Full Text (PDF) - Mississippi Library Association

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Page 21 Vol. 67, No. 1, Spring 2003 Mississippi LibrariesMLA Councilor: Representing MLA at ALABy Billy BealDean of Learning ResourcesMeridian Community Collegebbeal@mcc.cc.ms.usOver three hundred Mississippi librariansbelong to the American Library Association(ALA). As your Councilor I representedour Mississippi Chapter withinALA’s governance structure. The ChapterRelations Council keeps the Associationgrounded in the reality of the day to dayactivities of libraries and librarians in eachstate and even American territories. Somedescribe the chapter councilors as the senatorsof ALA who balance the influence ofthe at-large elected councilors.ALA has been politically very active inthe last three years, concentrating onissues that affect librarians every day: UniformComputer Information TransactionsAct (UCITA), the Children’s Internet ProtectionAct (CIPA), and the USA PatriotAct as well as the establishment of theALA/Allied Professional Association(APA). The ALA/APA has been designedto provide specialized skill certification forlibrarians and to create a lobbying structureto vigorously advocate for library servicesas well as better salaries for librariansand library workers.The Association elected to become veryproactive in passing a resolution seeking toamend the USA Patriot Act, because of itsintrusion into the area of intellectual freedomand privacy. To promote diversity,the Association has developed the SpectrumInitiative, giving scholarships to minoritystudents in accredited library schools.Several Mississippians have alreadyreceived Spectrum awards. The Associationhas fought vigorously to prevent theadoption of UCITA legislation in State legislatures,as this expansion of copyright lawthreatens intellectual freedom and equity ofaccess. The Association has committedmore than a million dollars to the legal fightagainst CIPA since it denies local libraryboards the chance to determine the level ofcensorship local communities may adopt inorder to fulfill their mission.ALA is a membership organization.Librarians, library workers, library trusteesand library vendors are eligible for membership.I urge all Mississippi librarians tobecome active members of ALA, knowingthey can enrich themselves and shapethe values of the Association throughactive participation in its multitude of sections,roundtables, discussion groups andprograms.My three years spent as Councilorhave enriched me as a professional. Ithank you for the opportunity to haveserved and represented our MississippiLibrary Association.
Mississippi Libraries Vol. 67, No. 1, Spring 2003 Page 22NEW BUILDINGSAND RENOVATIONSThe groundbreaking for the MargaretSherry Memorial Library expansion washeld on December 10, 2002. Many localVIPs and devoted patrons braved theinclement weather to attend. Over 100people were in attendance to witness theevent including Biloxi Mayor A.J. Hollowayand Councilman Mike Fitzpatrick.Local dignitaries were assisted during theground breaking ceremony by elementaryand preschool children.In celebration of the 30th anniversaryof the Pass Christian Library building,Harrison County Supervisor Marlin Ladnerpresented a check in the amount of$6,000 to Mr. Robert Lipscomb, Directorof Harrison County Library System,and Mrs. Sheila Peters, Head Librarian ofPass Christian Library. This generousdonation will kick off a campaign to raisefunds to purchase and install new carpetingin the library. Several fundraisers arebeing planned throughout the year toraise the $13,000 needed to purchaseand install new carpet.Harrison County Supervisor Marlin Ladner presentsa donation for carpeting to Pass Christian HeadLibrarian Sheila Peters and Harrison CountyLibrary System Director Robert Lipscomb.The Lee County Library in Tupelo isenjoying a new look from last summer’sfacelift. The old ‘muddy gray’ carpet hadbecome dangerously wrinkled, causingan unsafe environment for patrons andemployees alike. Convinced of the problem,the Lee County Board of Supervisorsprovided $60,000 for the project.Quality Carpet of Ripley won the low bidand installed the beautiful blue-greentweed carpet. The library was closed forNews Briefsjust two weeks, while employees from thelibrary and a moving company shuffledbooks, furniture and shelving.PROGRAMS AND SERVICESDuring the fall of 2002, the TunicaCounty Literacy Council and First RegionalLibrary co-sponsored a Motheread/Fatheread, a nationally recognized familyliteracy program. Motheread uses welllovedchildren’s books and gives parentsskills to share stories with their childrenand approach literacy in a fun way. Parentsand children meet separately each weekbut discuss the same book. Trained facilitatorswere Betty Jo Dunlaney and KenaHarris of Tunica County Literacy Counciland Victoria Penny, Youth ServicesCoordinator of First Regional Library.Upon completion, parents are presenteda certificate and given a free book fromthe Motheread/Fatheread list. For moreinformation on Motheread/Fathereadcontact Victoria Penny at (662) 429-4439or vpenny@first.lib.ms.us.Victoria Penny, Youth Services Coordinator ofFirst Regional Library engages children duringMotheread/Fatheread.The Mississippi Library CommissionMississippi Center for the Book recentlyteamed with Lemuria Bookstore in Jacksonto promote Mississippi authors andtheir works. The newly formed partnershipis designed to celebrate the writtenword by promoting book signings andreadings. “This new venture provides theCenter with opportunities to support Mississippi’sfinest talents and their work. Weare excited about our partnership withLemuria,” said Constance Lawson,MLC’s Mississippi Center for the BookCoordinator. In October, MLC andLemuria together welcomed Meridiannative Sela Ward, author of Homesick.Constance Lawson, Mississippi Center for theBook Coordinator and author Sela Ward atLemuria Book Store.The Harrison County Library Systemsponsored a Teen Web Page Design contest.Prizes were awarded in August toSwathi Bhargav, Elizabeth Maloy, AlisonSaucier, Christopher Stull, and KennyVan Alstyne. The teen page for the librarywill feature the winner’s entries.The University of Southern MississippiLibraries introduced Live Reference Chatservice in January. USM-affiliated personsare now able to chat over the Internet inreal time with USM librarians. Duringchat sessions, librarians and users canbrowse the web together, and librarianscan also direct users as they search thelibrary catalog and other online libraryresources.AWARDSHancock County Library SystemTrustees Evelyn Johnson and Mary Cassis,chairman, traveled to WashingtonD.C. in January to receive the 2001National Award for Library Service forHancock County. The award was presentedby Laura Bush and the Institute ofMuseum and Library Services. Thelibrary system was one of three libraries inthe nation to be recognized for this awardfor innovative programs and community(continued on page 24)
Page 6 and 7: Page 5 Vol. 67, No. 1, Spring 2003
Page 12: Page 11 Vol. 67, No. 1, Spring 2003
Page 15 and 16: Mississippi Libraries Vol. 67, No.
Page 21: Mississippi Libraries Vol. 67, No.
Page 31 and 32: MISSISSIPPI LIBRARYASSOCIATIONMEMBE

Full Text (PDF) - Mississippi Library Association

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?