with the 1995 announcement of plans to build a new library, the building was the cornerstone of the Capital Campaign for Hollins. The Campaign eventually raised over $47 million, with $14 million earmarked for the library. The library is named for Wyndham Robertson, current chair of the Hollins University Board of Trustees and member of the class of 1958. Ms. Robertsons brother Julian Robertson and his wife Josie made a $3 million gift to name the building in Wyndhams honor. Other named areas in the building include: the third floor, named in honor of former Hollins Board of Trustees Chair Jane Bassett Spilman, class of 1953; The Hollins Room, given to honor former Dean Mary Phelgar Smith; the first
Graceful columns adorn the building.
floor, named in memory of Pela Plummer Hundley and Thomas Johnston Hundley; the childrens literature wing, named in memory of Elizabeth Moss Hall, class of 1902; the Reference Wing, named in memory of Harry S. Frazier, Jr.; the Friendship Colonnade, named in memory of Mina Hohenberg Darden, class of 1959; and the Lewis Reading Room, named in memory of Frances McNulty Lewis, class of 1928.
Marna Hostetler, formerly Public Services Librarian at Wyndham Robertson Library of Hollins University, now works at the University of South Carolina.
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The setting for the library is quiet and majestic, both outside and in.
The second level accommodates a fully networked, 25-seat bibliographic instruction room, Technical Services, and Administrative Offices. The Boney Reading Room with its beautiful view of the Hollins landscape is also on this level. The third level features the Ashworth Rare Books Room, the McVitty-Niederer Archives Room, and the Hollins Room. The Hollins Room, when complete, will hold all works by and about Hollins faculty and alumnae/i. This level also houses the McDonnell-Hall Childrens Literature Wing, which includes the 1,400-volume Francelia Butler Collection. Butler was a well-known childrens literature scholar. Each level has individual study carrels, and the upper three levels have both private study rooms and open group study space.
Dedication Weekend
Although the library opened to patrons March 30, it was not formally dedicated until April 10, 1999. The dedication coincided with a Literary Festival and a Creative Writing Program reunion, which made for three days of exciting literary activities and events. The weekends festivities offi-
cially began Friday, April 9 with a keynote address given by Dr. Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation and past president of Brown University and New York Public Library. In his address, Dr. Gregorian said that dedicating a library is an event of paramount importance in the life of a society, in the life of a community, in the life of a city, in the life of Hollins University and in the annals of American philanthropy. Dr. Gregorian also pointed out that the Robertson Library dedication was actually a rededication to learning and knowledge, understanding, education, to the future. In dedicating a library we are also celebrating the human spirit, the human dignity, the human potential. We note with pride that we human beings are
not mere actualities, that we are potentialities, that we are not mere socio-economic, entertainment and consumer units, that we are rational, moral, spiritual beings endowed with reason, imagination and dreams. Gregorians impassioned speech, In Praise of Libraries, earned him a standing ovation from the crowd of 800 and was an adaptation of an essay he planned to publish later in the spring. Tours of the library were offered at this time, and library staff members were posted at key points throughout the building to answer any questions. A wine and cheese reception in the library foyer set the mood for a festive black-tie gala held later in the evening. Despite clouds and the threat of rain, more than 900 spectators
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gathered for the dedication ceremony on Saturday, April 10. To commemorate the fact that the schools first library collection was seeded by student donations, thirteen students and one faculty member each carried an item in a ceremonial book passing from the Cocke building, the schools original library, to the new Robertson Library. Items passed included: Good Night Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown, class of 1932; Morocco, by Mary Cross, class of 1957; Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, by Annie Dillard, class of 1967, M.A. 1968; The Last Day the Dogbushes Bloomed, by Lee Smith, class of 1967; The Flying Change, by Henry Taylor, M.A. 1966; Buffalo Girls, a CBS miniseries coproduced by Sandra Saxon Brice, class of 1973; and Hollins College: An Illustrated History, by Frances J. Niederer. Following the book passing, Wyndham Robertson welcomed the crowd from the steps of the new library. After remarks from Hollins President Janet E. Rasmussen and a dedication prayer by Chaplain Jan Fuller Carruthers, class of 1978, a surprise announcement was made. In honor of the longstanding literary tradition at Hollins, the Friends of Libraries, USA designated the library a national Literary Landmark. The library is one of only thirty-six such designations nationwide and is the first in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Center for the Book at the Library of Virginia provided a commemorative building plaque, which has since been mounted near the front doors of the building. After these announcements and closing remarks, Library Director Diane Graves and Wyndham Robertson opened the library doors, welcoming visitors to the new building. Tours were again offered, including an engineers tour of the buildings many mechanical and electrical components.
In conjunction with the Literary Festival and the Library Dedication, a book signing and reading session were held by published Hollins alumnae/i and Brendan Galvin, the 1999 Wyndham Robertson Writer-in-Residence. This session was well-received by the 300 attendees and provided a wonderful forum for interaction with the authors. The events of the library dedication weekend were a pleasure for all who participated, and the new building is warm and welcoming. As we settle into our new space, the staff of the Wyndham Robertson Library would like to invite Virginia librarians to stop by any time. VL
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Teen Read Week Sparks Regional Cooperation in Metropolitan Richmond, Virginia
by Pat McKay and Janet Baumgardner
R
ead for the fun of it! The theme of the first national celebration of Teen Read Week October 1723, 1998, provided the catalyst for three neighboring public library systems to join forces in a cooperative promotional effort designed to motivate teens to read for pleasure. This effort included the lure of TV stardom, as well as chances to win free tickets to a Widespread Panic concert and the opportunity to meet that popular rock group behind the scenes after their performance. How did these nonliterary incentives connect to teen literacy? As usual, librarians had the answer. When the American Library Association, the Young Adult Library Services Association, and the National Education Association announced Teen Read Week last summer, Janet Baumgardner, the Program Coordinator with Chesterfield County Public Library, was immediately interested. In their media releases, the sponsoring organizations had stressed cooperation among schools and public libraries. Ms. Baumgardner took this suggestion a step further by inviting representatives of neighboring Richmond and Henrico Public Library systems to a brainstorming session that included the
marketing coordinator from FOX 35, a local television station. The groups charge was to develop a highly visible, community-wide collaborative project that would appeal to middle and high school students. Since Teen Read Week was scheduled for the third week in October, timing was also important. The project, as developed, included the following three components: The involvement of FOX TV was crucial. They agreed to co-sponsor a contest that enabled local teens to win the opportunity to appear in seven prime time TV public service announcements focusing on Reading for the Fun of It. As part of the publicity for this contest, posters were placed in public and private schools in the three localities, and school officials were asked to assist with promotion. However, teens had to actually come to their public library to enter the contest. This age group is often seen as one in which a large number of those who can read choose not to and one in which television, not reading, is the entertainment of choice. Janet Baumgardner, along with Pat McKay from Richmond Public Library and Lisa Blouch from Henrico County Public Library, knew that many teens
would jump at the chance to star in their own TV commercial, even one extolling the joys of reading. And that was the hook; that was the connection they needed. From the hundreds of entries received, seven teens from each library system were picked and notified. Release forms and talking points were sent to each winner in preparation for the taping. Luckily, Chesterfield County Library was closed on Columbus Day, so the selection of the date and site for taping was an easy one. The production was expertly done by the FOX 35 staff who turned Bon Air Library into a TV studio and transformed nervous teens into acting pros in one evening. The actors chatted about books and reading as if they had known each other forever. At the pizza party afterwards (provided by FOX 35), they exchanged phone numbers and enjoyed an adrenaline high, far different from the subdued young adults who had arrived at the taping session. The producer was excited by the quality of the tape made by the teens, from which the public service announcements were edited. In fact, FOX personnel were so pleased that they ran the PSAs beyond Teen Read Week and are considering running them nationally.
Pat McKay works at the Richmond Public Library, and Janet Baumgardner is on the staff of the Chesterfield County Public Library.
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Winners of Teen Read Week in Chesterfield (left) and Richmond (below) enjoy the filming of their commercials.
The popular musical group Widespread Panics generous offer of five sets of free tickets and an invitation backstage after their Richmond performance on November 7 (coordinated through the American Library Association) was the second component to the regional promotion of Teen Read Week by the three library systems. Local college radio station WVCU, from Virginia Commonwealth University, was enthusiastic about the chance to offer something this exciting to their listeners and readily agreed to give away the tickets to callers who named their favorite books. Widespread Panic fans named Grapes of Wrath, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Be Here Now and Hero With a Thousand Faces as their favorites. Q 94, one of the most listened to local teen radio stations in the Richmond metropolitan area, offered to devote an early morning talk show to Teen Read Week. Pat McKay from Richmond and Janet Baumgardner from Chesterfield County Public Library found that talking about what they believe in so strongly reading, books for teens and getting information from the library made the taping session fly by. Host Sheilah
Belle proved to be an ardent library and literacy supporter and plans were made with her to reconnect on other promotional activities. The above segments combined to form a successful first annual Teen Read Week celebration in Chesterfield, Henrico, and Richmond, Virginia. The partnership also strengthened the bond among the three library systems and paved the way for further cooperative programs. We are looking forward to future Teen Read Week celebrations and have agreed that earlier planning will result in greater community awareness. In fact, we plan to begin publicity in the summer, while teens have fewer constraints on their time and might be visiting the library for pleasure. School cooperation was definitely a valuable component in publicizing last years FOX 35 contest. This can and will be built upon. Expanded
pre-publicity in the two local publications aimed at teens, or having teen readership Tab and Style Weekly will also be pursued. We hope to continue our partnership with the local FOX 35 TV station. Lessons learned in dealing with TV include the importance of written, step-by-step guidelines, rather than simply having a conceptual agreement with the television station, and the necessity of a release form to be sent to the parents of the teens to sign well ahead of the taping session. This mailing should include the time and location of the taping, directions and other pertinent information. Our experience proved that Teen Read Week is a valuable opportunity to reach an important segment of our population. Time spent in celebrating teens and calling their attention to reading for fun is time well spent. VL
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The VLA Paraprofessional Forums 1999 Conference
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PIERRE COURTOIS
T
he Paraprofessional Forum of the Virginia Library Association held its seventh annual two-day conference on May 1718, 1999, at the University of Richmond. Four hundred and twenty-five library personnel from 10 states and the District of Columbia attended the conference that centered on the theme, Mastering the Challenges of the 21st Century. The conference offered three keynote speakers, twenty-four sessions, and seven roundtables. A picnic was an option for those arriving on Sunday evening. The picnics Hawaiian theme was a popular one, and the door prizes with a tropical flare were crowd pleasers. The Monday evening social was another time for people to get together and enjoy themselves. Ronnie Gilder from Richmond was the D. J. for the event, and his smooth style and musical selections resulted in a fun-filled evening.
Mondays Opening Session
The conference opened with words of welcome from the VLAPF Cochairs, Suzanne Leacy and Don Socia, and two special guests. James R. Rettig, Director of the Boatwright Library at the University of Richmond, and Carolyn Barkley, VLA Vice President/ President Elect, both offered greetings to conference attendees. We were fortunate to have Dr. Dale Henry as the keynote speaker on Monday morning. Dr. Henry is President of Your Best Unlimited, a company based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it is his business to
train professionals and executives to be the very best they can be. He challenged conference attendees to evaluate themselves with his speech, Do You Sizzle or Fizzle? He presented sound advice on how to succeed in the workplace. His presentation was filled with words such as prioritize, individualize, energize, and phrases such as discover your gifts, take aim, hit the target, and become the prize. Dr. Henry not only presented a message that inspired attendees to excel, but a message that made everyone laugh as well.
shared some wonderful words of advice on how to do just that. She focused on how we can turn challenges into opportunities and in so doing enhance our lives. She offered some suggestions on how to become successful in the workplace. Ms. Edumunds presented a message that encouraged us to return to the workplace excited about the new challenges that face us each day and about those that we know will come our way during the 21st Century. Lydia C. Williams Longwood College Library
Tuesdays Opening Session
Harriett Edmunds, Special Events and Volunteer Programs Coordinator at The Library of Virginia, was the Tuesday morning keynote speaker. Once again, the audience was privileged enough to hear a speaker whose words were truly motivational. She took the Conference theme, Mastering the Challenges of the 21st Century, and
Highlights from Several Sessions
Dave Paddock, President of DG Paddock Financial, was the presenter for Financial Planning with What? He presented an overview of the basics of financial planning for the long term. Topics included dollar cost averting, compound interest, and IRAs. Mr. Paddock also stressed the need for invest-
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ments in addition to employersponsored retirement plans, and the importance of working with a financial professional who will address your personal financial goals, needs, and situation. Susan Paddock Virginia Beach Central Library Kristi Thomas Beavin and Lynn Sawyer, both with the Arlington County Department of Libraries, presented Childrens Advisory: Knowing and Promoting Childrens Print and Non-Print Collections. This was a very informative session filled with excellent tips on print and non-print materials and included handouts of web sites, book lists, and titles of helpful articles. Ms. Sawyer discussed book selection for different age levels and shared some of her favorite authors and titles with the group. Ms. Beavin shared her insight into non-print collections such as audio books, and gave advice on how to select the best products. She also offered advice on how to get children interested in listening to audio books. This was a session that appealed to the parent as well as those who work with children in the library setting. Caressa Talley Sweet Briar College Library Sherrie Waddill, owner of Sherries Storytelling on the Go, presented Reading Brings Families Together. She shared how she makes books come to life by dressing as a book character and by using props and cutouts. She demonstrated her secrets by reading several books in which she used props, and even got the audience involved in making cutouts for one of the stories. Ms. Waddill provided each attendee with a packet filled with great books to read including patterns for cutouts. Ms. Waddills enthusiastic presentation was packed with useful information. Caressa Talley
Lew Belfont of Gaithersburg Regional Library in Maryland presented Values Based Circulation System. She believes in creating a service philosophy that will allow your customers to become your partners. She believes if you let the patrons know that you need their help to do well, and they in turn know they need your help to do well, you will satisfy your customers needs and be successful. Belfont stated that we should know our institutions goals and become familiar with its policy, and know how to execute the policy. The goal of valuesbased service is to create and employ a fully developed service philosophy that states that each customer is unique and that the employees relationship with each customer should be characterized by trust and respect. Joan Taylor Washington County Public Library Sharon Garrett, owner of Image 101 in Richmond, presented a session entitled Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Projecting a Professional Image. Ms. Garrett shared tips on how to dress
Keynote speakers Harriett Edmunds (top), Dale Henry (above), and Connie Elliot motivated their audiences with their outstanding messages.
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Above, the Monday evening social was a hit. Left, the winners of the straw hats given as door prizes during the Sunday evening picnic pose for Pierre Courtois, conference photographer. Below, raffle prize winners left on Tuesday with some unique items.
for success in the workplace. She covered fashion personality, body type, wardrobe, and how to accessorize. She demonstrated how one can turn 10 pieces of clothing into 25 outfits and gave many helpful tips on how to accentuate outfits with scarves, jewelry, and the right handbag. Ms. Garrett packed a wealth of helpful and interesting information into this session. Lydia C. Williams Alice Phillips of Continental Health in Richmond presented Time Management on the Homefront. Ms. Phillips offered tips for achieving a healthy balance in our lives focusing on the body, mind, and spirit. She gave a Timeout Test so that each of us could rate ourselves to see where we fall short in meeting the goal of a healthy life style. She suggested that we evaluate how we spend our time in order to make better use of the 168 hours we have in each week. Ms. Phillips offered many helpful ideas for
managing our time in order to make it possible for each of us to achieve a healthy balance in our lives. Lydia C. Williams Dr. Frank Howe of Longwood College presented Taming the Troublesome Patron. Dr. Howe reminded us that we serve the public ALL the public. Some of our patrons may make us uneasy by their behavior. A patron may present special concerns because of mental illness, an altered state, or strange behavior that creates a potentially threatening situation. Dr. Howe emphasized that each agency should have a safety plan and that each employee should be familiar with
the plan before danger occurs. He stated that each employee should have training in following their institutions safety guidelines. In addition, the employee should maintain a professional attitude and commitment to continued growth, develop good listening skills including reading non-verbal communication, and maintain a positive communication style. One should understand the differences in learning skills, previous knowledge, interests, and the need for recognition or anonymity of the patron. One should learn to disengage courteously but firmly when dealing with the aggressive patron. Dr. Howe gave helpful examples to maintain personal safety when
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Suzanne Leacy and Don Socia, VLAPF Co-Chairs, welcomed conference attendees on Monday and Tuesday mornings. The Conference sessions and roundtables kept conference attendees busy.
dealing with the troublesome or aggressive patron. Ruth Turner Retiree of Fairfax County Public Library Deborah Hocutt, Executive Director of the Virginia Center for the Book, gave a wonderful presentation on Virginia authors and the Center for the Book. The focus for the Center for the Book is on the literary heritage of Virginia. The Virginia Authors Room at The Library of Virginia has over 7,000 titles ranging from William Bradford, a colonial writer, to Patricia Cornwell. Ms. Hocutt stated that The Center sponsors numerous events around Virginia to promote books and reading, including the Charlottesville Festival for the Book. This years festival will focus on poetry. The Center for the Book will help any library find an appro-
priate author to speak to their patrons. They have numerous free handouts and materials for use in libraries. The center is working on a project entitled Virginia Reads that will result in posters of Virginia celebrities posing with their favorite books. The information provided by Ms. Hocutt was both interesting and useful. Sue McFaden Fairfax County Public Library Carolyn Barkley, Central Librarian at the Virginia Beach Public Library and an active member of many genealogical associations, gave an enthusiastic talk on Serving the Genealogist in the Library. Her advice to all who deal with patrons searching their genealogy was to learn your librarys collection, educate yourself on local resources, focus the patron on his/her question, and always document infor-
mation. It was a lively session with many questions and answers. Ms. Barkley distributed some excellent handouts about genealogy and examples of print and online services. E. A. Mayo Eggleston Library Hampden Sydney College Kelly McBride, Assistant Director for Public Services at Clinch Valley College, and Matthew Peltier, a student in the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, made presentations about their visits to libraries in the Republic of Ireland and in Ghana, West Africa, respectively. They both found many similarities between libraries in the United States and those they visited abroad, but also found the cultures of the countries impacted on the libraries. Their travelogues and their varied experiences made us all want to visit foreign libraries. E. A. Mayo
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Left, Mr. Bill Fiege of Longwood College presented two sessions dealing with how we present ourselves verbally. Below, Dr. Andrew Ferguson of the University of Richmond speaks on Marketing Yourself Resume Style. Right, Dr. Ed DeRegibus of the Farmville Chiropractic Center addresses attendees on Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Computer Workstation.
Tuesdays Extraordinary Afternoon
The conference ended with several special events including an elegant buffet luncheon and the scholarship raffle. The highlight of the afternoon was the keynote speaker, Connie Elliott. Ms. Elliott is the Director of Tourism for Anderson County, Tennessee. As a Certified Meeting Professional, Ms. Elliott is President of Ideal Events, which provides the finest speakers and meeting management services. Her motto is If it aint fun, Im not interested! and her motto rang true as she addressed the group. She used humorous and heartwarming stories to get her message across, and that message is for each of us to get excited about selfimprovement. She encouraged us to be persistent and to work diligently at making our dreams come true. Ms. Elliott made the audience laugh, and she made a few of us cry as she closed out the conference with her challenge to each of us to go out and master the challenges of the 21st Century.
Awards
The Paraprofessional Forum presented two special awards during this years conference. Nancy P. Bell, who has worked at the Longwood College Library for 30 years, received the VLAPF Award. The
award provided Ms. Bell with the opportunity of attending the conference by providing funds that paid all conference expenses. She received a special framed commemorative certificate during the Monday opening session. Patricia White, who works at the Annandale Campus Library of the Northern Virginia Community College, was awarded the Outstanding Paraprofessional of the Year Award. She was recognized during the Tuesday opening session, and was awarded a special plaque in honor of her accomplishments in the library field.
The Scholarship Raffle
Unique prizes on display at the registration desk sparked an inter-
est in the VLAPF scholarship raffle. Raymond Edwards of the Montgomery County Public Library was the winner of the framed P. Buckley Moss print entitled The Barter Theatre. The print was donated by the P. Buckley Moss Society of Staunton, Virginia, and was framed compliments of Christophers Fine Arts and Framing of Farmville, Virginia. Arlene Randolph of the Richmond Public Library won the CD/tape player and six popular CDs donated by the WAL-MART Supercenter of Farmville, Virginia. Other lucky winners left with a Winnie the Pooh hat box filled with Poohrelated surprises, a cooking basket filled with baking items, a window box filled with gardening items, a basket shaped like Virginia filled with made-in-Virginia products, and one of several Beanie Baby baskets. Alex Matthews donated a collection of her signed first editions to be given as a raffle prize. This variety of outstanding prizes resulted in a very successful raffle. The 2000 conference theme is Reaching for the Stars: Success, Recognition, Professionalism. Mark your calendar for May 2223, and make plans to join us at the University of Richmond for the VLA Paraprofessional Forums eighth annual two-day conference. Lydia C. Williams VL
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Accessing Virginia Statistics on the Internet
by Mary Dessypris
T
rying to find the right site for statistics on the Internet can be a frustrating experience. It may also turn out to be time-consuming, even when using search engines. The search becomes easy, efficient, and quick when one knows the web site that provides the information sought. This article is intended to point to the Internet sites with helpful statistics, which may be useful to small or branch libraries that do not have access to many printed sources. To access most of these files the Acrobat Reader software should be installed. This software allows the reader to view files in Portable Document Format (pdf). This software is free and available on the Internet. Sites which maintain their data in pdf format usually provide a link to access Acrobat Reader.
makes available online some of the information included in this publication. With a click on a subject, a menu of choices appears. The information displayed consists of tables developed by the Center or links to federal and/or state sites that compile the information. Virginia Profiles http://www.census.gov/ datamap/www/51.html Available from the Bureau of Census, this page provides for each community the following data: Coordinates for each county and city, Access to the Tiger Map file, Population, demographic, and housing information from the 1990 U.S. Census, Population estimates for all counties in Virginia, Income and poverty data, Economic Census (1992), County Business Patterns Economic Profile: 19931996, USA Counties General Profile 19941996, State Abstract, Government Finances (1996). As new statistical information is compiled it is made available on the Internet. In addition to the above sites, a number of other agencies provide statistics on specific topics, as listed on the next two pages.
site, it is a very useful resource because it gives pertinent economic and demographics information by zip code. This is a free site.
In-Depth
For in-depth information on Virginia statistics on a variety of subjects check: Cooper Center for Public Service http://www.virginia.edu/ coopercenter/vastat/ This is the most important web site for business, demographics, and economics in Virginia. VaStats, as the site is known, is a web page developed and maintained by the Business and Economics Section of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. The Center publishes The Virginia Statistical Abstract and
Quick Overviews
Quick overviews on Virginia figures: Virginia Economic Development Partnership http://www.YesVirginia.org/ index2.html Click on: The Facts and Regional Views. Dismal Scientist http://www.dismalscientist.com Even though this is a commercial
Mary Dessypris is Government Services and Outreach Librarian in the Archival and Information Services Division of the Library of Virginia.
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Economy
Labor Market Information http://www.vec.state.va.us/ lbrmkt/lmi.htm This site is maintained by the Virginia Employment Commission. The data displayed are produced by the Economic Information Services Division in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State Data Center, another division of VEC, works closely with the Bureau of Census and develops Virginias population projections: Monthly Unemployment Press Release, Monthly Nonfarm Employment Press Release, Labor Force Components, Annual Average Unemployment Rates, Latest Occupational Employment Statistics, Population Estimates, Virginia Economic Indicators. Monthly Revenue Data http://www.state.va.us/sfin/ revrep.htm The Office of the Secretary of Finance makes available on the Internet the official monthly communication of the Secretary to the Governor on revenue figures and provides a description of the economic status of the Commonwealth. Virginia Outlook http://business.wm.edu/bbr/ bbrotlk.html Virginia Outlook is a publication of the Bureau of Business Research at the College of William and Mary School of Business Administration. The school maintains the most recent issues in an electronic version. Virginia Outlook forecasts new trends and provides an in-depth analysis of the economic status of the state and the six largest metropolitan areas. Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond / Monetary Policy and Business Conditions http://www.rich.frb.org/ monetarypol/busconditions.html The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond provides crucial economic information on the fifth district, which includes Virginia. This page links to the quarterly Region Focus, manufacturing and service sector surveys, and the Beige Book which provides overviews of economic conditions on the national and regional level. The University of Virginia maintains the following databases with national and Virginia statistics: Geospatial and Statistical Data Center http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/ The Geospatial and Statistical (Geostat) Data Center was formed in 1998 with the merger of the Social Sciences Data and Geographic Information Centers. Click on Interactive Data on the left navigational bar to access a wealth of statistical data divided in four categories: Social, Demographic and Political Data, Domestic Economic Data, International Economic Data, Education and Health Data. Regional Economic Information System http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/ reis/index.html The REIS database, produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis and accessible from the above Domestic and Economic Data category, provides local area economic data for states, counties, and metropolitan areas for 19691996. Summaries are provided for each area as well as detailed statistics on personal income and earnings, full- and part-time employment, transfer payments, and farm income and expenses.
Elections
The Election Results Index http://www.sbe.state.va.us/ Election/results/Index.htm Available from the Virginia Board of Elections, the information covers the years 19961998. U.S. and Virginia Election Data http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/ elections/ This site contains current and historic data available from the University of Virginia. Two files are available: Virginia Election Data 19841996 and US Election Data 17881900. The Virginia file permits the user to get detailed data to the precinct level for the election returns of the following offices: President, Senator, Representative, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and General Assembly (Senate and House). The file on U. S. Elections includes the election returns for over 90% of the elections for President, Governor, and United States Representative from 18241990, as well as United States Senator from 19121990. In addition, the records for approximately two-thirds of the returns for federal and gubernatorial elections from 17881823 are included.
Historic Demographics
United States Historical Census Data Browser 17901970 http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/ census/ This database was originally created by the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Now available for browsing through the University of Virginia, it describes the people and the economy of the United States on the state and county level from 1790 to 1970. After selecting the year, variables must be chosen from the different categories of data that were collected in each given year, and then one is given the choice of viewing the data by state or county level.
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Education
The Virginia Department of Education Data http://www.pen.k12.va.us/ VDOE/Publications/ The Department makes available on the Internet detailed statistical data about Virginias elementary and secondary education system. They are: Fall Membership (19931998) (includes state summary and data by grade and ethnicity), Report of Graduates (1996/7 1997/8), Report of Dropouts (1996/7 1997/8), Annual School Report. Statistical (1996/71997/8), Triennial Census. 1999 School Census, Assessment Reports. The State Council of Higher Education of Virginia/Facts and Figures http://www.schev.edu/ wuresrch/index.html The Department maintains online files that describe the status of Higher Education in Virginia. They are: The Statistical Summaries (enrollment in Virginias public and private colleges and universities), Academic Performance Characteristics (describes the performances of freshmen in the public and private colleges and universities), Admissions, Completions (degrees awarded), Degrees Inventories (by institutions, by program areas and historic information), Enrollment Summaries (On/Off campus, Full/Part Time, In/Out State, Race, Age Groups, and Student Level), Finances (Tuition Fees and Room and Board).
Politics
Virginia Public Access Project http://www.opensecrets.org/vpap/ This is a non-profit, non-partisan web site that makes available to the public campaign contributions to Virginia politicians. It can be searched by the candidates or contributors name. Virginia Voter Net http://www.pilotonline.com/ voter/ This site is maintained by the newspaper Virginian-Pilot. It is a constantly evolving site. Even though the focus of the site is the Hampton-Roads area, it is a great resource during elections time with ample information on candidates and final results. The 1997 archive is still available.
Miscellaneous
The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) makes available a Fact Sheet with figures on alcohol-related facts and accidents: Virginia Crash Facts in Brief http://www.abc.state.va.us/ facts/crash.html and a file on Beverage Sales http://www.abc.state.va.us/ admin/abcsale98.htm Crash Statistics for Virginia http://www.dmv.state.va.us/ webdoc/safety/qfmenu.htm The Department of Motor Vehicles maintains a searchable database on accident statistics in Virginia. The database includes figures for 1995 1997 so far, and may be searched by city, county, town, or by DMV district. Health Statistics http://www.vdh.state.va.us/ stats/index.html The Virginia Center for Health Statistics provides a number of files with statistics on births and deaths. Marriage figures are not available. The Virginia Uniform Crime Reporting Program http://www.vsp.state.va.us/ vsp.html The Virginia State Police makes available the most recent edition of Crime In Virginia on its web site. This publication reports facts and trends of crimes in the Commonwealth. To access it scroll down on the left navigational bar and click on Crime in Virginia. The Uniform Crime Reports http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/crime/ Data for Virginia and the U.S. (19901995) are available through the University of Virginia. Addresses were verified as of August 1999. VL
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University of Virginias Alderman Caf Earns High Marks from Faculty, Students, and Customer Survey
by Anne Lawrence and Melissa Norris
W
hen patrons first enter Alderman Library at the University of Virginia they are greeted by vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, an impressive Roman numeral clock, the smell of coffee brewing and the whirl of a cappuccino machine. Soon after opening in September 1998, the Alderman Caf, located in the Librarys Memorial Hall, quickly became a popular meeting place for students, faculty, and staff. The caf recently placed second out of 512 college and university dining facilities serviced by ARAMARK, Inc., a national food service provider. This impressive ranking, the result of a spring customer satisfaction survey, improves upon the fifth place ranking the caf received in the fall survey. Caf Supervisor Diane McLellan attributes the shops success to the relaxed attitude of its patrons. It doesnt matter whether someones an undergraduate student, a tenured professor, or the Dean of Students. In here, theyre a tall latte, an iced chai, or a grande mocha, she said. The laid back atmosphere really helps to break down barriers. Providing common grounds where faculty and students can get together is one of the main objec-
tives of the Alderman Caf. According to Deputy University Librarian Kendon Stubbs, members of the Faculty Senate noticed the popularity of on-campus coffeehouses at other institutions and were eager to bring the concept home to UVa. I thought it odd that our University, centered around the concept of the Academical Village, should have been so deficient in this regard. The ongoing exchange of ideas inside and beyond the classroom is precisely what UVa. strives to foster, said former Faculty Senate Chairman Jahan Ramazani, another proponent of the caf. While members of the Faculty Senate saw the coffee shop as a means to enrich UVa.s intellectual community, members of the Librarys Student Advisory Committee and Library Fees Committee focused on other benefits such as increasing patron comfort and generating revenue. Reference and Information Services Director Linda Lester said that students had been asking the Library to make food and beverages available for a long time: Its much more pleasant to study when you can sip a cup of coffee without having to worry that the food police are going to come get you. I think thats why
bookstores with similar cafs have become so popular. Lester added: They work hard to make you feel at home. The Library Fees Committee acknowledged the success of area coffee shops and hoped that establishing a similarly relaxed, congenial environment in Aldermans main hall would attract more students and heighten attention to the Library. The cafs popularity has succeeded in increasing Library patronage, and the Library will also benefit from a renovation of Memorial Hall scheduled to take place this fall. Renovation plans include the addition of more tables and chairs to accommodate an ever-growing number of caf patrons, as well as additional computer stations and lounge furniture for the other Library users. Lester was quick to add, however, that this expansion does not mean were becoming the University of Virginia Alderman Caf and Library. While the caf will maintain the seating area, the renovations are concurrent with the Librarys goal of providing comfortable study facilities for its patrons. We used to have several large tables in Memorial Hall where people could read or work on group projects, but those had
Melissa Norris is Public Relations Specialist for Alderman Library of the University of Virginia. Anne Lawrence was an intern for the Communications and Publications Department and has since completed her degree.
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to go when we put in the coffee shop, she remarked. Now were simply relocating a few offices to give the students that space back. In the spring of 1998 plans to establish the Alderman Caf became a group effort. By late February, members of the Library Student Advisory Committee, the Library Fees Committee, and the Faculty Senate had consulted with Director of University Dining Services Ed Gutauskas about the pros, cons, and logistics of opening a coffee shop in the Library. Ed thought it would be a good idea to put us in touch with one another, said Library Communications and Publications Department Director Ken Jensen. We each brought a different perspective to the project. The united efforts of students, Library officials, and the Faculty Senate enabled the Alderman Caf to be established in just a few months, illustrating the potential success of faculty-student collaboration. In this way, it could be said that the coffee shop has already fulfilled its mission of bringing faculty and students together. [The opening of the caf] is a wonderful example of how the University can work together perfectly, said Faculty
Senate Chairman-elect David Gies, former President of the Senates Research and Scholarship Committee. The University identified a need and met it in a very elegant way. Faculty Senate members and University Library officials believed locating the coffee shop in an academic setting would foster interaction and contribute to the growth of an intellectual community at UVa. The Alderman Caf has become even more of a success than we had thought possible, said Faculty Senate Chairman Ed Ayers. To see it busy all day long with students and professors and librarians talking with one another is very gratifying. McLellan concurred, remarking that students often come here to meet with study groups or to talk to professors. I can tell theyre doing work because of the books they leave behind. Humorously, Ayers remarked, Id like to think that the additional caffeine has increased the productivity of the Library patrons! Third year student John Duval said that he usually stops by the caf in between classes. I would probably not come [to Alderman Library] otherwise, but because of
the caf, I think its a great place to relax and catch up on reading. Fi...