Do you want your kids to do better in school? Have them read fiction.

Boy With a Lesson Book, 1757 Jean B. Greuze

Posted by Alana T.

A few weeks ago, I was reading an essay by Lisa Zunshine from The Chronicle of Higher Education that I thought might be interesting to our library patrons, especially parents.  There is much discussion about how to best prepare children for academic success. Ms. Zunshine points out it is well known that children with rich vocabularies do well in school, but how to achieve these vocabularies is still hotly debated.  Elementary and secondary school reformers working on the Common Core State Standards Initiative recommend focusing on acquisition of vocabulary through informational texts.  Ms. Zunshine suggests the Common Core is ignoring a body of research that sheds light on how children learn and by doing so, will negatively affect educational outcomes for future students.  

The basis of her argument is the concept of metacognition - "a constructive, effortful process where the learner actively reorganizes perceptions and makes inferences."  To illustrate her point, she summarizes a 2004 paper by Joan Peskin and Janet Astington (the paper will download directly with this link). The authors describe an experiment in which kindergartners were divided into two groups and were read picture books.  Books for one group featured metacognitive vocabulary (think, know, wonder, guess), whereas the second group received the same books without these types of words.  She also describes similar studies with children watching television shows and teacher/classroom interactions with and without metacognitive vocabulary (but does not provide citations for these papers).  The results are not what you may expect: children who heard metacognitive words did less well in post-tests than those who were not exposed to those types of words.

What's happening here? In short, giving the children the words does not guarantee that they know what the words really mean, or how they are used.  What is a parent or teacher to do?  Peskin and Astington suggest the best remedy is reading fiction. Zunshine explains that in order for children to understand what is happening in stories, they must follow and understand the social and mental states of the characters, as well as their own. The best practice for this is reading that requires a constantly shifting mental map of nested social, emotional and situational states - a process that, incidentally, drives the acquisition of a rich vocabulary.  The good news is that reading fiction creates a child with a richer vocabulary and the ability to understand more complex arguments.

In her final paragraphs, Zunshine suggests the current trend in schools towards a focus on non-fiction (fact based learning) and away from fiction will create young minds unprepared for college and an increasingly more complex world.  Food for thought.  

Thoughts on Christian Fiction and Cataloging Books

Posted by Alana T. and Gwen B.

Gwen B., our Head of Technical Services, has been a big fan and heavy reader of Amish Fiction - until recently.  We sat down a while ago and had a conversation about the genre, how it has changed and what she thinks about it now.  Our first post covered Gwen's thoughts on the genre.  Our second post moved to the differences between Amish and Christian Fiction.  In this final post, we talk about issues related to cataloging books from different genres, including Christian Fiction.

Alana:  We have patrons come to the desk and ask where to find particular genres. These days, we get a lot of questions from people looking for our Christian Fiction section.

Gwen: They do!  A lot of them do. People are often looking for something clean and pretty and inspirational.  (See Part 1 of this interview for more in this topic)  But the genre is so diverse that you're not necessarily going to get that if you are pointed to a Christian Fiction section. For example, those guys who wrote the Left Behind series (Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins)- they write separately now.  One of them wrote a book about a man on death row and his relationship with the chaplain.  The book was a back and forth dealing with good and evil and it was a dirty thing, but it was real.  It wasn't nice and pretty, but it was Christian Fiction. I can see a lot of people not wanting to read a hard story like that.

Alana: It’s the same with other genres.  Within Mystery, you have the cozy stories with a grandmother and her cat and at the other extreme there are those that are really bloody and gory and dark.  The genre is quite diverse and many patrons don’t like certain aspects of some of the stories.

Gwen: We have a patron who doesn't like mysteries combined with romance.  She says “I don't need all that." And we have patrons who complain about sex scenes- what does that have to do with Mystery? 

Alana: Mystery is a fairly well defined genre – at least, most people feel they have a handle on what a mystery is. How do you deal with that in when cataloging a book?

Gwen:  Mystery is one of the genres where we put stickers on the books and they are shelved in their own section.  I have definitions for all the genres for which we use stickers.  I try to stay true to that.  With mysteries there has to be a dead body and an actual detective or someone seeking to solve the death.

Alana: Where did you get your definitions?

Gwen: Some from Deanne (our former director), some from Wikipedia.

Alana: What about catalogers?  Do you ask them for help?

Gwen: Oh no.  All that can be decided by each individual library and so catalogers have very different opinions.  It's like the Dewey Decimal numbers.  They are a suggestion, but when cataloging a book, you can do what you want.

Alana: People don't think about the Dewey Decimal System that way.  They think if you have a cookbook about cookies, the book is always going to have a particular call number (e.g. 641.8654).

Gwen: No, the Dewey number is a suggestion.  Catalogers can move a book around.

Alana: I didn’t think about that much, but now that we are part of such a large library consortium, it’s obvious when searching for a book.  If you look up a book in the online catalog, you can see the call numbers at all the owning libraries. There's quite a spread in Dewey numbers out there.

Gwen: There are a lot of options that libraries can use. For example, medical books.  A library might want them in a self help area versus a technical one.  It depends on how people are using the books in that library.  Usually, I think about where a book is going to circulate best in the library.  Where are people actually going to be looking for it.  Sometimes, a staff member will come to me with a book and say it doesn't belong in a particular section – it fits better with another subject.  I'm happy to give it a new Dewey number and move it somewhere else. 

Alana: I think that’s important because patrons still find a lot of books browsing on the shelves.

Gwen: They do.  And that makes it difficult if they are looking for something like Christian Fiction and those books are mixed in with general fiction. Even though Mystery has it’s own section, there are books we struggle with – where to put them. Sometimes it’s just not clear.

Alana: There are some authors who write different types of books – mysteries and thrillers – and those books are shelved in different places.  Often patrons don’t like that, it can be confusing.  And I know we struggle with defining fantasy.  I've come to you with many books and said, “You know, this isn't fantasy”.

Gwen: I know, then I send you to Amanda!

Alana: Yeah, and she and I will go around and around about it. She and I have different opinions on what constitutes a fantasy story.

Gwen: But see that!  That happens with all the genres.  We can only have so many sections on the shelves, we only have so much room.  We try to do the best we can to help patrons find the books they want.  It all goes back to where people will find a book and check it out.  

Thoughts on Amish Versus Christian Fiction

Posted by Alana T. and Gwen B.

Gwen B., our Head of Technical Services, has been a big fan and heavy reader of Amish Fiction - until recently.  We sat down a few weeks ago and had a conversation about the genre, how it has changed and what she thinks about it now.  Our first post covered Gwen's thought's on the genre.  In this discussion, we move on to the the differences between Amish and Christian Fiction.

Alana: I recently had a conversation with my mother in law about the library.  She wanted to know what types of things people were reading and I told her about the Amish romance genre.  She could just not wrap her mind around that.  Not that the Amish don’t have love affairs, but the idea that you would have a romance novel in that setting – the two things were the antithesis of each other.

Gwen: And I think it is.  I have to ask, why are we doing this?   It is getting ridiculous.  The Amish have a story all their own.  The newer novels are not really about the community, Amish country is just a lovely place to set a romance.  But people don’t know.  And so when people ask me for a good book or author, I say go back to all the old authors, start at the beginning.  If you’re looking for a romance, or Christian fiction, read some of the new stories.  Some people classify Amish as Christian, but I don’t think that they are.  Christians believe that you are saved by the grace of god.  The Amish do not.  They believe you are saved by the works that you do

Alana:  Do you think people have a misconception of what the Amish are?  We believe they live these holy, clean, simple lives.

Gwen:  In theory they do.  When you get down to the theology of it, no, they are totally different.  That’s what bothers me with newer novels.  It’s not Christian, not really.

Alana:  Well, do you think authors are writing in this genre to make a buck?

Gwen:  I think they are.  Honestly, I do.  Let’s write this Christian fiction and make it Amish - even more people will buy the books.  For some authors, I really think that’s going on. 

Alana: You work in the cataloging department. I know we have some guidelines for Science Fiction and Mystery.  Is there a definition for Christian Fiction?

Gwen:  No.  The book I have now (from another library) has one of those stickers (denoting Christian Fiction) on it.  And I thought to myself, how did you decide that?  What is the difference between Inspirational and Christian?  How does someone decide what those are?  My personal opinion would not work for what I do in my job here at the library.  To me, somewhere in those novels characters should be professing Jesus Christ and talk about salvation - If they don’t, then it isn't Christian.

Alana:  Here’s a question: You’re sitting in your office with a book in your hand. How would you determine if it is Christian or Inspirational? 

Gwen:  We wouldn’t.  We have enough problems trying to figure out what fantasy is!  I'm serious!

Alana:  Do the publishers give you some indications? 

Gwen: Well, for example, the book I have now was published by Bethany House, which is predominantly Christian.  They (they owning library) decided it was Christian Fiction.  Sometimes there are subject headings on the books.  Sometimes there is something written on the back.  Sometimes on the spine it will say Inspirational.

Alana: If you have different publishers, they could be defining the genre differently?

Gwen:  Definitely!  I don't know how they figure it out except that maybe someone mentions Jesus in it.  (Laughter)  I'm still trying to figure out the difference between Inspirational and Christian and I can't figure it out!  But you will find them separate in a bookstore...   I just don't like the labels. 

Alana: Religious fiction maybe?

Gwen:  That might be better.  That covers it all.  But then, that's the problem.  It covers too much.  However, that might be better for the Amish.  They have a religious thing of their own. 

Alana:  I think the vast majority of the people who are choosing a book to read are doing it for entertainment purposes and they don't care about the underlying philosophy. They just want to read a good story. It is a bonus if there is something in there that makes them pause and think about things.

Gwen:  True!  But that's my problem.  I branched off and learned more.  I know it is fiction, but it's too far from my theology.  I'm not one who reads fantasy either.  I can't read a book with just a little bit of truth and the rest something else.  I hear there's fantasy in Amish too.  I don't know what they’re doing with that!  It has really branched off and gone way beyond Christian Fiction.  Cataloging is a little complicated sometimes…

Stay tuned for our last post from this interview when Gwen will talk about cataloging issues.

Thoughts on Amish Fiction

Posted by Alana T. and Gwen B.

Gwen B., our Head of Technical Services, has been a big fan and heavy reader of Amish Fiction - until recently.  Because of the genre’s popularity, I’m always asking her for recommendations for the blog.  We sat down a few weeks ago and had a conversation about the genre, how it has changed and what she thinks about it now.

Alana: When did you start reading Amish fiction?  How did you discover it? 

Gwen:  I was browsing the shelves and I ran across a Beverly Lewis book that happened to be the first one of a series.  I just kind of went from there.  I'm glad I started with her books.

Alana:  At that time, I'm guessing there wasn't a lot of Amish stuff out there.

Gwen:  It had to be around 2007 and I'm not sure how much was out there then.  It has grown; Amish fiction has sub-genres now.

Alana:  If someone hasn’t heard of any of these books, how would you describe them?  What are the characteristics that define the genre?

Gwen:  Well, you have to have a woman with a bonnet. (Laughs)  The characters have to be part of some religious closed off group.  Some authors throw the Mennonites in there.  But, the community is closed off, and the members dress in that old fashioned way.   The closed off aspect is important - now the author can bring in all those outsiders and there is a conflict to be resolved.

Alana:  Do you think the stories were more authentic then versus now? 

Gwen:  No, it depends on the author.  You can tell there is variation in the level of research.  For some authors, the topic is something they know.  For example, Beverly Lewis grew up near an Amish community and she focuses on the culture in her books.  With some of the newer authors, its more about the story and what Americans want to read.  What the reader hopes the Amish thing is about - the romance of the life.  It's still fiction, so the author can do whatever he or she wants to, and they do.  The part of current Amish fiction I dislike, is that after learning more about what the Amish are and how the community works, the novels are unrealistic about the reality of their religious life.  The books are becoming more Christian and what we define as Christian now.  The Amish aren't like that.

The Amish are strict about what you wear, what you read, what you do.  That's the part that’s interesting to me.  In novels, Amish are portrayed as studying a lot of scriptures.  Well, that's not happening in real life.  These people are going to read specific scriptures because that's what they are instructed to do (by the local Church District). They are not allowed to explore the scriptures.  They have a lot of that going on in the novels - no. They're not going to sit at home and try to have a bible study.  That's not happening.

Alana:  You've obviously spent a lot of time researching the topic.  Where did you go for your info? 

Gwen:  We had some books here in the library.  (Laughs)  Most were biographies written by former Amish.  Some are depressing.  One woman was so upset and angry about how she was treated.  I wonder if the book was tainted by what she feels was necessary for her to get out.  Another was written by a guy who was blunt- I did this and this and then this, and now here I am!  We also have a lot of non-fiction books.  I even read cookbooks because some tell you about the origin of the recipe.

Alana: Are you glad you did the research? 

Gwen:  Yes, I learned a lot about myself.  I love the concept of community and I love exploring those topics. The Amish are definitely a community all their own.  That's one of the problems with some of the newer authors.  They're bringing in so many outside influences.

Alana:  Is there any indication or discussion about what the Amish feel about their new popularity? 

Gwen: I don’t think we’re getting honest answers from them.  All I ever hear is that they're happy as long as we don’t use their names.  I know there are tours in some towns.  But let’s think about how many people are prying into their world now?  We're invading who they are and what they are.  We're bringing all our stuff in.  I can't see how this is a good thing.  What does this do to those communities?  Will it bring them further out and damage the close-knit community?

Alana: Do you think the newer fiction has good stories? 

Gwen:  They're becoming like the Harlequin stories.  That's annoying to me.  The book is a romance, but it just happens to be in an Amish community.  I could read a Harlequin for that.  I don’t like the way it's splitting and becoming this ridiculous water-thin kind of genre.  I don't read much of it. 

Alana:  If someone wanted a few good books and/or DVDs, what would you recommend?

Gwen:  Fiction: any of the series by Beverly Lewis or Wanda Brunstetter.  DVDs:  Witness, The Shunning, Saving Sarah Cain, Harvest of Fire and The Plain Truth.  Non-fiction: The Devil's Playground (DVD), Amish Society by J. Hostetler and An Amish Paradox: Diversity and Change in the World's Largest Amish Community by C.Hurst and D. McConnell.

Stay tuned for more from this interview in a few weeks.

British Crime Dramas Outshine their American Cousins

Posted by Cary H.

I am a huge fan of British mystery fiction, and following the paths of my favorite series detectives and police procedurals has led me, not surprisingly, to the very best of crime and mystery dramas on DVD.

For those of you who enjoy American crime drama (Like 24, the various CSIs, Castle, Bones and Dexter) but have never sampled the many choices of this genre from “across the pond,” I suggest you give them a try, and here’s why:

•         Characterization, characterization, characterization!  Not common in the U.S., many of Britain's top actors cross from the big screen to TV series often, so the caliber of acting is excellent.
•     Realism: Every character does not look like a magazine model.  They look like your neighbors, your Uncle Joe, your 1^st grade teacher.  You don’t get the impression, as you do sometimes on American TV, that every role is being filled by someone who passed a “certain look” test. 
•          Some of the best parts are cast for adults over 45.  From protagonists, love interests, master criminals, etc., we are confronted (refreshingly) with the notion that life, indeed, does go on after a certain age, sometimes with great excitement!
•          Overall, the quality of setting, lighting, camera work, and plot are above average.  Even the series I have not enjoyed as much, get stars for production value.

Have I piqued your interest yet?  If so, here are some of my favorites, many available at the library:

PBS’s Sherlock

Masterpiece Mystery’s Endeavor (based on Inspector Morse at a younger age)

Luther

Dalziel & Pascoe

A Touch of Frost

Midsomer Murders

Inspector Lewis

Inspector GeorgeGently

Love the Library? We Do Too.

Posted by EPL Patrons

Recently, we asked our patrons to write short notes about why they loved the library. Following are the responses we received.  Thanks to our patrons for their comments and opinions.

Aimee S.: The library is a great place to let your mind wander and grow.  There are constantly new books that encourage my family to come week after week.

Marcine L.: We are a family of readers but we are not rich.  Buying books is rare for us.  Ben Franklin started the first lending library so that rich and poor could benefit from the written word.  Now we can add movies, cds etc, plus computers to the list of learning and enjoyable helps.  Thank you, Mr. Franklin!

Connor K.: Because of hard times, I had to drop my magazine subscriptions.  I come here now to check out my favorites and have found some new things to interest me.

Chairo S.: It is important to share the experience of discovering new books, the responsibility of checking them out, and practicing our manners at the library.

Brooke T.: I come here everyday.  I like to look at books and use the computers.

Mike H.:  What a great place!  Just about everything I need is here when I need it.  If I have questions or need to find a particular book, I can get the answers I need.  Thanks!

Sara L.:  This is a great place for my kids.  They are so excited to come and check out new books every week.

Mary M.: I have been an avid reader since I was little.  There is no way I could afford to buy all the books I want to read.  It's fantastic to have a great library in town.

Redoing the Oscars: Tell Us What You Think!

It happens every year.  The Oscars are announced and there are grumbles throughout the land because a favorite movie or actor didn't win.  This has happened for decades.  Sometimes, a winner fades from memory and others from that year are well known and loved.  We did an informal poll of the staff to determine if the winners have stood the test of time (and Jacob's critical eye).  The following movies received an overwhelming number of votes for Most Deserving of Best Picture:

1974:  Chinatown instead of The Godfather, Part II.  Other nominees: The Conversation, Lenny, and The Towering Inferno.

1976: Taxi Driver instead of Rocky.  Other nominees: Bound for Glory, Network and All the President's Men.

1979: Apocalypse Now instead of Kramer vs. Kramer.  Other nominees: All That Jazz, Breaking Away and Norma Rae.

1985: The Color Purple instead of Out of Africa.  Other nominees: Kiss of the Spider Woman, Prizzi's Honor, and Witness.

1994: The Shawshank Redemption instead of Forrest Gump.  Other nominees: Four Weddings and a Funeral, Pulp Fiction, and Quiz Show.

1999:  The Green Mile instead of American Beauty.  Other nominees: The Cider House Rules, The Insider, and The Sixth Sense.

2006: Little Miss Sunshine instead of The Departed.  Other nominees: Babel, Letters from Iwo Jima, and The Queen.

If you want to go back and revisit these classics, all are available through the library.

Tell us who you think should have won!

The History of Automation at the Public Library: A Look Back and to the Future

Posted by Alana T. and Deanne H.

Our Fearless Leader, Deanne H.

The EPL has been part of the new IL Heartland Library System since last year (for more info, visit our previous post).  The next step for the consortium is adopting a new library automation system called Polaris at the beginning of April (for important dates, see our website).

The EPL staff have been busy training and preparing for the upcoming changes.  Last week, I sat down with our Director, Deanne H., and we discussed what patrons needed to know and her thoughts on the new system.  Originally, I thought I would post the highlights to the blog, but the conversation was so interesting, discussing adoption of new technologies at the EPL, that I decided to post it in its entirety.

Alana:  In a few weeks patrons are going to temporarily lose their holds (book requests) as we upload information to the new automation system.  It seems so easy to go online, or call us, and request an item – a few days later, a patron has the item in hand.  We’re going to have a week or so when that system doesn’t work.  But it wasn’t always so quick and easy.  When you started at the EPL (1980), how did people put holds on books?

Deanne:  There were two ways.  If the EPL owned something we (the staff) went to the card catalog, found the location on the shelf; if the book wasn’t there, we knew it wasn’t in.  The staff member then had to look for the book card.  Back in the day, there was a pocket in every book and there was a card that listed title, author, fiction or non-fiction .  When the book was checked out, the card was inter-filed in this giant drawer as big as my desk, maybe a bit smaller.  It was filed by author for fiction, or Dewey # for non-fiction.  If a patron requested a book that was checked out, you had this little metal clippy thing that held the patron’s name and phone number. When the book came in, you would pull the card out of the drawer and you would see a patron had a hold on it.  Then you called them, as we do now.

Interlibrary loans back in the golden oldies was basically the same as what we use now.  Back then, you filled out a piece of paper.  Sometimes we requested specific titles, but we did a lot of subject requests.  In those days the EPL was a much smaller library.  Maybe we had 40,000 items then; we have over 100,000 items now.  So, if somebody came in and they needed five sources about tornados, we might not have everything.  For interlibrary loan requests, we would fill out a paper with as much detail as possible what a patron needed.  The patron needs this, but maybe not this, and they need it by this date.  We would send that to the Lewis & Clark System headquarters.  They had a HUGE card catalog for every book in the system and they would fill the requests.

Alana:  So that means, when we cataloged a book we would have to make two cards for every book…

Deanne:  Yes. And somebody had to file them.  What that meant is that the System had lots of employees and a collection of their own.  You could order directly from them, or they could find who owned a book and request it.  A very quick turnaround for interlibrary loan would be about two weeks.  Expectations were different and patrons had to be prepared.  Obviously even back then, kids doing assignments would not be prepared.  They would say, “What, you don’t have anything?”  And we would try really hard to find something.  We would bypass the System and call libraries and ask, “Do you have this?  Do you have such and such on your shelf?”  In some cases, a staff member would drive places and get items for patrons. 

Alana:  You’ve just described the old-fashioned method of requesting items, but we did become automated and gradually adopted new methods.  What are your memories of that process?

Deanne:  We automated in 1986 here.  We weren’t the first library.  I think East Alton went first and we were third.  It was a HUGE process to envision this online thing and not everybody did it at the same time.  It was a massive cooperative effort and we’re still doing that.

First, we had to barcode and enter all that information (about each book) into the computer.  We did that with the assistance of System staff, and in many cases, staff from other libraries.  Everyone would go to help get all those items entered, and then it would be someone else’s turn.  When we went online that first day, East Alton staff came here and helped us because they had been online several months.  So when the next library went online, we sent staff members.  It was planned that way. 

There were some libraries that waited – everybody didn’t leap in right away.  There were libraries who didn’t automate for years because their boards thought that the decision didn’t best serve their taxpayers.  It was frightening and it was expensive.  In 1986 our population was a bit over 13,000; we were still a small community.  Automation was a significant portion of our budget. 

Alana:  Did it make a difference right away? 

Deanne:  It made a difference in the speed of getting patrons the things that they wanted.  The biggest selling point was seeing what everybody (other libraries) had.  There was so much there.  This wasn’t the internet (not until 1995), but it was new and exciting!  People were really nervous in some ways.  For quite some time we had computers, but we were still keeping our card catalog.

Just as there are discussions now (about digitization), there were big discussions in the 80's and early 90's about what we were losing as we let our card catalogs go.  And it is the case that we lost a lot.  Technologies and libraries change, and overall, these are positive changes.  

However, an online catalog will not, has not, and in my opinion, will never really reflect our local collection.  With a card catalog you can catalog for your community.  With MARC (MAchine Readable Cataloging) records, and particularly with a big consortium, we all have to use the same format.  Everyone has to be trained the same, enter the data the same way, use the same format.  With a card catalog, foof on that!  You could do what you wanted, and we did.  Take Sara Coventry as an example, nobody knows her outside of Edwardsville (she was Director of the EPL from 1891-1937 and is occasionally sighted in the building).  We could have a subject heading, Coventry comma Sara.  We could make up our own subject headings, and often we did.  We would hear from patrons that they were looking for x instead of y.  We could use both, and all kinds of ‘see also’ cards. We had a huge catalog that reflected how people were searching in Edwardsville, and they loved that.  There was a lot of info in a card catalog and that was wonderful.

Alana:  When I was in college, even grad school, I still used card catalogs.  I had a friend that, when we were given assignments, would go to the library and pull all the cards on the topic (to prevent others from using the sources).  He was horrible.  But, you can’t do that anymore!

Deanne:  Oh my gosh!  Yes, access is 100 million times better – absolutely.  Have we lost something?  Sure.  We kept the card catalog for several years, but we weren’t deleting or adding to it.  We reached a point where we just didn’t have the staff or resources to do it.

Alana:  In a way that’s similar to what is happening now.  Technology, financial issues and expectations are affecting how libraries work. 

Deanne:  Absolutely.  At one time there were, 13 library systems in IL.  Librarians could easily come together and discuss issues that reflected their geographic area. Then there were 10, then eight for a long time, then six, and now there are three.  That is absolutely money driven . And we just don’t have a choice.  Numbers of employees keeps dwindling, dwindling, dwindling.  We now have a consortium  encompassing two thirds of the state and we can’t all sit together.  We’ve elected people to make decisions for us.  People in the SHARE group (Sharing Heartland's Available Resources Equally) are doing the absolute best job they can do in the spirit of what works best for the group as a whole.  Does that mean it is always the perfect fit for the EPL?  No it doesn’t.  But we have to make a choice.  

Has money become a driver in technology change?  Money has always been important in the public library world.  There just isn’t money for supporting multiple systems.   There is this absolute expectation (from library patrons) that you can get the information or item you need you need very, very quickly.  If not, why not?  How can that be?   In order to give good service to our patrons, we have to belong to a consortium and we have to have a good automation product.

Alana:  How was the new software chosen?

Deane:  The SHARE group looked for a company that really had a track record and a demonstrated ability to manage a consortium this large.  This is potentially, or is currently, the largest consortium of multi-type libraries (public, school, academic & special) under one automation system in the country!  Cost was also an issue. Vendors had the opportunity to give presentations, show all the bells and whistles.  People voted and Polaris got the vote. 

Alana:  So, when we go through the whole change at the end of March, it’s not going to be just us (libraries close by) uploading information, it’s other systems, too.

Deanne:   I’ve heard the 10 million mark stated.  I think within Gatenet (our previous system)  it was 4 million items, so it will be almost 3 times as much.  My understanding is that everyday, all day, they are loading all kinds of things.  Millions of patron records and millions and millions of bibliographic records.  And also making sure that it’s all there and working.  There may be some hiccups.  In many ways it could be a bigger undertaking than automation in 1986. Well, I shouldn’t say that.  It seemed like such a monumental undertaking back then, when you go from nothing...  There were no computers in the building when I started!

Alana:  Overall though, except for the period of the switchover, things aren't going to change too much for patrons.

Deanne: The system will be larger, but the process will be the same.  Request and delivery-wise there will be three concentric circles.  If something is available in Carbondale and Glen Carbon, obviously we want it to come from Glen Carbon.  In the beginning, there will be some bumps in the road, a few delays.  

The online catalog that patrons see at home is going to change.  It will be similar to what they have now, but it will look more like what they see when shopping on the internet.  There will be images of books and more information about the books.  

It’s exciting!  People will have to be very patient with us.  We're all experiencing the learning curve.  Our patrons have a high service expectation and we’ll be trying our utmost.  We'll be okay, we have the greatest staff and the greatest patrons.  But we may need a lot of chocolate… 

I Love This Book!

Posted by Alana T.

This month, we're starting a new series of posts in which EPL staff members describe why he or she loves one of the physical books that lives here in the library.  To start, I've chosen one of our many copies of Persuasion by Jane Austen.  I will admit I'm not really a fan of the work, but this little book makes me smile every single time someone checks it out.  It is far and away my single favorite book in the library.

This particular copy was added to our collection in 1991, but the book itself is much older. Because we have other Austen works with a similar format, I think this was part of a set added all at once (there is no publication date inside).  The floral printed cardboard cover is very worn, the edges rounded from decades of handling, and the pages have aged to a mellow ivory color.  The type is vanishingly small - only teens can read it with ease. In spite of heavy use, the little tome is holding together quite well, although the binding is far from tight. This is a tiny book, smaller than the typical paperback and it just seems so... precious.

Each time this copy crosses the circulation desk and someone new takes it home, I am reminded of the wonderfulness of libraries.  Here is tangible evidence of a book passing from one hand to the next over multiple decades.  I hope this book makes the rounds for a few decades more.

Spread the Word - Get Your Library Card Today!

Posted by Staff

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month.  Of course, you have a card, but how about your friends and neighbors?  It doesn't matter if they live in Edwardsville, contact everyone you know and drop a hint about how useful that card is (and it is, isn't it?).  To sign up for a card, residents of Edwardsville need a photo ID and something current with their name and Edwardsville address on it (mail, utility bill, checks/bank statement, rental agreement, etc.).  Most local libraries have similar rules.  If someone you know needs to know where to go or what he or she needs to get a card, give us a call (692-7556) and we will help. 

What Does It Mean To Be an ELF?

Posted by Sharon W. (Boardmember and ELF volunteer)

It means you are a friend of the Edwardsville Library.  It cost $5 to join for a year.  You can be as active as you want to be.  The ELFs provide some programs throughout the year that are open to the public.  Many ELF members are also Carnegies's volunteers.  They have 2 hour shifts working at the bookstore/cafe.  The ELFs are directed by a volunteer board of eight people.  The biggst ELF fund raiser is running a concession stand for the Thursday night band concert in the park.  Monies from memberships, sales in Carnegie's and the band concert help the ELF fund projects for the library.  Most recently, they bought the benches in the rotunda and are helping fund the youth and adult summer reading programs.  It's fun and easy to be an ELF.  Come join us!

The Value of our Library

Posted by Staff

Sometimes it is difficult to place a dollar value on the things we love - after all, these things are beyond price.  For example, we all love our library and can relate many examples of its value to the community.  But what about a dollar value?  The Massachusetts Library Association created a Library Value Calculator that can determine the value of  your library use.  The cost of items in the calculator are based on average prices for books, music downloads, movie and newspaper subscriptions, and various types of program admission fees.  For more information about the calculator click here, or give it a try for your use.

We ran our numbers for last year through the calculator and came up with the following:
144,101 Adult books borrowed: value $2,449,717.00
113,222 Children's  books borrowed: value $ 1,924,774.00
36,360 Interlibrary loan requests: value $908,750.00
3,636 eBooks downloaded: value $54,540.00
3,600 Music downloaded: value $3,600.00
1,358 adult programs attended: value $20,370.00
757 Young adult programs attended: value $9,084.00
10,768 Children's programs attended: value $75376.00
42432 Hours computer use (@$12/ hour)  $509,184
5,000 Database Searches: value $997,500.00
19,907 Hours reference assistance: value $139,349.00
Approximate Value for 2011: $7,092,244.00

What a bargain!

Upcoming Audio - now is the time to start listening!

Phaedrus listens to Cujo while chewing his toy...

Posted by Alana T.

Did you know that you can request forthcoming audiobooks on the blog?  Yes indeed!  We keep an updated list (featured on the left sidebar) that is linked to our catalog, so all you need is your barcode and pin to request something before it even arrives at the library.

Perhaps you haven't tried an audiobook.  Now is the perfect time!  We have a variety of formats to match just about everyone's technology level.  Not sure what to try? Many of the EPL staff are avid audiobooks listeners - ask at the front desk for our current suggestions and favorite narrators.

Do you still think it's a little weird to listen to a book?  Do you feel like it's cheating?  You are not alone. Many readers hesitate at first, but then fall in love with the format. For example, Christine Shoenwald on salon.com describes how audiobooks opened her up to reading again.  For an enlightening history of audiobooks and how they can be a tranformative experience, read Maggie Gram's essay Listening to Books.

Stop by the library and start listening today.

The birth of literature...

Image from Chavet Cave (visit the website)

“Literature was not born the day when a boy crying ‘wolf, wolf’ came running out of the Neanderthal valley with a big grey wolf at his heels:  literature was born on the day when a boy came crying ‘wolf, wolf’ and there was no wolf behind him.”  Vladimir Nabokov

Request works by Nabokov

Posted by EPL Patron and guest blogger J. Meyer

When we moved to this area in 1976, the first piece of information I learned about the Edwardsville Public Library was that it was a genuine Carnegie Library. I didn't know exactly what that meant—a Carnegie Library.  But it certainly sounded impressive! Our twin daughters, then in kindergarten, thought that a trip to the library was very special. They loved the idea of looking at shelves of books and then, magically, being able to choose several to take home.  When they got older, the main library attraction was D. R., one of the "big high school boys" who worked there.  (Historically, whoever hires the high schoolers who work at the library has a wonderful knack of choosing helpful young people who are very kind to younger patrons!)

When the beautiful addition was completed in 1991 or so, I'm sure I gasped as I first entered the addition and viewed the lovely tall windows overlooking the east lawn and the beautiful Madison County Centennial Monument.  I just sank into the comfortable sofa to marvel at the great view and to think, "What a great place our library is to relax and read." 

And now....in 2011....snacks....coffee....inside a library??!!  Terrific!  And every one on the library team--from the staff to the volunteers--is eager to help a patron locate a book, do research on a computer, make copies--anything one needs.

Finally, some unsung heroes deserve to be mentioned:  the people who have served over the years as members of the Edwardsville Public Library Board.  We certainly salute them as we enter 2012.

And speaking of 2012, thanks for the opportunity to let everyone know that we have an outstanding library.  A splendid new year’s resolution would be:  In 2012, I will spend more afternoons in the Edwardsville Public Library!   

Just like ants - on the move...

Muromachi, Ants Hauling a Pumpkin, 1492

Posted by EPL patron and guest blogger M. Lemke

My husband claims I have ants in my pants.  He's right!  I love to travel and am always bugging him to go somewhere - a trip to another state or country or continent.  When I can't go somewhere, I do the next best thing - I grab a book and read about a place I would like to visit.

Recently, I went Spain with Chris Steward in Driving Over Lemons.  He bought a farm there and loved the area.  Michael Jacobs and I explored the mountains from top to bottom in his book Andes.

Not all my book trips are for fun.  One of my most meaningful trips was to Africa when I read The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapaschinski.  I learned a  lot  about the countries where so much bloodshed had, and is now, taking place.  Alice Hoffman wrote The Dovekeepers which tell the history of the Masada tragedy.

These special trips can be very informative.  After reading A House in Fez by Suzanna Clarke, I learned to never, ever, buy a house in a foreign country and have locals repair it when you aren't there.  What a mess that was!

My very favorite trip was with Bill Bryson when we hiked the Appalachian Trial in A Walk in the Woods.  Yes, I have ants and I don't intend to do anything about getting rid of them.

The Best Gift Book Ever!

Posted by Staff

Growing up, most of us received books as holiday gifts.  For some of us, this was a welcome event, for others, pretty dull compared to the toys.  Either way, we all have memories of those old books that we've carried with us into our adult lives.  Many of those books shaped who we are today.  Following are some stories of the most memorable book-related gifts we've received as children.

Pam O.: Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberger.  Received from my mother during a difficult time, it's a lovely book where the author explores phases of life inspired by the shells on the sea shore... "She helps readers find space for contemplation and creativity within their own lives."

Alana T.: Beatrix Potter books.  When I was little, my grandfather and great aunt would each send me a book every Christmas.  The books were tiny and full of quirky animals.  Perfect!  These are the only books I remember receiving as a gift.

Cary H.: The Little House on the Prairie complete book set.  It came in a box that held all the books.  I loved to read thing in order, so I was thrilled they were numbered. I was about 10.

Amanda E.:  The Anne of Green Gables boxed set when I was in grade school.  Love!

Judy T.: That Summer on Catalpa Street.  My father bought these for me when he came home from a business trip.  I was about 8 a the time and it seemed like such a grown-up present.  I absolutely adored that book - for years.

Deanne H.: Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss.  My daughter gave me this for my graduation from library school.  We attended the University of Illinois together.

Karen K.:  The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart.  Given to me by my wonderful grandmother, these books carried me to Camelot and brought all the legends of Merlin and King Arthur to life.  Then, I had to go on and read the other books in the trilogy.

Jessica W.:  McElligot's Pool by Dr. Seuss.  My Mom gave this to me for Christmas after I had almost continually had it continually checked out from the library for over four months!  I was so happy when I had a copy of my own!

Zach H.: Time Travel In Einstein's Universe by J. Richard Gott.  Using science fiction and physics as a guide, Gott explains the possibility of time travel.

Katherine R.: Kneadlessly Simple: Fabulous, Fuss-Free, No-Knead Breads by Nancy Baggett.  The best no-knead bread book I've found.

Narrators make or break Audio Books

Charles Louis Bombled, Le Gramophone, 1902

Posted by Cary H.

A recent disappointing experience prompted this post.  Lately I've gotten hooked on audio books as an enjoyable way to pass the time in my half hour commute to and from work each day, and also as a way to facilitate my love of reading when lately I'm too tired and busy to read books before bed.

Since I tend to read British mysteries, my first experiences were great because the narrators invariably had British accents which I love and listened to fairly uncritically.  But recently, after having a very popular writer recommended to me -- a mystery series that takes place in the Western U.S. -- I learned very quickly that a poor narrator can completely ruin the book experience no matter how well written.

My point is, if you're new to audio books, don't give up on them if the narrator falls flat -- try another narrator or author!  When well done, the narrator's voice pulls you deeply into the world of the book and it's a great experience.  My bad experience came from a highly acclaimed narrator with a list of awards and credits to his name, yet still his voice was flat, had little emotional range, and when he read the part of the few children's characters in the book he sounded whinier than the worst tired four-year-old.

Enough said.  Audio books are a fantastic way to read, just remember that the narrator is an important as the story -- keep trying until you find one you love.

Ten Things NOT To Do With/To Your Library Books



Oh NO!  Can it be......? Yes it is!  Ewwww!

 Posted by: Staff

People do the darndest things with their library books.  Sometimes we wonder, "What were they thinking?!"  Depending on what has happened to the book, we try to repair it, clean it as best we can, and put it back on the shelves.  Next time you see a book with curious marks, dents, rips, or other signs of a hard life, consider where it has been. 

We want you to enjoy your library books and make them an important part of your life.  However, they are a resource for all to share.  With this in mind, please don't:

• Use Q-tips as book marks - yuck!  Don't use food either.
• Fix a book yourself with duct tape (or any type of tape!); we can't repair these books.
• Take a book into a public restroom for, ahem, reading (Keep it in a book bag!) 
• Use as a coaster for beverages (especially not for coffee cups).
• Shield yourself from the elements (e.g. raindrops, snow) with a book.
• Give a book to a youngster for use as a pacifier or teething aide.
• Turn pages with Cheeto or potato chip fingers. 
• Let your dog "read" books.  Hint, he's not reading, he's chewing. 
• Leave audiobooks or DVDs in a hot car.
• Read a library book in the tub...for obvious reasons.

A Cookbook for the Ages

Everything you ever wanted to know about food

Posted by: Alana T.

I bought my copy (circa 1972) of The Joy of Cooking soon after finishing my first semester of Home Ec. in 1979. My teacher said everyone should have a copy, so I dutifully bought one. My copy of The Joy was so much more than a cookbook, it was an encyclopedia of everything food related. In those pages I could find out how to set a formal table, skin a rabbit or prepare a seven layer cake. In addition to the vast quantity information, the quirky, upbeat 50's style illustrations made all forms of food preparation seem carefree and cheerful.

My original copy was spiral bound which, although useful in the kitchen, became a problem when pages started falling out. That first copy lasted relatively intact until 2005, when I finally tired of shuffling through my bundle of rubber banded pages to find something. I went to the bookstore to buy a new copy, but horror of horrors, The Joy had been totally redesigned! It had become a totally different book, and not one I wanted. The book had been modernized, so no more quirky pictures, fewer topics, less detail - I was devastated.

My "new" old copy of The Joy

I kept my bundle of yellowing pages, resigned to its continued degradation. Then one day a wonderful, unknown patron donated a box of old books to the library. In that box, was a perfect hardbound copy of the 1969 edition of The Joy. Wow! The library already owned a copy of the old edition, so we didn't keep the donation (we also have the latest edition).  I took the new, old cookbook home in a daze of happiness. Each time I'm in the kitchen and glance over at that lovely robin's egg blue binding, I feel assured that anything I will ever need to know about food can be found within those pages.