• Embedded within the resource, as in a TEI Header or HTML source code
• Separate from the resource, as in a MARC record, or in EAD
• Both embedded and separate from the resource, as in HTML associated with a web page

Also, briefly discussed were metadata transport standards which help communication between computers. Examples are MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging), SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language), and RDF (Resource Description Framework). RDF is being developed by OCLC to interpret different standards.

Liberating Paraprofessionals: A Challenge for the New Millennium
Presented by Herb Cihak, Janice Cox, Antoinnette Fiske, Heather Harbett, and Sharon Harrod, University of Kentucky
Reported by Linda Haller and Shirley Heismann, The Procter and Gamble Company, Winton Hill Technical Center and Health Care Research Center

Here are a few highlights of the session presented by Herb Cihak and a team from University of Kentucky. It used lots of baseball analogies, such as :

JOE TORRE: Lesson #1: Do Not Be Swayed By What You Hear About Someone:
Many support people are diamonds in the rough, treat everyone equitably.

JOE TORRE: Lesson #2: Be Intense Without Being Tense:
Be spontaneous, participate and celebrate accomplishments.

JOE TORRE Lesson #3: Accept Responsibility When Things Go Wrong:
The buck stops here! Know what is expected, keep hitting home runs or prepare to be traded. Praise and recognition should be automatic when things go right. Opportunities to succeed, grow, improve, reevaluate should be in place.

JOE TORRE: Lesson #4: Control What You Can Control:
Gung-Ho Principles are:

• Spirit of the Squirrel (having worthwhile/quality work)
• Way of the Beaver (team members are in charge)
• Gift of the Goose (genuinely cheering others on)
• Have a Spirit of Gung-Ho Award for those who demonstrate the best attitudes.
• Have quarterly evaluations (instead of yearly) so that there are no surprises.
• Have monthly staff meetings and annual retreats and staff appreciation days.
• Have a work environment where truly exciting things happen.

JOE TORRE: Lesson #5: Remember that Everyone Makes Mistakes:
Assign mentors, someone to confide in that can be trusted, coach each other.

JOE TORRE: Lesson #6: Never Get Complacent:
Institute short and long-term planning. Replace policy with principles using own values and principles. Don’t let competition get in the way. Seek constant renewal through learning.

Safety in Libraries: Protecting Staff and Patrons
Presented by Glenn Cross and Nano Guardi, City of Chicago; Tim Brown, Wells Fargo
Reported by Evelyn Blake, Medical University of South Carolina Library

Glen Cross from City of Chicago presented along with Chicago police officer Nano Guardi and Tim Brown, a Wells Fargo client service manager. Many libraries, including Chicago, are contracting out for security services. Chicago now uses Wells Fargo for library security.

Tim Brown said, "Security is all about asset protection and access control." Security officers, who are not sworn law officers, are limited in what they can do in regards to detention and arrest. They need good customer service skills, but need to be somewhat detached while still remaining aware of what patrons are doing. The security officer should not interfere with a patron's freedom of information. The security officer must be able to document incidents properly because the report could become a legal document. An alert, vigilant and attentive security officer acts as a deterrent for crime.

Officer Guardi said, "Good security depends on good communication, teamwork and monitoring." Security will ask an unruly patron to leave. If they refuse, it becomes a police matter. His suggestions for library staff stressed communication. Staff need to know what security is accessible. They need to notify security in any suspicious situation. Treat all disturbances the same. Staff need to have agreed upon signals to get assistance, since any disturbance needs to be handled by two staff members. EXTRACT the disturber; ISOLATE him in an area away from the public; and EVALUATE to determine if an arrest is needed.

Library Training for the 21st Century
Presented by Leslie Becker, Curry College Library
Reported by Joyce Nielsen, Van Wylen Library

Training student workers for the service desks in academic libraries is a never ending task. At Curry College Leslie Becker has developed series of Power Point programs that students use to help learn what they need to know to work at the circulation desk. A multi media program is particularly useful in providing for a wide range of learning styles and appealing to many senses.

Becker created concrete learning objectives, organized the material in small, manageable bites, and chose methods most compatible with the material and the intended learners. Her presentation demonstrated a short section of training to read Library of Congress call numbers.

In her training program she set up a schedule for her students. Each student received a folder with a copy of the evaluation form used in the library, a Library of Congress number test, and an orientation booklet. The training supervisor also had a folder to keep track of the training as it progressed.

Where do WE fit? Administrative Support Staff and Our Piece of the Puzzle
Presented by Julie Schmude, Winnefox Library System
Reported by Linda Haller and Shirley Heismann, The Procter and Gamble Company, Winton Hill Technical Center and Health Care Research Center

• Who Are We - Secretaries, clerk typists, Human Resource specialists, administrative assistants, office managers, business managers, etc.
• What Do We Do - Usually Administrative support staff duties, running of office.
• How We Fit - Fit between manager and staff; usually do not have degree.

Julie spoke on how to better serve and work with clients, improve ourselves and leaving people wanting more by adjusting our attitude to being positive. Listen carefully to what people are saying, taking action on what you can, by delivering what you promise you can deliver. Network, becoming involved within the organization by attending meetings, socials and serving on committees. Continue your education by learning new skills, reading professional literature, participating on surveys, subscribe to electronic lists to stay current on what is happening in the library communities. If you aren’t sure what people want, ask them to clarify it, and keep asking until you truly understand what they are seeking.

Toasting Marshmallows over the Card Catalog
Presented by Annamarie Erickson, Epixtech, Inc.

Making Meetings Matter!
Presented by Joy Wanden, OCLC Pacific

Web Page Design
Presented by Anthony Guardado and Mark Christel, Hope College
Reported by Joyce Nielsen, Van Wylen Library

Two reference librarians who have been webmasters, Anthony Guardado and Mark Christel, presented a well-attended program on web page design. They started with basic planning: know your audience and their computer resources; decide on a webmaster and know who approves content and who takes care of the server. Always include contact information and a date of last revision. Check spelling and grammar. Make your page scannable.

They discussed various design and color components of web pages and featured some ideas on accommodating users with visual handicaps. They showed several web sites that will analyze your web page from various points of view, from the technical to the aesthetic.

Stress Busters
Presented by Linda Slusar, College of DuPage
Reported by Arleen Thyen, Procter and Gamble Co.

Linda Slusar said this was the first time that she had presented on this topic but after she got in to it, she wished she had more than 50 minutes with us. Therefore, she felt that this session would just be a ‘taste’ of stress busters. She talked about the different types of stress, physiological and psychological. Stress is defined as the inability to cope in a healthy manner and can be caused by too much change in too short a period of time. We have to learn how to react to stress and learn what can be/cannot be controlled.

Some stress is good and can result in creativity and increase motivation. We saw a video about a very stressful day in the life of a library clerk. We talked about keeping our personal and work lives balanced. We saw another video called "A Yoga Minute" and practiced some yoga moves, stretches and breathing exercises that can be done at our desks.

If you feel you’re on the verge of stressing too much because of your job, take a step back. You might be burning out. Before it becomes full-blown, take these steps to avoid burnout:

Find time to play,

1. Get physical,
2. Set realistic objectives,
3. Use your support network,
4. Keep your options open within the company,
5. Leave if you have to (if there is no sign that a situation will change.

OCLC Resource Sharing Developments
Presented by Tony Melvyn

LTA's Outside the Box: Career Opportunities for Library Technicians
Presented by Carol Ann Berger, C. Berger Group, Inc.

Video Cataloging
Presented by Marilyn McCroskey, Southwest Missouri State University
Reported by SJ Murray

The 2 hour workshop on cataloging video formats began by contrasting videos with books. Videos are more complex and time consuming, and have longer records with more 5XX notes, 6XX subjects, and more tracings of corporate bodies.

Closed captioned videos were distinguished from open captioned (subtitled) from audio-description videos. Previewing for technical problems was described, and can be done by someone other than the cataloger.

Videos are usually title main entry. Since the chief source of information is the program itself, viewing the opening and ending credits was emphasized. The appropriate variable length fields (title and variant titles, place/publication/date, physical description, series, notes, subject headings, and added entries) were described and demonstrated, using the recent Walt Disney feature Aladdin as an example.

Handouts included a typical preview form, a video record with its underlying credits, label and container information, and other examples. Further reading might include the presenter’s Cataloging non-book materials with AACR2R and MARC, and Nancy B. Olson’s Cataloging of audiovisual materials and other special materials.

Developing Programs for a Public Library
Presented by Patricia McQuitty, Daniel Boone Regional Library
Reported by Evelyn Blake, Medical University of South Carolina

Patricia McQuitty explained how her library, Daniel Boone Regional Library, is giving people a purpose to go to the library by developing programs with the library. They offer programs for several groups of patrons, seniors, children, young adults, teenagers. The children's programs receive the most attendance.

Daniel Boone Regional develops good public relations with area schools. The programs also serve as a tool to introduce children to libraries. The library publishes a newsletter to inform the public of the programs they offer. The library staff teach internet and computer courses to adducts, along with literacy classes.

The programs are decided by a committee that meets every month to get ideas. Examples of some of their programs are Dial-a-Story, Mother-Daughter Reading Program with both mother and daughter reading the same book, and Open Mike with teenagers reciting poetry.

Conference attendees also talked about interesting programs at their libraries.

SSIRT Task Force Review
Presented by Paulette Feld and Jim Hill, Support Staff Interest Round Table
Reported by Martha Parsons

ALA SSIRT (Support Staff Interests Round Table) Steering Committee members Paulette Feld and Jim Hill reviewed the SSIRT Strategic Planning process that began in 1996. Following a nationwide survey in 1997, with over 2000 responses, the top three issues of concern to library support staff were determined. The issues are:

1. Access to Continuing Education and Training Opportunities,
2. Compensation Not Appropriate to Level of Education, Experience, and Responsibilities,
3. Career Ladders (Few Opportunities for Advancement).

Three Task Forces were set up; each to address an issue. Their charge was to determine how the SSIRT Executive Board could address each issue and determine the most effective solutions that can be implemented.

Freedom of Information Issues and Libraries
Presented by Candy Morgan, Fort Vancouver Regional Library
Reported by Joyce Nielsen, Hope College

The Freedom to Read Foundation is the legal arm of the ALA that can take court action to maintain the right to read. To reach them call 1-800-545-2433 for the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom, extension 1-4226 for the Foundation. Our presenter Candy Morgan, of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library, believes "all library workers have the duty to deliver intellectual freedom, the ethical mission of the library" that is upheld by the Freedom to Read Foundation.

Morgan gave fascinating historical background showing the unique position of libraries in the United States going back to the differing philosophies of Madison and Jefferson. Public libraries are the only governmental agencies that insure the marketplace of ideas and the self education of the populace. They are "the balance wheel between two aspects of liberty: equalitarian freedom and individual liberties, the home of the free and inquiring mind."

"The internet has placed libraries in the center of discussion," Morgan pointed out. Mandatory filtering of the internet is unconstitutional. Only informed citizens can argue intelligently; you need to know the position of those you oppose. Digitized information needs to be kept in accessible form. She gave a very rational and logical discussion of ideas that often are lost is waves of emotion.

Career Advancement through Distance Education
Presented by Jean L. Thomas, University of Maine at Augusta

Descriptive Cataloging and Classification of Music Sound Recordings and CD-ROM
Presented by Annamaria Poma Swank, Dayton and Montgomery County Library
Reported by Katherine Breslow, Targ Center for Jewish Music

Annamarie Poma Swank from the Dayton and Montgomery County Library in Ohio led a most informative and captivating workshop on Descriptive Cataloging and Classification of Music Sound Recordings and CD-ROM. Her dynamic personality and expertise in the field combined to provide a most extraordinary presentation.

Prior to the workshop, she provided attendees with five printed packages covering the following areas:

1. Description of music sound recording (Compact disc)
2. Interactive Multimedia Descriptive Cataloging (CD-ROM)
3. ANCSR: The Alpha Numeric System for classification of recordings
4. Frequent[ly] Asked Questions
5. Music Cataloging Bibliography

Although the fifty-minute time slot allowed her to cover only the first two topics orally, all of the detailed packets will serve as welcome reference material. In her presentation on music sound recordings, Dr. Poma Swank discussed technical reading of the various sources of information and transcription of the fields. She emphasized the importance of consulting and citing multiple sources of information and of using a variety of Notes fields to specify complex or unusual information.

As in her discussion of cataloging CD's, her presentation on CD-ROM cataloging also focused on the complex nature of this format and the attentiveness to detail necessary in cataloging such materials. Here as well, she covered sources of information and field designations, including a discussion of Notes fields.

Dr. Poma Swank's workshop proved most enlightening due to her well-organized printed handouts and her oral interjection of unique and important details arising from her extensive experience in the field. Her sense of humor was engaging and her enthusiasm inspiring.

Followership: The Real Secret of Leadership
Presented by Kent Slade, Logan Public Library
Reported by Jackie A. Lakatos

Kent Slade, a former COLT president who is now with the Logan Public Library in Utah, gave the presentation on followership. He discussed the differences between great leaders, individuals with a vision, and great managers, those who put the vision into action. Great leaders and managers have the ability to generate trust, loyalty and discipline, just to mention a few traits, in their followers, resulting in a very successful work team.

"Great leaders have great followers," he said. Followers need to recognize great leadership and communicate their needs to the leader. Followers become leaders as others follow them."

Kent left us with a lot to think about - are we followers, managers, or leaders? Or are we a little of each?

Banquet Speech: New Leaders--That Means You
Presented by William Gordon, American Library Association
Reported by Joyce Nielsen, Hope College

Our banquet speaker Bill Gordon, the Executive Director of the American Library Association, is a long time friend of COLT and of library support staff. As a new, young library director he felt "If I had a good administrative assistant and a good janitor, I could do anything." His talk combined humor, good sense, and stories with a point.

He gave us ten things a good leader must be:

1. Comfortable with confusion and chaos--a leader will emerge in a crisis
2. A politician--knows where is the power
3. A planner--if you don't plan for yourself, someone else will plan for you
4. Make decisions--make sure everyone has been heard even though you cannot satisfy all
5. Can't be afraid to be unpopular--a good leader hopes to be respected
6. A change-agent--help others accept change through training
7. A constant learner
8. A good listener--don't make yourself the center, use "we and us" not "I and me"
9. Creative and thoughtful--you can lead the way through the landmines
10. Be eager to share the credit.

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