ACRL College & Research Libraries News

College & Research Libraries News

At the Crossroads: Assessing and responding to change

Highlights of ACRL programs at ALA’s Annual Conference: PartII

Adjusting to change, making room for mul- ticulturalism, and assuring continued progress, both technological and social were some of the issues covered by ACRL at ALA’s 112th Annual Conference in New Orleans. Highlights of some ACRL programs are given below; part one appeared in September. (See the September issue for information on order- ing audiotapes of selected programs.)

The role of libraries in conceptualizing American history

“Portraits of Louisiana: Empowering Commu- nities through Diversity,” a multi-media pro- gram presented by the Anthropology and Soci- ology Section, was set within the larger debate current in American society concerning who we are and how to conceptualize our history. Four speakers discussed the documentation of selected groups, the role of libraries and ar- chives in that endeavor, and the importance of that role towards resolving the debate. Joint sponsors were ACRL Afro-American Studies Li- brarians Section, ACRL Racial and Ethnic Di- versity Committee and the Reference and Adult Services Division History Section.

Florence Borders (archivist, Center for Afri- can and African American Studies, Southern Uni- versity at New Orleans) spoke eloquently of the historical accomplishments of Afro-Louisi- ana women and described her efforts to in- crease access to their documentation. As founder of the Chicory Society for Afro-Louisi- ana History and Culture and editor of the Chicory Review, she created her own vehicle for that purpose. Irvan Perez (a spokesperson for the St. Bernard Isleño community, Louisi- ana) described Isleño history and culture and his concerns with preserving it. He also sang three decimas, traditional Spanish songs that form an important part of the group’s oral history. Ulysses Ricard (Senior Archivist, Amistad Research Center) spoke authoritatively of Louisiana’s Creoles and others of African descent in early Louisiana. He referred to his ongoing collection and study of their historical documentation. He described the Amistad Research Center’s mission and how such collections broaden our understanding of minorities’ contributions. Finally, Marcia Gaudet (folklorist, University of Southwestern Louisiana) spoke of the history and multi-faceted culture of Cajuns, illustrating it with slides from the Cajun rural Mardi Gras. She emphasized the pivotal role libraries and archives play in providing accurate cultural documentation to counteract too often inaccurate images in the media or more popular writings.—Maggie Dittemore, University of Pennsylvania

EBSS celebrates 25 years

What does personality theory have to do with the American character, education reform, and AIDS prevention? Quite a lot, according to Dr. Frank Farley, 1993 president of the American Psychological Association and guest speaker at the 25th Anniversary program for the Education and Behavioral Sciences Section. Farley discussed his research on people with the Type- T personality—the highly creative, questing thrill-seekers and risk-takers who are responsible for both human progress and many of the world’s most destructive forces. Farley feels Type T is fundamental to the human race; other species play by the rules, but we live in and for the unknown. The survival skill for the 21st century—something educators need to teach their student,s—will be the ability to deal with change. Education will consist of the four Rs: reading, writing, ’rithmetic, and risk-taking. Type-T kids must be channeled into positive, constructive risk-taking activities at an early age, or they will seek the “T-negative” thrills of delinquency, violence, and crime.

Farley characterized the United States as a Type-T nation, with a relatively high percentage of Type Ts. This may be a result of the genetics of our risk-taking immigrant forebears as well as the political and cultural environment they came here to create. The American character itself can be described using Type-T traits such as creativity, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to break the rules.

Type-T personality may be a risk factor for the spread of AIDS in the U.S., according to research Farley has conducted.

Librarians probably have the same percentage of Type Ts as the rest of the population, Farley said. The Type-T personality can facilitate positive change for any organization or profession, including libraries and librarianship.

EBSS recognized the leadership provided by past chairs, many of whom were present, and honored Ruth Bauner for having the longest continuous record of service to EBSS.—Deborah Rollins, University of Maine

Techniques & technology: Striving to connect with adult learners

Speakers Mem Catania, Gwendolyn Chandler, and Elizabeth Burge examined the factors that must be considered in preparing to support adult learners and the changes that technology has brought and will continue to bring to the continuing education experience during the Extended Campus Library Services’ program. Four characteristics were identified as being critical to the success of learning experiences for the adult learner: empowerment, relevance to adulthood, informed use of models, and connectedness. The differences between teacher- centered and learner-centered models of learning were presented. Six “Cs” in the program development process were reviewed: create a climate, connect learner to resources, change the agenda, confirm learning, correct misunderstanding, and challenge the individual to learn further. The need for connectedness, the evidence of relationships between one’s own and others’ knowledge, was explored. The importance of reliable, transparent, and appropriate learning technologies was underscored.— Kenneth Marks, East Carolina University

Three approaches to a Brave New World: SEES's special program

The three speakers on the Slavic and East European Section’s program: “Brave New World: Slavic and East European Librarianship in the Post-Soviet Era,” addressed three critical areas which have been dramatically affected by the recent upheavals in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe: collection development, research, and preservation. Harold Leich (Library of Congress) described how traditional means of centralized bibliographic control, publishing, and distribution in the former Soviet Union have collapsed, which has made acquisitions and collection development in the West more difficult. The critical means for coping with the current Russian book scene are flexibility, contact, communication, and travel. Such initiatives as the survey of the collecting of foreign research materials by the Association of Research Libraries and Library of Congress’ library intern program for Russian librarians are helping to create a new world of cooperation.

While granting that scholarly access to library and archival material in Eurasia and Central and Eastern Europe is unprecedented, Carol Erickson (International Research and Exchange Board (IREX)), stated that “the research landscape is without controls or standard policies with regard to ‘foreign’ scholars.” She described the many problems that are increasingly affecting access to materials: deteriorating facilities, staff shortages, preservation problems, lack of equipment such as photocopy machines, new and often exorbitant fees for access, usage, and photocopying. IREX is currently sponsoring many library and archival projects relating to the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Hans Rütimann (Commission on Preservation and Access) focused on yet another crisis, one on an international scale—preservation of the human record. The world’s libraries and archives “are losing, at an alarming rate, an enormous proportion of our collective memory.” But there is a growing awareness of the problem, and in a new development richer countries are coming to the aid of less advantaged areas. He spoke of UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” program and the European Register of Microform Masters (sponsored in part by the Commission) and other projects. Future success in preservation efforts will depend on continuing international cooperation. Dennis Kimmage (SUNY at Plattsburgh) served as the discussant in this well-attended program.—Tatiana Barr, Stanford University

The Power of Partnership ACRL Member-Get-A-Member Campaign

October 1993 through January 1994

Association of College ond Research Libraries

The Power of Partnership

ACRL Member-Get-A-Member Campaign

October 1993 through January 1994

There is strength in numbers! Here’s your opportunity to make ACRL stronger. Invite your colleagues to share in the many benefits of ACRL membership. Sponsor a new member today— it’s easy and rewarding.

Participate in the ACRL Member-Get-A-Member Campaign and win prizes. Here’s how it works: Use the membership application opposite to recruit new members. Remember to print your name on the “Sponsor’s Name” line to receive credit when someone you recruit joins. Call 800-545-2433, ext. 2515 to get advice on your recruiting efforts or to get additional copies of the form (you may use photocopies).

Tips for Recruiting New Members

1. Print your name on the “sponsor” line of the attached membership application. Make as many copies as you like.

2. Make a list of prospective members you know personally.

3. Send an application with a personal cover letter outlining the reasons you belong to ACRL to your list.

4. Put a note on your calendar to call each prospect in a week. What else could you do? Put a copy of this brochure in your library newsletter. Take copies of the brochure to local ACRL meetings and programs.

Prize List

■ Recruit one new member and receive a $10 gift certificate.

■ Recruit two new members and receive a $15 gift certificate.

■ Recruit three new members and receive a $20 gift certificate. These certificates are good for any item at the ALA Store, for any item listed in the ALA Graphics Catalog, or for any ACRL publication. The certificates are good through August 31, 1994.

■ Recruit four or more new members and receive free membership in ACRL for one year for yourself, plus your name will be placed in a drawing for one free trip (airfare and lodging) to the ACRL Seventh National Conference in Pittsburgh, March 29-April 1, 1995.

To be eligible for prizes, forms must be received in the ACRL office by January 29, 1994.

NOTE: This offer does not apply to dues renewal.

Members of the Membership Committee and ACRL staff not eligible for any of the prizes.

Membership Application