tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79933366158041013562024-03-13T19:37:22.830-07:00The Six Foot Librarian: Rantings of an Public Academic LibrarianAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-43491231595687929052015-08-01T11:15:00.001-07:002015-08-01T11:16:27.376-07:00Privatization? No!I usually don't like to link to other blogs but here is a good article about how a private library corporation is having difficulty delivering on their promises. Read the article over at the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donald-cohen/save-your-public-library_b_7906134.html" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-88558067568288928902015-03-10T18:19:00.000-07:002015-03-13T21:50:48.030-07:00Library Privatization and the Public Good Part IRecently, when I heard that the Kern County Board of Supervisors were considering privatizing the library system, my immediate reaction was visceral. I was in San Diego eating lunch with my wife and almost choked on my food. After lunch we got on the highway for the four hour drive home. During that drive I thought about my time as a librarian there and all the ways I broke my back to bring superior service to the people of Kern County in spite of the budgetary scraps the board tossed to us.<br>
<br>
What is this talk of privatization you ask? In order to compensate for lost oil revenues the Board of Supervisors are considering "innovative" ways to cut costs among the departments. For the library that means farming library service out to a private company such as Library Systems and Services (LSSI).<br>
<br>
LSSI is a private, for profit limited liability company based in Germantown, Maryland. No, it's not a California based company. According to their website, they imply that they are able to give local governments more "bang for the buck."They also claim that they "do NOT privatize library <i>services </i>(emphasis mine)," however, their employees are NOT public employees (see: <a href="http://www.lssi.com/">www.lssi.com</a>). While they manage libraries in other states, in California they have contracts in Riverside County, Redding, and Santa Clarita. The way this works is after a contract is awarded, current employees are laid off. Those who are laid off have an opportunity to interview for their job with LSSI. This is a big cost savings because employee salaries are cut and their pension is reduced to a 401k.<br>
<br>
But I have a some other questions for the board of supervisors. Not that I support <i>any </i>outsourcing but what other services are you considering for outsourcing? Parks? Fire Department? Sheriff's Department? What other budget cuts are they considering? We already know that salaries account for the most costly expense. So is the board considering cutting their salaries? How about the County Administrator Officers's salary? (The CAO received a raise of $28,502 in 2013! www.transparentcalifornia.com).<br>
<br>
<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-75273840149598863052012-08-04T19:55:00.001-07:002012-08-04T19:55:52.875-07:001952 Earthquake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9L8O68p7vxo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-36697259400276825632012-07-25T21:08:00.004-07:002012-07-25T21:14:56.678-07:00Information Revolution?<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In a recent
View Point that appeared in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Information
Today</i> (“Library Sales Revolution” June 2012, vol. 29 issue 6) Barbara Quint
acknowledges the financial crises both libraries and information vendors are
currently facing. Further complicating the situation, Quint argues, is that libraries
are being confronted by a “more focused assault of the new all-internet,
all-end-user, and all-the-time information technological revolution” which is
having the same effect on those who provide libraries with content. Quint
offers a solution: create a new business model that will allow vendors and
libraries alike to prosper. Important to this solution is for libraries to
“maximize the value that their budgets buy for them. In fact, they need to add
revenue-building as part of that value. They need to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sell</i> (emphasis mine) data as well as buy it.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It is no
secret that libraries all across the United States are suffering financially,
some more so than others. This situation has forced us to consider new ways of
functioning. The bottom line is librarians are being asked to maintain current
levels of service with less. Librarians are creative and there have been many
innovative ideas implemented to ease the burden. We have had to step out of our
“traditional” roles to learn and do the jobs encompassed in the library (see “<a href="http://sixfootlibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/02/multi-tasking-librarian.html"><span style="color: blue;">The
Multi-Tasking Librarian</span></a>” February 13, 2012). I think, for the most part, we
are willing to do what is necessary to ensure free and unfettered access to the
information we provide. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I am always
open and welcome new ideas that will help sustain and advance library service.
But I cannot imagine a situation that would allow libraries to begin charging
for information. When the technology revolution gained momentum, it readily
became obvious that another dichotomy in society was forming, the “digital
divide.” While the digital divide still exists, it was mitigated when libraries
made technology available to the public. For those idealistic librarians, such
as myself, we hope to end illiteracy and the digital divide (Ok, maybe not end
but we certainly want to make a dent!). We recognize that the public we serve
come from all walks of life and from a variety of economic situations. We serve
the rich and the poor, from the homeless to college students and everyone in
between. So, to begin charging for information, we will be adding to the divide
and disenfranchising a significant portion of those we serve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I will close
with a quote from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Federalist Papers</i>
that is attributed to Alexander Hamilton: “the wealth of nations depends upon
an infinite variety of causes.” Among these are the “genius of the citizens
[and] the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">degree of information they possess</b>”
[emphasis mine].<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-18852153008997305272012-05-31T08:25:00.002-07:002012-05-31T08:25:49.939-07:00The Post-PC Era @ Your Library?I have taken a break after the death of my father. My intention was to be back at it sooner then another serious family medical problem hit us. Nevertheless I am determined to press on. I wrote this post a while ago but it is still relevant: <br />
<br />
Sarah Perez at TECHCRUNCH has an interesting article about the Post-PC Era (”When Will the Post-PC Era Arrive? It Just Did” http://tinyurl.com/7y8bkr2) . She argues that current trends suggest that the Post-PC Era has indeed arrived as evidence by two important benchmarks. Perez notes that “smartphone shipments outpaced PCs for the first time ever, and Apple became the world’s largest PC maker” (this number includes iPads). It looks like consumers are shifting away from desk top and laptop PCs to smaller more portable computing solutions. <br />
<br />
<br />
This will most definitely change how libraries provide technology to their patrons. Librarians should be attuned to this as it will be a crucial factor in library planning. So, will libraries replace desktop computers with iPads or other portable devices? (3M has a portable eReader option for libraries that subscribe to its new eBook platform). How will your library adapt?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-28461687296351301962012-03-16T19:13:00.001-07:002012-03-22T18:34:48.387-07:00Russell Joseph Livingston 3/25/1928-3/12/2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4R2CNaX4PhY/T2Px13QbBXI/AAAAAAAAAFM/6QdmntPT0yE/s1600/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4R2CNaX4PhY/T2Px13QbBXI/AAAAAAAAAFM/6QdmntPT0yE/s1600/dad.jpg" /></a>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Russ was born in Troy, New York to Nettie Seil and grew up in
Schenectady. He held his first job at the age of 16 at the American Railroad
Company. Not long after, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served out
the remainder of World War II. After he was discharged he drove over 2800 miles
to start a new life in Los Angeles. He met the love of his life, Nancy, and
they were married on August 29, 1958. They started their family in Norwalk,
California and, in 1973, moved to Arvin, California.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Russ was a very skilled worker and had a much disciplined
work ethic. While living in Norwalk he worked at Lockheed Aircraft and had the
opportunity to work on the SR71 Blackbird. After moving to Arvin, he worked for
the American Fertilizer Company and J.R. Simplot. He retired from the Arvin
Union School District. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Those who knew Russ loved him and his sense of humor. He
was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceeded in death by his mother Nettie Seil Baker, his father-in-law George Sterling, and his mother-in-law Mary Sterling. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Russ is survived by his
wife Nancy of Bakersfield. They were married for 54 years. He is also survived by his daughter
Terrie Reese and son-in-law Tim, his son Chris and daughter-in-law Tina, his
grandson Bram, and granddaughters Caitlin, Candice, Sarah, and two great-grandchildren
Abbi and Johnny, all of Bakersfield. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There will be a private viewing followed by private
graveside services. Interment will be at Bakersfield National Cemetery 30338
East Bear Mountain Boulevard, Arvin, California. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: white;">You can shed tears that he is gone,<br />
Or you can smile because he lived,<br />
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,<br />
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.<br />
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him<br />
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,<br />
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,<br />
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.<br />
You can remember him and only that he is gone<br />
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,<br />
You can cry and close your mind be empty and<br />
turn your back,<br />
Or you can do what he would want:<br />
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.<br />
David Harkins 1959</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-2223566871066279512012-02-13T20:56:00.000-08:002012-02-13T20:56:15.416-08:00The Multi-Tasking Librarian<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those of you who don’t know me I have
two master’s degrees. One, of course is my M.L.I.S. The other is in History. I
feel compelled to mention this because it is an important factor to my library
philosophy and to this post. I began working on my History MA before I went to
Library School. My focus was Modern European History, but more specifically I
focused on 19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Century French Antisemitism. I began my graduate
education pursuing what was called the “Thesis Track.” I soon realized that if
I stayed on that track that It would take me years (I would probably <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">still</i> be procrastinating) to finish. So,
I switched to the “Exam Track.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This, I believed, was a good move because
not only would I finish grad school sooner but the change would also give me
more breadth in knowledge thus making me more marketable. After I graduated I
learned that my decision was a good one because the community colleges I
applied to wanted me to be able to teach any of the history classes they
offered. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was a great learning experience for
me because it led me to take a broad approach during my library school studies.
Many told me that this was a mistake and that I should specialize as that was
what potential library employers were looking for. Nevertheless I stuck with the
approach I began with and was able to secure a position as a reference
librarian. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The broad approach I took paid off and I
find myself utilizing a wide variety of skills in my daily routine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As time went by I began noticing that
multi-tasking was the norm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lines
between librarian, library assistant, circulation assistant, and “shelver”
became blurred. In addition to my wide range of “librarian duties,” I often
work at the circulation and audio-visual desk and shelve books. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is multi-tasking in the library
world? For librarians it means having the ability to perform <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">any</i> task in the library. We check out
books, collect fines, clear printer jams, address patron complaints, answer
directional questions, plan programs, supervise and train volunteers, trouble
shoot computer problems,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the list
goes on and on and on. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The point is that in today’s library
climate, with ever shrinking budgets (California Governor plans to zero out the
state library budget: </span><a href="http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2012/02/funding/brown-proposes-zero-state-funding-for-california-public-libraries-for-second-year-in-a-row/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2012/02/funding/brown-proposes-zero-state-funding-for-california-public-libraries-for-second-year-in-a-row/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
) and doing more with less, it is vital that librarians, indeed all library
workers, be good at multi-tasking. It is critical, however, for library
administrators to carefully consider which tasks should consume library workers’
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Service should be the priority.
Programming should be reassessed with emphasis on children’s and young adult
programs. Obviously, what works for one library may not work for another. This
is why it is important to be in tune with your community’s needs and wants. A
successful library is one that involves the community it serves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So, how is your library multi-tasking?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-91129526362425849952012-02-06T12:50:00.000-08:002012-02-06T12:51:48.342-08:00The Post-PC Era @ Your Library<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sarah Perez at <a href="http://www.techcrunch.com/" target="_blank">TECHCRUNCH</a> has an
interesting article about the Post-PC Era (”When Will the Post-PC Era Arrive?
It Just Did” </span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/7y8bkr2"><span style="color: blue;">http://tinyurl.com/7y8bkr2</span></a>) .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white;">She argues that current
trends suggest that the Post-PC Era has indeed arrived as evidence by two
important benchmarks. Perez notes that “smartphone shipments outpaced PCs for
the first time ever, and Apple became the world’s largest PC maker” (this
number includes iPads). It looks like consumers are shifting away from desk top
and laptop PCs to smaller more portable computing solutions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
will most definitely change how libraries provide technology to their patrons. Librarians
should be attuned to this as it will be a crucial factor in library planning. So,
will libraries replace desktop computers with iPads or other portable devices?
(3M has a portable eReader option for libraries that subscribe to its new eBook
platform). How will your library adapt?</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-19374159141138578792012-01-24T15:39:00.000-08:002012-01-24T15:39:59.417-08:00Ebooks and Privacy<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There has been a lot of talk lately about
Amazon, Overdrive, and privacy issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I first heard that Overdrive was adding Amazon I thought "good
now it won't matter which device patrons own, they will all have equal
access." (Obviously this was wrong. I'm not even going to go into the
various Overdrive catalogs out there). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The central issue is Amazon's policy of
collecting information from Overdrive users. This shakes the many librarians to
their very core. I mean we're all about freedom of information and being free
from undue influence in the things we choose to read. About a week ago I
checked out a book using a Kindle. No problem; it was easy to complete the process.
I started reading it not worrying about the due date (which is one of the best
things about checking out library eBooks). Then I got the message "</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Your public
library book will expire in 3 days. If you ~<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">purchase~</b> [emphasis added] <i>Battlefields of the Civil War [A
Guide for Travelers Volume I]</i> from the Kindle Store or borrow it again from
your local library, all of your notes and highlights will be preserved</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">." Having my notes saved is a cool
feature, but what really burned my pipes was the sales pitch. I liken this
practice to the answering the doorbell<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>on a Saturday morning by some zealous salesman. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is this something that we can all unite
under and get it changed? Is it even worth trying? Is this another side effect
of living in a capitalist society? What’s a librarian to do!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-11982630701606075202012-01-23T21:27:00.000-08:002012-01-23T21:27:27.208-08:00New Post Coming Soon!Wow! I have really neglected....no scratch that...I have really abandoned my blog. While I <em>hate</em> making New Years resolutions I will venture to resolve to blog (at least weekly) about various public library issues during the coming year. Heck, I might even through in some book reviews to spite myself!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-13074871734993816812009-07-07T15:57:00.000-07:002012-01-19T13:55:52.335-08:00Tales from the Vault #2<br />
<div align="justify">
<strong>Marie Beale & Decatur House</strong><br />
This edition of Tales brings us to one of the most interesting of Kern County’s pioneer families. We have all heard of the remarkable stories about General Edward Fitzgerald Beale, Mexican/American War Hero, and friend of Kit Carson, gold smuggler, Indian Agent, and land holder. We have also heard as many stories about his son Truxtun Beale. The focus of this tale is on Marie Beale, Truxtun’s wife who was just as intriguing as her husband and her father-in-law.<br />
<br />
Born about 1881, Marie Oge married Truxtun Beale on April 23, 1903. The only witnesses present were Marie’s mother and Truxtun’s sister. Soon after the wedding they set sail for Europe aboard the S.S. Kaiser Wilhelm II built in Stettin, Germany.[1] The Wilhelm II was seized April 6, 1917 by the United States Government after it entered the Great War. Some notable passengers on the same voyage were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Older" title="Fremont Older">Fremont Older</a>, the San Francisco reporter who exposed the corruption of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abe_Ruef" title="Abe Ruef">Abe Ruef</a>, and newspaper millionaire <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Randolph_Hearst" title="William Randolph Hearst">William Randolph Hearst</a>.<br />
<br />
Although Marie Beale married into one of America’s preeminent families, she too, came from a family with its own claims to historical fame. Philander Chase (December 14, 1775-September 20, 1852), founder of Kenyon College in 1824, was a great grandfather . Philander’s nephew, Salmon P. Chase, was a U.S. Senator, Governor of Ohio, U.S. Treasury Secretary (under Abraham Lincoln), and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.<br />
<br />
After Marie’s marriage to Truxtun, they moved into the historic <a href="http://www.decaturhouse.org/" title="Decatur House">Decatur House</a> on Lafayette Square in Washington D.C. The Decatur House, built in 1818, was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe and was home to a variety of historical figures including <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Clay" title="Henry Clay">Henry Clay</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Van_Buren" title="Martin Van Buren">Martin Van Buren</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Livingston" title="Edward Livingston">Edward Livingston</a>. Edward F. Beale gained ownership of this magnificent abode in 1872 and soon remodeled it in Victorian Style.[2] Mary Beale (Truxtun’s mother) occupied the house after her husband’s death in 1893. At first, Marie and Truxtun lived part of the time in California (Tejon Ranch) and part of the time in Washington D.C. It seems, however, that her fondest moments were spent at the <a href="http://www.decaturhouse.org/" title="Decatur House">Decatur House</a>. She shares those memories and its history in her book Decatur House and Its Inhabitants (1954).<br />
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Marie was the quintessential Washington socialite as she frequently entertained American Statesmen and foreign diplomats. Hers was one of two places to be in Washington D.C. She notes that "as in its first days, guests now came to only two places in La Fayette Square--the President's Mansion and Decatur House--which somehow symbolized the completion of a long cycle." [3] In 1938, Life magazine paid tribute to Marie Beale in the article "Life Goes to a Party with high Washington Society at Mrs. Truxtun Beale's historic Decatur House." The article included fourteen photographs of notable figures including the Belgian Ambassador, Mrs. Patrick J. Hurley, the Yugoslavian Minister, the German Ambassador, Lady Lindsay, Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers, the Rumanian Minister, and, of course, our esteemed hostess Marie Beale. The article noted that she was "one of Washington's topflight hostesses, has been giving her post-Diplomatic Reception party ever since the War. An affair so exclusive that even guest lists do not appear, it has never before been photographed." [4] The article goes on to note that the reception in question would quite possibly be the last, as she was looking to liquidate the estate.[5] This must of been bad news for those who attended her receptions.<br />
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Sadly, Marie Beale died in 1956 while visiting in Zurich, Switzerland. Thanks to her efforts she was able to get <a href="http://www.decaturhouse.org/" title="Decatur House">Decatur House</a> to become a national shrine. It is managed by the <a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/" title="National Trust for Historic Preservation">National Trust for Historic Preservation</a>. Of Decatur House, Marie had this to convey and is worth quoting at length:<br />
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Like a prim dowager, Decatur House serenely overlooks the park that grew up in its front yard, preserving unchanged its original simplicity. During more than 130 years of intimate connection with the main stream of American history Decatur House has been the inner sanctum of La Fayette Square. Few houses have witnessed such a panorama of events. Here the dying Decatur suffered out his last hours. Here foreign Ministers represented the power and policies of other nations. Henry Clay struggled here for the Good Neighbor Policy and the Presidency, attaining one but not the other. The "gorgeous hussy" Peggy Eaton quarrelled here with the wife of the Chief of Staff, and the astute Van Buren moved on to the White House and subsequent defeat. In this house the jurist Livingston had averted the first secession threat by South Carolina. The gaudy Gadsby lived here, the unimpeachable Dallas, and the benevolent Appleton. Two leaders of the Confederate cause, Cobb and Benjamin, walked these floors as they reached the most momentous decision of their lives, and renounced their country. After the interim of the Civil War years, a General and a President, Ulysses S. Grant, came here for friendship and counsel from General Beale, himself one of the architects of the American West, a "pioneer in the path of empire." Through the tumultuous period that followed, Truxtun Beale preserved the historic role of Decatur House in the life of Washington. Residents of Decatur House have occupied the Presidency and Vice Presidency; they have been Cabinet members, military leaders, Congressmen; they have been foreign diplomats and American envoys to other nations; the roster includes Confederate Statesmen, a jurist and an inn-keeper. By all of them Decatur House was valued, and perhaps beloved.[6]</blockquote>
This story and many others are waiting to be told. If you want to learn more about Marie Beale and the distinguished Beale Family, the <a href="http://www.kerncountylibrary.org/HTML/about/bea/spcol/lh.html" title="Local History Room">Local History Room</a> has many sources at your disposal. The original Marie Beale Papers are kept safe in the vault, however, there are copies to be found in the Vertical Files; just ask the librarian for access. There are also numerous files and books concerning the Beale family, all of which can be found in the Local History Room.<br />
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Come on down to the Jack Maguire Local History Room; you never know what you will discover!<br /><br />--Chris Livingston<br /><br /><br />[1]The Bulletin, April 23, 1903.<br />[2]Decatur House on Lafayette Square, <a href="http://www.decaturhouse.org/people/ebeale.htm">http://www.decaturhouse.org/people/ebeale.htm</a><br />[3] Marie Beale, Decatur House and Its Inhabitants, (Washington D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1954), 136.<br />[4] Life Goes to a Party," Life, January 3, 1938, p.58.<br />[5] ibid.<br />[6] Beale, 134.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-83438697750017663282009-07-06T19:13:00.000-07:002009-07-06T19:18:47.981-07:00Genealogy Bootcamp for LibrariansOn June 26 I had the opportunity to attend a "Genealogy Bootcamp for Librarians." This was a free seminar that preceded the beginning of the Southern California Genealogical Societies Jamboree. It was a great experience. I am currently writing a review about it. When it is finished I will post it somewhere. I'll let you know.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-75676739851297362442009-06-10T20:06:00.000-07:002009-06-10T20:15:51.207-07:00PC Reservation Software Part II<a href="http://web.dps.k12.va.us/gwhs/images/some%20library%20computers.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 366px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="http://web.dps.k12.va.us/gwhs/images/some%20library%20computers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The library has put all of the public computers down on "Computer Maintenance" beginning today and lasts through Friday, perhaps even Saturday...or sooner...it depends. It is eerily quiet in the library today. I <em>hope</em> this is not a bad sign. It just goes to show how important computers are to the library. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So the question is popping in my mind about how to maximize the benefits of public computers in the library. So for the next few days I am tasking myself to brainstorm ideas about how to capitalize on having a somewhat "captive" audience in the library. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-15352947457257355262009-06-05T18:54:00.000-07:002009-06-09T16:32:25.559-07:00PC Reservation SoftwareLast Thursday (6/4/09) I received training on our new PC Reservation Software. I'm sure many of you have heard about it. Basically the patron comes in to use a computer, goes to the reservation terminal, scans their card, and gets a printed confirmation of the time and place when they can use the computer. I admit that there could be some problems at first, especially when patrons don't read the instructions thoroughly. But after we work the bugs out, I think our patrons are going to like the new system.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-41824723154799030762009-05-30T17:04:00.000-07:002009-05-30T17:13:59.062-07:00Marketing yourself and the LibraryThere is a great article over at <a href="http://tametheweb.com/2009/05/27/dear-library-schools-please-do-better/">Tame the Web</a> about marketing yourself and your library. I bring this up because I am finding myself in the midst of having to market myself and my library. This is something that was not even a thought in my mind while I was in Library School. In fact, when I re-visited my alma matter's website, I was surprised to find that such a class was offered. Did they offer this when <span style="font-style: italic;">I</span> attended?<br /><br />That doesn't really matter now. What does matter is that I have to learn this as I go. I have already made a number of mistakes and I imagine there will be a few more as I go. I'm starting to see that one of the most important things to develop is your network. I was lucky to recently meet a community member with strong ties to the media. I think developing this kind of contact is key to your marketing program.<br /><br />I'm still learning....I will report back as I learn so that I can share....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-16546831066397139882009-05-18T19:31:00.000-07:002009-05-18T19:42:16.099-07:00Computers and Library CardsI was off this last weekend which was the first day for a new computer use policy implemented by my library. The old system was complicated to say the least. The way it worked was that patrons had three areas by which they could access an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Internet</span> computer. Down stairs we had fifteen minute terminals and upstairs there were one hour guest stations and one hour patron stations in the computer lab. At the fifteen minute and guest stations a library card was not needed. Needless to say, the system was often abused and often gridlocked.<br /><br />The new system requires <span style="font-weight: bold;">all</span> patrons to have a library card or web surf card in order to access the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Internet</span>. This is in preparation of a new automated computer reservation service that is coming in June. So while I was sitting at the reference desk, which is near the former guest stations, I noticed something....it was abnormally peaceful. I am hoping that this is due to the new system. I guess a few more days will tell......Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-57331968793452280062009-05-15T17:42:00.000-07:002009-05-15T17:50:37.711-07:00HiatusWow! has it really been seven months since my last post? That's what I get for being busy. Well I plan to change that. No, not the busy part, rather, the not posting part.<br /><br />So now I'm considering the role of social networking in libraries. As such I have started to use twitter and blogger (yes, I have yet <em>another </em>blog) at work. At my library I am noticing two distinct groups of users. On one hand we have the baby boomers and on the other we have what <a href="http://tametheweb.com/2009/05/12/facebook-vs-the-fortune-500/">Guy Hamel calls "Generation F"</a> aka the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Facebook</span> generation. With the baby boomers there seems to be some hesitancy in using the various social networking sites. Obviously, this is not the case for the Gen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">F'ers</span> (no pun intended!).<br /><br />So I guess the trick is to incorporate social networking in a way that will attract the boomers while at the same time keep the attention of the Gen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">F'ers</span>. I'm have to give this more thought. Any ideas????Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-54032066712277371322008-11-21T17:17:00.000-08:002008-11-22T09:26:09.625-08:00Here is another paper I wrote while in graduate school.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Some History and Problems With Federal Information Policy</span></strong><br /><br />There are five liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States (COTUS). Among these are the right to assemble, the freedom of religion, speech, press, and the right to redress grievances against the government. The latter three have great importance regarding the issue of government information policy. With these three liberties it is implied that citizens of the United States are entitled to, on various levels, information that the government produces. There is a long history regarding the issue of government information and the public’s right to access it. Because of inconsistent information policies at the federal level, the rights of the people to monitor the government are severely obstructed. This paper will examine some of the theoretical foundations of the rights of citizens relating to monitoring the government. It will also examine some milestones in the development of federal information policy in the United States. Finally, it will make some recommendations that could help clear up the confusion regarding federal information policy and make the dissemination of information to the public more efficient.<br /><br /><strong>Theoretical Foundations of the Public’s Right to Know</strong><br /><br />Many of the concepts surrounding the COTUS and the debate over it are found with the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Montesquieu. Locke’s theory of the social contract held that there existed a sort of covenant between the people and those who ruled over them.<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a> If leaders do not live up to the expectations of the people or become tyrannous, then the people have the natural right to nullify the “contract” and start anew. This is exactly what colonial patriots did when King George III ignored their wishes for fair representation. To avoid repeating such tyranny the framers of the constitution looked to other Enlightenment thinkers such as Montesquieu and his idea of “checks and balances.” While checks and balances are embodied in the concept of separation of powers it is often overlooked that the ultimate check upon federal power comes from the people, hence the importance of being able to have access to information.<br /><br />Perhaps the best source of commentary relating to the COTUS is found in the Federalist Papers. Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the papers provide insight into the powers invested in the various branches of government as well as how the constitution should be interpreted; the papers also provide insight regarding information and its dissemination. For example, Federalist #21 outlines things that make nations successful. Here Hamilton notes, “the wealth of nations depends upon an infinite variety of causes.” Among these are the “genius of the citizens [and] the degree of information they possess…”(Wills 101). The term information suggests two things. The first is that the “genius of the citizens” rests upon the education they have, which is, no doubt, beneficial to the republic. But it also suggests the importance of the people having access to government information to ensure that it is operating the way it should.<br /><br />It should also be noted that information and its acquisition is important not only to general citizens but also to elected officials as well. Often elected officials are denied access to information just as normal citizens are. From time to time elected officials become at odds with members of other branches of the government over information and its withholding. Martin Halstuk (2002) points out such a situation. He notes when congress was considering the appropriation of funds regarding John Jay’s negotiated treaty with Great Britain in 1796, George Washington denied their requests for information pertaining to the instructions given to Jay to negotiate the treaty (¶ 30). Granted, treaty-making powers are delegated to the executive branch, however, this information was a reasonable request and could have been helpful in determining the appropriation. Indeed, Madison appreciated the value of such information. He notes in Federalist #53 “No man can be a competent legislator who does not add to an upright intention and sound judgment, a certain degree of knowledge of the subjects on which he is to legislate. A part of this knowledge may be acquired by means of information which lie with the compass of men in private as well as public stations” (272).<br /><br /><strong>Choosing the Right Candidate</strong><br /><br />As previously mentioned, the right of the federal government to rule the people are granted through the theoretical framework of the social contract. The machinery of that contract can be found through suffrage. Voting is the “first line” of defense of the social contract. It allows the people to rid themselves of unworthy leadership; people must rely on information in order to make an educated decision. Hamilton illustrates this in Federalist # 84 where he notes the people must therefore depend on the information of intelligent men, in whom they confide—and how must these men obtain their information? Evidently from the complection of public measures, from public prints, from correspondences with their representatives…It is equally evident that the same sources of information would be open to the people, in relation to the conduct of their representatives in the general government…(Wills 439)<br />Information from the federal government (e.g. Congressional voting records, etc.), whether filtered through the press or not, is vital to the public in voting decisions.<br /><br /><strong>An Example of Antebellum Attitudes Towards Public Information</strong><br /><br />Between 1845 and 1860 federal information policy evolved. As the federal government became more bureaucratic, agencies within had to consider how to disseminate the information they held. Harold Relyea (1989) points out that it was in 1846 when Congress provided for the “routine printing of all Congressional reports, special documents, and bills” (31). Eventually, all government printing was completed by the Government Printing Office, which Congress established in 1860 (31). A corollary to these establishments, Congress created a place to house information with the goal of facilitating “public availability and knowledge of government actions” (32). These developments set precedence and are conducive with the liberties of the First Amendment and the doctrine of checks and balances.<br /><br />These noble gestures spread to other areas of the federal bureaucracy as well. James W. Oberly (1987) notes, although, the Federal Pension Bureau (FPB) took a different attitude during the 1850s. It was during this period that the U.S. government undertook one of the largest federal benefits programs the country had seen (Oberly 287).<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a> The FPB had to administer benefits to veterans of the Mexican-American War. To assist in this task the FPB attempted to print and release information to aid in achieving their goals. What the FPB program demonstrates is that “the federal government saw information from a view point of costs incurred rather than benefits conferred” (293). Finally, Oberly relates his argument to the contemporary debate over information policy and the costs of disseminating it to the public versus privatizing the process. Many believe privatization will save the public tax dollars. It may indeed be the case that the federal government will save money but that may actually increase the cost to the public in money and information lost. Private businesses are in business in order to turn a profit; it is therefore not clear how this will effect public access to government information.<br /><br /><strong>Contemporary Issues in a Post 9/11 World</strong><br /><br />In light of the 9/11 tragedy the American public has been admonished that the government needs to start thinking with a “post 9/11 mentality.” What this means is that national security and how the government administers it has changed. We have been told, or it has at least been implied, that the new enemies of the United States are “terrorists,” but it is not always clear whom “they” are. It is not surprising that when national security is threatened (whether this threat is real or perceived), for the federal government to take measures to minimize the threat. There are many ways in which the federal government “protects” national security. Of these, there currently is a measure of reclassification of documents at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) that threatens the liberty of the American public. Just as alarming is that while this measure was initiated before 9/11, it is gaining momentum and support among the various government agencies; all in the name of national security.<br /><br />Steven Aftergood (February 21, 2006) is following this situation in his list serv newsletter Secrecy News. Here he reports on the reaction of the NARA to a New York Times article that exposed the fact that “thousands of declassified documents had been reclassified by executive branch agencies and removed from public access in questionable circumstances. The NARA, he notes, is going to be investigating the issue. The story broke on February 20, 2006 when the New York Times (2006) reported that at least 55,000 documents had been reclassified since 1999. The Times noted that recently Matthew M. Aid, a historian, realized that many documents he had accessed and copied years ago had been reclassified. If this was not peculiar enough he also noticed that some of the documents were benign regarding sensitivity and date back as far as the Korean War and the beginning of the Cold War.<br /><br />There are a few reasons why this should raise concerns. First, it threatens academic freedom and the body of historical knowledge. It threatens academic freedom because any document acquired before reclassification might not be able to be incorporated into historical research due to laws regulating classified documents. This impedes the historian from describing history and constructing arguments about it. Also, withholding crucial supporting evidence (documents) will definitely hinder the body of historical knowledge as a whole.<br /><br />Secondly, and just as serious, is that it trespasses on the public’s right to know about the affairs of government. Sissela Bok (1989) argues that she is not sure “that the democratic processes can persist in the face of current amounts of secrecy…” (202). Indeed, reclassification erects a barrier to the democratic processes that are the foundation of this republic. The public’s right to know is another “check and balance” on the federal government. Granted, most of the documents found at the NARA are over twenty years old but the information often helps to shape how Americans perceive the government and how it should operate. The only way to circumvent the barrier is to utilize the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).<br /><br />The FOIA is supposed to ensure public access to records of the government. It “carries the presumption of disclosure,” that is “the burden is on the government—not the public—to substantiate why information may not be released” (National Security Archive, 2006). It should be noted that the government might deny a FOIA request under nine exemptions, one of which includes national security. While the FOIA is yet another “check and balance” the process of requesting information under this act seems to be quite daunting.<br /><br />Another problem with reclassification is that it adds to the concern that the current administration is bypassing civil liberties. Aftergood (February 16, 2006) highlights this in the article “Confronting the White House’s ‘Monarchial Doctrine,’” a term coined by George Will. The concern of this article is over domestic spying with obtaining F.I.S.A warrants. The Congressional Research Service (CRS, 2006) notes the Supreme Court has found that under ordinary conditions the probable cause test for issuing a warrant relative to national security “may be less demanding or at least different than it is in the context of a traditional criminal investigation” (CRS Memo). Furthermore, the CRS found that F.I.S.A. allows for “less demanding” probable cause but not in terrorism cases (CRS Memo). This may explain why the current administration circumvented the F.I.S.A. court in its wiretapping program. Nevertheless this coupled with the reclassification of documents at the NARA illustrate the current administration’s heightened use of secrecy and subterfuge.<br /><br />Perhaps the most serious concern about reclassification is the question over where historians, indeed the public in general, stand in relation to possessing reclassified documents and the Espionage Act. Aid notes that some of the documents he obtained prior to reclassification may place him in violation. His concerns are not without merit; there is case law to support his concern. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (1998) reminds us of Eugene V. Debs, a presidential candidate and war protester, who was sentenced to ten years in prison for violating the Espionage Act of 1917 (106). While the circumstances in both cases are different, it demonstrates that the government is willing to prosecute “violations” of the Espionage Act.<br /><br />The fact that documents were reclassified at the NARA highlights the obvious absence of a uniformed policy regarding classification and illustrates a culture of “missing information” (Aftergood, 2005).<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3">[3]</a> There have been attempts to create a uniformed policy. For example, in 1997, while serving on the Commission on Protecting and Reducing Government Secrecy, Daniel Patrick Moynihan and his fellow committee members recommended that there should be legislation that binds all governments agencies to certain procedures regarding classifying and declassifying government documents. Moreover, the commission made the following recommendations:<br /><br /><ul><li>Information shall be classified only if there is a demonstrable need to protect the information in the interest of national security. </li><li>The president shall establish procedures for the classification and declassification of information. </li><li>In decisions about whether information should be classified, the benefit from public disclosure shall be weighed against the need for secrecy. Where there is significant doubt, the information shall not be classified. </li><li>Information shall remain classified for no longer that ten years, unless the agency specifically recertifies the need for continued secrecy. All information shall be declassified after thirty years, unless it is shown that demonstrable harm will result.</li><li>There shall be no authority to withhold information from Congress. </li><li>A national declassification center shall be established to coordinate, implement, and oversee declassification. (quoted in Moynihan, 11-12).</li></ul><p><br />Superficially, it would seem that these are well thought out recommendations and could shed light on the darkness of classification secrecy. One of the most glaring problems with these recommendations, however, is the second one. Giving each president authority to establish classification/declassification policy does not create a uniformed policy. This allows policy to constrict or relax every four to eight years depending on the president.</p><p>That there is a lack of a uniformed policy makes it less surprising to note that in the post 9/11 world there has been a culture of “missing information.” Aftergood (2005) notes information is disappearing, not just from the NARA, but other federal agencies as well. Previously declassified information that has come up “missing,” he writes, include information from the Department of Defense, Los Alamos Technical Report Library, U.S. Airforce, U.S. Army, Energy Department, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Finally, he admonishes us much in the same manner as Bok has that “Information is the oxygen of democracy. Day by day, the Bush Administration is cutting off the supply” (¶ 25). As his list demonstrates, information policy that is set at the top (executive) quickly effects the information policy of other federal agencies, thus potentially weakening the democratic process. This is not to marginalize the importance of national security. However, it underscores the importance of developing a uniform classification/declassification policy that seeks to balance national security in a legitimate way with civil liberties. </p><p><br /><strong>Recommendations for a More Uniformed Information Policy</strong> </p><p>The ideas put forth by Moynihan are a good start for a more uniformed information policy but the problem with his suggestions is found with allowing presidents to set their own policy. The policy regarding all information should be developed by the legislative and executive branches and, if challenged, approved by the judicial branch to ensure constitutionality. Elected officials should also solicit public input to aid in drafting such a policy. The policy should be made into law and the House of Representatives should allow changes only with a two-thirds majority vote.<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4">[4]</a> </p><p>Such a policy should consider the needs of national security, within reason. Obviously, contemporary information of a military nature should have more stringent guidelines regarding declassification. The main consideration of such a policy, however, should be the needs of the public and should remain true to the social contract. It is also imperative for our elected leaders to remember the theoretical foundations of the rights of citizens to monitor the government. The reason why our republic has been successful and stable for so long is because of the system of checks and balances set up by the framers of the U.S. Constitution. The survival of this system is dependent upon the access of information within the government and, of course, to the public.<br /><br /><strong>References</strong></p><p><br />Aftergood, S. (2005, March 17). The age of missing information. Slate. Retrieved January 21, 2006 from: <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2114963/">http://www.slate.com/id/2114963/</a></p><p><br />—. (2006, February 16). Confronting the White House’s “Monarchical Doctrine.” Message posted to <a href="mailto:secrecy_news@lists.fas.org">secrecy_news@lists.fas.org</a></p><p><br />—. (2006, February 21). Reclassification program at National Archives exposed. Message posted to <a href="mailto:secrecy_news@lists.fas.org">secrecy_news@lists.fas.org</a></p><p><br />—.(2006, March 3). Archives declares moratorium on reclassification.<br />Message posted to <a href="mailto:secrecy_news@lists.fas.org">secrecy_news@lists.fas.org</a></p><p><br />Bok, S. (1989). Secrets: On the ethics of concealment and revelation. New York: Vintage Books.<br />Congressional Research Service. (2006, January 30). Memorandum to Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Retrieved February 20, 2006 from: <a href="http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/intel/m013006.pdf">http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/intel/m013006.pdf</a></p><p><br />Moynihan, D.P. (1998). Secrecy. New Haven: Yale University Press.<br />National Security Archive. (2004). The Freedom of Information Act. Retrieved February 15, 2006 from: <a href="http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/foia.html">http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/foia.html</a></p><p><br />Oberly, J.W. (1987). Information policy in an era of illiteracy: The U.S. Pension Bureau before the Civil War. Government Publications Review, 14, 287-294. Retrieved March 21, 2006 from SJSU interlibrary services. </p><p><br />Relyea, H.C. (1989). Historical development of federal information policy. In C.R. McClure, et al (Eds.), United States government information policies: Views and perspectives.<br />Wills, G.(Ed.). (1982). The Federalists Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. New York: Bantam Books.</p><p><br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> For more about Locke see Relyea’s Perspectives on information policy development.<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a> See Oberly’s Information policy in an era of illiteracy: The U.S. Pension Bureau before the Civil War for a more in depth examination of the program. For purposes of this paper it is important to examine the attitude of the federal government information policy.<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3">[3]</a> The NARA eventually declared a moratorium on reclassifying documents as reported by Steven Aftergood in Secrecy News on March 3, 2006.<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4">[4]</a> I argue that the House of Representatives is a more direct voice of the people. </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-36150605871376259432008-11-15T20:44:00.000-08:002008-11-15T20:59:26.945-08:00“Easy Usage” The complexness of Internet filters in libraries<em>Introduction</em><br /><br />The Internet has made life easier. Or has it? Certainly it provides a plethora of information that even those with minimal search skills can utilize rather effectively. At the same time, however, the proliferation of Internet usage has raised legal and ethical questions concerning the safety of our youth. This seems to put librarians at odds with the communities they serve. On the one hand there are champions of the First Amendment who seek to insure that access to information is all-inclusive (or as close as humanly possible). On the other, there are those who seek to insure the safety of children. Both are undoubtedly important but come at odds with each other when children and Internet usage in libraries collide. The current “catch-all” solution is to filter computers in libraries with access to the Internet. This discussion will highlight five basic characteristics of filtering software and explain their advantages and/or disadvantages. It will also explain why some libraries choose to use filtering software and others do not. It also argues that whether a library chooses to filter or not, legal problems sill exist.<br /><br /><em>Advantages and disadvantages of filtering: Five characteristics</em><br /><br /><u>Blocking “questionable” material</u>—Some people believe that “questionable” material should be blocked. Disadvantage: The problem with this is that what constitutes “questionable” material will vary greatly from person depending upon their “moral compass.” Because of the ambiguity associated with the term “questionable” there does not appear to be an efficient way to accomplish this without accidentally restricting information to constitutionally protected material.<br /><br /><u>Blocking pornographic websites</u>—Some people believe that access to pornographic websites should be blocked especially when there is the potential that children may access it. Advantage: keeping such material from children, especially young children, is a good thing. Disadvantage: filtering websites for pornography may unintentionally restrict access to constitutionally protected material. This is why it is important that the responsibility of restricting such information rests with the parents. Equally important is that libraries have clear policies in place reflecting Internet filtering. For example, the <a href="http://www.kerncountylibrary.org/">Kern County Public Library’s </a>(2006) Internet policy states “The Library has provided filtering services that parents, guardians and minors may activate which help eliminate access to material that may be inappropriate for minors, and chat rooms” (Kern County Library Internet Use Policy).<br /><br /><u>Blocking Internet chat sites</u>—In today’s Internet environment many minors have been the targets and victims of Internet predators. This has been illuminated by the recent Dateline series “To catch a predator.” In a survey conducted by Dateline, five hundred teenagers were asked if they had chatted with strangers online and if they have ever wanted to meet the strangers they were chatting with. An “overwhelming” majority admitted to chatting with strangers and fifty-eight percent admitted to wanting to meet these strangers in person. The threat is tangible. Advantage: filtering software can block some chatting websites but not all and offers limited protection. Disadvantage: Once again there is the possibility that constitutionally protected material will be blocked. Also, adults and parents alike must remember that today’s children are very skilled in the use of computers and the Internet and may be able to circumvent such software. This reinforces the point that even the best Internet filtering software is not a substitute for parental supervision.<br /><br /><u>“Go lists,” directing navigation to certain “approved” websites</u>—Some people advocate the usage of “go lists” which list specific websites that a user may visit (Internet filters 101). Advantage: an effective use of this software may be to create “homework” stations where the “go lists” provide access to websites that help children with their homework. Disadvantage: Just as with any filtering software there is the potential for the user to circumnavigate the system.<br />Blocking “obscene material”—Some people believe that access should be restricted regarding “obscene material.” Disadvantage: While the Court has attempted to define “obscene material” (e.g. Roth v. United States et al) there still remains much ambiguity. Because of the uncertainness of “obscene material,” the potential of blocking constitutionally protected material remains.<br /><br /><em>Why some libraries choose to filter and others do not</em><br /><br />It seems the main factor that determines whether libraries filter Internet content or not is the existence of legislation that either requires such use statutorily or determines funds that are allocated to the library. The reality many libraries are facing is that their very existence is determined by the availability of public funds for support. Because of the threats posed to our youth while using the Internet, there has been a call by many for public policy restricting the use of the Internet through the use of filters. There is legislation, both on the state and federal level that address such concerns. For example, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) stipulates that any school or library who wish to apply for public funds for Internet access, must attest that their organization has in place a means of protection against “certain visual depictions available on the Internet” (Chmara 2006, 377). The various state laws currently in effect either require filters as a point of public policy or tie funding to the existence of filters in libraries. For example, California ties its legislation to public funds; California Education Code § 18030.5 states:<br />(a) Every public library that receives state funds pursuant to this chapter and that provides public access to the Internet shall, by a majority vote of the governing board, adopt a policy regarding access by minors to the Internet by January 1, 2000. (CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CODE SECTION 18030-18032).<br /><br />In Arizona it is a matter of public policy; Arizona statute § 34-502 states:<br />A public school that provides a public access computer shall equip the computer with software that seeks to prevent minors from gaining access to material that is harmful to minors or purchase Internet connectivity from an Internet service provider that provides filter services to limit access to material that is harmful to minors. Standards and rules for the enforcement of this subsection shall be prescribed by the governing board of every school district. (Computer access; harmful to minors 34-502)<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a><br /><br />As evidenced by the above examples, the public “mood” regarding filters varies from state to state.<br /><br />There are also some libraries that choose to not have any filtering software whatsoever. Most often these libraries stand firm in their belief in the speech clause of the First Amendment. Adhering to the principles set for in the Bill of Rights does not, however, make libraries immune to litigation in the realm of Internet filtering. Such litigation took place in Livermore (1998), California regarding a complaint filed by a parent in Kathleen R. v. City of Livermore. In this case the plaintiff contended that the Livermore Public Library (LPL) neglected to ensure minors did not have access to pornographic material distributed via the Internet. Sticking to the recommendations found in the Intellectual Freedom Manual’s (2006) “Essential preparation,” the LPL had a well-developed Internet use policy. Their policy states:<br />The Library’s Internet access is intended as an information resource. The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside the library. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. <strong>The Internet has no federal, state or local control of its users or content</strong> [emphasis added]. The Internet and its available resources may contain materials of a controversial nature. The Livermore Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Users are cautioned [emphasis added] that accuracy, completeness and currency of information found on the Internet varies widely. <strong>Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk</strong> [emphasis added]. (Quoted from Livermore: Response/Demurrer, 1998)<br /><br />The case made it all the way to the California State Appellate Court and the decision of the court reflected the current stance regarding the Federal CIPA statute.<br /><br />Sometimes whether a library uses filters or not may influence the outcome of local bond measures to fund libraries. Such is the case with the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, the Phoenix Public Library, and other libraries that felt that being CIPA compliant had an adverse effect on local library bond measures. Oder (2006) notes that these libraries, when soliciting feedback regarding filtering policies, two-thirds of the respondents favored more stringent measures (17). This forces libraries to be ever more efficient in balancing the wishes of the community with protecting patrons’ First Amendment rights.<br /><br />Not only are libraries facing litigation regarding whether they have filtering software, they are also running the risk of being sued by entities for having their website blocked. American Libraries (2006) reports that a group of libraries in Missouri was sued in 2005 because their filtering software excluded a conservative political group’s website. After this was brought to the attention of these libraries the site was unblocked. This highlights the problem that filters are not all inclusive, that is, there is information that may be unintentionally included. Such uncertainty opens libraries that use filters to similar litigation.Summary<br /><br />Filters have a number of advantages and disadvantages. The most advantageous aspect of a filter is the potential for use in homework assistance stations utilizing “go lists.” Directing students to “peer evaluated” websites will provide potentially authoritative and accurate information. The most glaring problem with filters, however, is that they are not flawless. Someone with proficient computer skills can circumvent them.<br /><br />Because of these problems many libraries believe that the best way to protect the First Amendment is to not use filters at all. This opens libraries to litigation but those libraries with well-developed usage policies may survive such attacks. Libraries that are required to utilize filters because of state law will find some solace knowing that CIPA provides a clause allowing librarians to disable filtering software upon request. Conclusion<br /><br />Should filters be required in libraries? No. While protecting children from the negative aspects of the Internet is important we need to ask who is responsible for this protection? Certainly, this needs to begin in the home as parents have the primary responsibility in informing their children about the potential dangers of the Internet. Responsible parenting does not end in the home as it also extends outside the home. This is why it is important to develop clear Internet usage policies such as the libraries in Livermore and Kern County and elsewhere throughout the country.<br /><br /><br />References<br />CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CODE SECTION 18030-18032. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2006 from http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=edc&group=18001 19000&file=18030-18032<br /><br />Children and the Internet: Laws Relating to Filtering, Blocking and Usage Policies in Schools and Libraries. (2006). Retrieved October 20, 2006 from <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/filterlaws.htm">http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/filterlaws.htm</a><br /><br />Chmara, T. (2006) Public libraries and the public forum doctrine. In Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association, Intellectual Freedom Manual (369-383). Chicago: American Library Association.<br /><br />Computer access; harmful to minors. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2006 from <a href="http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/34/00502.htm">http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/34/00502.htm</a><br /><br />Dateline NBC. (2006). Most teens say they've met strangers online. Retrieved October 28, 2006 from <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12502825/">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12502825/</a><br /><br />Group sues libraries for blocking its website. (2006). American Libraries 37(5). Retrieved October 27, 2006 from WilsonWeb.<br /><br />Internet Filters 101. (2000). Retrieved October 20, 2006 from <a href="http://tln.lib.mi.us/~amutch/pro/filter/mla2000/">http://tln.lib.mi.us/~amutch/pro/filter/mla2000/</a><br /><br />Kern County Internet Usage Policy. (2006) Retrieved October 27, 2006 from <a href="http://www.kerncountylibrary.org/HTML/using/policy/internet.html">http://www.kerncountylibrary.org/HTML/using/policy/internet.html</a><br /><br />Livermore: Response/Demurrer.(1998). Retrieved October 24, 2006 from <a href="http://censorware.net/legal/livermore/980710_response_ds.html">http://censorware.net/legal/livermore/980710_response_ds.html</a><br /><br />Oder, N. (2006). Full filtering at WA library. Library Journal 131(5), 17.<br /><br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7993336615804101356#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> For a summary of the various state laws see Children and the Internet: Laws Relating to Filtering, Blocking and Usage Policies in Schools and Libraries at <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/filterlaws.htm">http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/filterlaws.htm</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-21192458018315316842008-11-15T14:52:00.000-08:002008-11-15T14:53:30.133-08:00Career HapinessAs I started my new job as a public librarian something occurred to me: I am working in a positive environment. Some may say that the reason for this is because I'm new. I refuse to believe this, you know, the power of positive thinking, right? So what I am wondering is what types of things do seasoned librarians do to maintain their edge and, just as important, their happiness?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993336615804101356.post-31611113586503726082008-11-02T11:21:00.000-08:002008-11-02T11:33:04.284-08:00Personal PhilosophyThis post was originally published on my Plone E-portfolio at San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science.<br /><br />I admit that while contemplating my professional philosophy that I was unsure what this exactly meant. Working on each of these competencies helped me to search and give meaning to my professional philosophy and my conception of librarianship. During my search, I realized that my professional philosophy affects my conception of librarianship, my professional goals, and how I understand Competency O.<br /><br />While contemplating my professional philosophy and Competency O, I realized that my understanding is shaped not only by my experience in the MLIS program but also by my experience as a teacher. This is where I learned the value of diversity. Diversity as related to the library environment can have a variety of meanings. From a librarian standpoint, diversity means utilizing a variety of methods and tools to deliver knowledge and understanding to users/students. A diverse user/student population is very important. It has been my experience that the more diverse the population is, the more multi-dimensional the community becomes.<br />While examining the courses and coursework I completed during my SLIS program, I realized a quote by Alexander Hamilton was a recurring theme in my work. In Federalists #21 he notes, “the wealth of nations depends upon an infinite variety of causes.” Among these are the “genius of the citizens [and] the degree of information they possess…”(quoted in Wills, 1982, 101). This brings me to my professional philosophy and is summed up in two words: intellectual freedom. For our nation to remain “wealthy” it is imperative that our citizens have unfettered access to information.<br /><br />The concept of intellectual freedom is also at the core of my conception of librarianship. The American Library Association defines intellectual freedom as<br />the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas. (<a href="https://www.ala.org/ala/oif/basics/intellectual.htm">ALA, Intellectual Freedom</a>)<br />Therefore, it is the responsibility of librarians to ensure that access to information is not inhibited regardless of race, culture, gender, or socio-economic status. As demonstrated in competencies F and I, this can be accomplished by drafting and or revising collection development policies and other library policies in order to ensure accessibility. Realizing that cultures vary from community to community, it is also important to reach out to the community in order to obtain and maintain knowledge of what their needs are, whether they are social, cultural, or economic.<br /><br />Contributing to the “cultural, economic, educational and social well-being of our communities,” is an intricate aspect of providing library services. As Fish (1992) notes, “any public library worthy of the name is responsive to the community it serves” (34). This is true whether the institution is a public library, an academic library, or an archive. There are many ways librarians and libraries contribute to the “cultural, economic, educational and social well-being of our communities.” In the realm of culture, we contribute by ensuring our collections are a reflection of the people we serve. This is accomplished through providing materials in languages other than English. In a public library this should occur in the branch closest to the community and culture in question. Providing cultural materials at the academic library is just as important and fits in well with the idea of a liberal education. In the archive, such cultural holdings help to preserve “historical memory” and understanding.<br /><br />From an economic standpoint we must ensure free access to information. Remembering that the “wealth of the nation” is dependent upon the degree of information our citizens possess, we must guard against the potential of allowing the dichotomy between the “haves and have-nots” from widening. As Gregorian (2007) warns, “such a society [can allow] a privileged minority [to] control access to critical resources such as education, healthcare, knowledge and information, and economic opportunity, as well as to political participation. In particular, they can control access to technology [emphasis added]” (47). Librarians must combat this through creating, implementing, and enforcing policies that ensure access to information and technology, regardless of economic status. With such diligence the social well being of our communities will remain intact.<br /><br />In sum and as Gregorian (2007) so eloquently points out:<br />A library is a learning and a reading place, but it is also a gathering place, a meeting place, a place where cultural events happen, where children sit in reading circles with other children of every race, ethnicity, and class, where both children and adults are taught to read, where immigrants learn English and bridge the distance between the "old country" and their newly adopted land. (47-48)<br /><br />Contributing to the “cultural, economic, educational, and social well-being of our communities” will remain an important aspect of my professional life regardless of the setting I find myself in. I will take this philosophy with me as I pursue my career whether it is in an academic library, a public library, or an archive. It will undoubtedly influence where I seek employment, as I want my career to be in a place where intellectual freedom is not just a concept or a phrase framed on a wall. The institution where I spend my career will take intellectual freedom and cultural diversity seriously and be as committed to it as I am.<br /><br />References<br /><br />American Library Association. (2007). Intellectual freedom and censorship Q & A. Retrieved March 20, 2008 from <a href="https://www.ala.org/ala/oif/basics/intellectual.htm">https://www.ala.org/ala/oif/basics/intellectual.htm</a><br />Fish, J. (1992). Responding to cultural diversity: A library in transition. Wilson Library Bulletin, 66, 34-37. Retrieved March 23, 2008 from the WilsonWeb database.<br />Gregorian, V. (2007). A sense of elsewhere. American Libraries, 38, no10, 46-48. Retrieved March 23, 2008 from the WilsonWeb database.<br />Wills, G.(Ed.). (1982). The Federalists Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. New York: Bantam Books.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00940320567145342621noreply@blogger.com0