Forwarded on behalf of former Maine librarian Nann Blaine Hilyard.

________________________________
From: Nann Blaine Hilyard [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:32 AM
Subject: PLA Perspectives

Could you pass this announcement along to your member libraries?   Thanks!

Nann Blaine Hilyard, director
Zion-Benton Public Library
2400 Gabriel Ave.
Zion, IL  60099
847-872-4680  x 110
847-872-4942 fax
www.zblibrary.org<http://www.zblibrary.org/>
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"Perspectives" is a regular feature in Public Libraries, the journal of the Public Library Association.   The column is made up of four to six essays on a particular issue or topic of interest to people who work in and with public libraries.

Nanci Milone-Hill (bookwoman [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) and Nann Blaine Hilyard ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) co-edit "Perspectives."  In response to several requests, we've determined the topics for the next year.  Essays can be 900-1200 words.  Depending on the topic, photos may be submitted.  If you're interested in submitting an essay, e-mail the appropriate editor.  Copy is due 2-1/2 months prior to the cover date.  (For example:  October 15 for the January/February issue.)

Sept/Oct 08:   Branch Libraries - send questions and essays to Nann
Whether you're in charge of all the branches, or work in just one:  what's going on?    How do you coordinate your branch's operation with the larger system?  Do you have separate Friends or Foundations?  Do staff rotate among branches?   We're seeking essays from urban, suburban, and rural multi-site public libraries.

Nov/Dec 08:  Meeting Rooms - send questions and essays to Nanci
What issues have you faced with your meeting room?  Have you changed your policy as a result?   Examples could be use by religious groups seeking a place for regular meetings; or hate groups that want to hold a public meeting.

Jan/Feb 09:  Outreach - send questions and essays to Nann
Library outreach can entail long-term, citywide programs.  It can also mean a single program or series of programs on a much smaller scale.  What is your library doing to extend services beyond the walls of the library building?  Have you tried electronic outreach?

Mar/Apr 09:  ALA's Spectrum Scholars - send questions and copy to Nanci
ALA's Spectrum program was established in 1997 to recruit librarians from diverse ethnic backgrounds.  Are you a Spectrum scholar?  Have you hired a Spectrum scholar?  We'd like to know your story!

May/June 09:  The Big Read - send questions and copy to Nann
The National Endowment for the Arts established The Big Read grant program to take community book discussions nationwide.  If your library has been a Big Read recipient, tell us about your experience.  What programs did you plan?  What was the response?  How did  the Big Read differ from previous book discussions?

Thank you for your interest in contributing to PERSPECTIVES!

Nanci and Nann