February 2000

ALA COUNCILOR'S REPORT

The American Library Association council deliberated on many varied issues at the midwinter conference in January 2000. Following are brief descriptions of some of the more interesting topics.

ALA FINANCES. Treasurer Bruce Daniels presented a look back at FY 1999, which ended with the association in a strong financial position with net assets of $16,007,000 (a 5% increase over 1998). He cautioned that ALA cannot continue to adopt new initiatives with financial implications without eliminating other initiatives. While revenues for publishing had another strong year, he noted that there has been a dramatic decline in contributions. In addition, expenses have continued to grow at a greater rate than revenues. If this continues, the association will soon face tough choices of which programs and initiatives will be supported, and which must be eliminated.

WHO SPEAKS FOR ALA? There was some contention on the floor of council regarding a question and answer sheet prepared at the direction of the executive board. This document attempted to clarify appropriate communication from ALA units to the outside world. Unfortunately, some members felt the clarification limited the ability of round tables and interest groups to express themselves adequately. Apparently this issue became a serious concern to the executive board when resolutions and letters were distributed inappropriately from committees and roundtables on ALA letterhead, violating the policy that "ALA speaks with one voice for the profession." [ALA Policy 1.4]

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS REDUX. In response to the continued concern about the lack of a quorum at membership meetings, a resolution (CD #42) was introduced to first eliminate the power of members at a membership meeting to set aside a council action, and then to lower the quorum to whatever number of members actually showed up at the meeting (CD #43). The removal of the power to set aside a council action would have allowed councilors who feared this kind of member action to vote to lower the quorum. If adopted, this power would only have remained in the form of a majority vote by mail ballot.

Some councilors argued passionately that reducing the quorum would allow true input from the membership, and others said that if the members really wanted to speak to an issue, they would show up in greater numbers to do so. The quorum currently is 1% of the total membership, about 580 individuals. In the end, the first resolution was defeated and the second was withdrawn.

In a later session, another membership meeting resolution (CD#56) was introduced and passed that created a presidential task force to study and implement ways to increase attendance at membership meetings. This task force will begin work as soon as appointed, and will look at publicity, scheduling, and facilitating the agenda for membership meetings, in the hope that the association can do more to encourage members to attend.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS. Much debate was heard regarding a resolution (CD #44) first introduced on the council discussion list which would establish that a masters degree from an ALA-accredited school be required for positions in ALA offices such as Executive Director, Office for Intellectual Freedom, and the Washington Office, as well as for division officers. Several years ago during the search for the current executive director, the council very firmly reminded the executive board that the MLS/MLIS was a must. Currently, many members are concerned by the hiring of Emily Sheketoff, who does not possess a degree in librarianship, as the director of the Washington Office.

The resolution points out the profession's apparent double standard by citing an ALA policy that states: "The Masters degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association is the appropriate professional degree for librarians." Several councilors cautioned that when major leadership positions in library organizations are handed over to non-librarians, the association sets a dangerous example to decision-makers in city/county government or higher education authorities who already question the need for professional librarians to provide effective service.

Others felt that council should not "dictate" to each division how to select staff. And some argued that it shouldn't matter what educational degrees a candidate possesses if they are the best person for the job.

In the end the resolution passed after it was amended to apply only to the position of ALA executive director.

ALACTION 2005. Sarah Ann Long, ALA President, announced a "bold" plan for the next five years which builds on the same programmatic priorities set in ALA Goal 2000: intellectual freedom, diversity, 21^st century literacy, equity of access and continuous learning.

The executive board attended a planning retreat in October 1999, together with representatives from divisions, roundtables, and ALA staff, in which ALAction 2005 was created (http://www.ala.org/work/alaction2005.html ).

New "action goals" were revealed:

§ By 2005, ALA will have increased support for libraries and librarians by communicating clearly and strongly why libraries and librarians are both unique and valuable.

§ By 2005, ALA will be recognized as the leading voice for equitable access to information resources in all formats for all people.

§ By 2005, ALA will be a leader in the use of technology for communication, for democratic participation, and for shared learning.

§ By 2005, ALA will be a leader in continuing education for library personnel.

Initial steps will include launching a national media campaign at the 2000 annual conference, convening a 2nd Congress on Professional Education in Fall 2000, and widening participation in the association through "virtual communication."

EXPLORING PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION. Many councilors expressed their dismay at some executive board actions regarding the exploration of the association developing some kind of certification program for individuals.

A little background — in 1996, several ALA units reviewed a proposal to develop a "Certified Public Library Administrator" program. The concept was approved, and staff members were directed to develop more detailed plans. The executive board continued to receive updates as work on this plan progressed, and in 1998 a formal proposal was presented to them. The executive board asked ALA management to return with a plan to establish a 501(c)(6) organization to enable implementation of the program, and the committee on education held hearings regarding the proposal at the 1998 annual conference.

Prior to this discussion on council floor, the ALA president had already presented council with a glossy brochure outlining the association's future goals (ALAction 2005), one of which included the establishment of a certification program. This tangible evidence seemed to contradict the executive board's insistence that these goals were all in draft form, and caused several councilors to politely but firmly state that a project of this magnitude with many fiscal and policy implications should have come to council for deliberation before it was approved "in concept."

Council was assured that the mistake in printing the brochure had been borne out of excitement for the new goals, and the brochures would be revised before distribution to the membership as a whole. Further, we were promised that the "policy framework" for this program would be presented to us at the ALA 2000 annual conference.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS ELECTED. Camila Alire and Molly Raphael were elected to the ALA executive board for the 2000-2003 term.

2000 SLATE OF CANDIDATES. Candidates for ALA president and treasurer were announced, as well as 52 candidates for "at large" positions on council. The presidential candidates are John W. Berry and Claudia B. Sumler. Candidates for treasurer are Liz Bishoff and Peter R. Young. I encourage all our Idaho ALA members to vote!

As always, if anyone would like further information on these matters, please feel free to contact me.

Camille Wood

ILA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Boise, Idaho, November 3, 1999

Approved with revisions, January 11, 2000

Present

Charles Bolles, Jennifer O'Laughlin, Camille Wood, Dawn Wittman, Robert Wright, Ron Force, Rosmarie Fouad, Sandi Shropshire, Janet Strong, Marlene Earnest, Larry Almeida, Mary Edmonds, Christine Reynolds

Call to Order

ILA President Ron Force called the meeting to order at 9:40am.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes of the Executive sessions for October 6, 1999, and October 9, 1999, were approved unanimously with minor grammatical/spelling changes. (Bolles/Fouad)

Reports

President

No report.

First Vice-President

· Larry Almeida reported the ILA Program Committee Meeting was successful.

· Program development should be firm by January Executive Board meeting.

Second Vice-President

· Strategic Plan 1999-2001--secretary to send out later via email

· Regional Conferences

Marlene Earnest asked Almeida if he knew where the ILA signs are located so that they can be used during spring regional conferences. Barbara Greever had suggested that Almeida might have them. Almeida indicated that Lynn Melton used them for the January legislative breakfast. Earnest indicated Melton was the one who suggested Greever, who then suggested Almeida. No one seems to know where the signs are located. Wittman suggested that there should be one made for each region with the new logo as there has already been Board approval to pay for new signs. Earnest will consult with Greever to find out where the original signs were made. Almeida will continue to track down the original signs.

Treasurer

Sandi Shropshire stipulated that the final figures for conference income and expenses would be forthcoming

Almeida questioned how will the conference planning committee be assured there is enough funding for next year's conference.

· Shropshire referred Almeida to pages 5 and 7 for projected income and sources

· Wood referred to page 5, which compares income over several conference years and proved very useful in the past.

Wright asked why there was a larger income this past year.

· Strong referred to the joint PNLA/ILA conference in Sun Valley. ILA received fifty percent of the revenue from that conference.

· Strong indicated there was an adjustment on the rental cost of the piano used during the program presented by Del Parkinson. The piano was not delivered when contracted nor was it tuned; therefore, the company reduced the rental fee from $375 to $250. The company also gave an apology to Dr. Parkinson.

· Almeida noted an increase in membership dues income.

Force asked each division chairperson to present division budgets during the January 2000 Executive Board meeting. It is anticipated that the full Association budget will be approved at that time.

Other requests that need further information and discussion include:

· Larry Goold submitted a formal budget request of $1,159.50 to fund travel for the School Library Media Coalition.

· Public Relations and Advocacy Committee, submitted by Erin McCusker in the amount of $2,035.00.

· The request to fund a speaker for the ILA 2000 Conference is an expense of the Conference Planning Budget. Wood/Force suggested that the budget should be $1035.

· There were question concerning the cost of postcard mailings for Legislative Day and ILA Conference. Fine-tuning of the proposed budget needs to take into account that this is now a combined committee and what is the relationship to the Legislative task force. Strong suggested that the committee work that out rather than the Executive Board.

Discussion of the 2000 Budget Request Report

Ø Expected Expenses

Executive Board

1) First Vice-President: Concern that ballots for officers should be sent separately from conference information/registration, increasing this line item from $500.00 to $700.00.

a. Almeida will do the conference mailing and will include non-ILA members (adding a membership form to the packet).

b. Bolles indicated the State Library mailing list numbers 1500. This list includes trustees, librarians, libraries, but not individual staff members.

c. Strong indicated the academic mailing list includes personnel.

d. Force directed Almeida to develop a mailing list to include ILA members and non-ILA members.

2) Second Vice-President: Adjustment suggestions to increase from $0.00 to $100.00.

3) Past President: Wittman will do the separate election ballot mailing. Suggestions for ballot returns included fax, regular mail, and email.

4) Audit: An audithas not been done for at least two years and will need to be done this year. In the past, Idaho State University business students under the supervision of their instructors have performed the audits/revues. Wright felt that the Executive Board has an obligation to have a full audit performed. Wood indicated that when she was treasurer, the auditor recommended a revue rather than a formal full audit because the cost was not justifiable.

Dues and Liaisons

1) Idaho Coalition Adult Literacy. Have not had an invoice from them in several years. Consensus to remove this organization from ILA support.

2) Legislative Day. Will discuss this later: although Lynn Baird has not attended for several years as the federal legislative representative (legislative committee), funding might still be necessary.

Committees

1) Membership.

a) Dues. Wright questioned the cost of ILA dues in relationship to the cost of producing the Idaho Librarian. He indicated that ILA Bylaws state:

Article II. Section 3. Annual dues will be levied in accordance with the type of membership. Effective with the 1995: a. Trustees, Friends, Students, Retired: Cost of Idaho Librarian plus $5.00. b. Library Personnel: 1. Income $0 to $10,000: Cost of Idaho Librarian plus $5.00… etc.

Because the cost of the Idaho Librarian has reduced, then the dues for membership should also be reduced.

b) Brochures. Almeida and Wood suggested that additional brochures for regional conferences would require more money designated in this line item _ perhaps 400 or more brochures. Suggested increasing this line item from $900.00 to $1,500.00. Ruth Cochran needs to be contacted concerning generating more ideas to promote membership and cost increases.

c) Idaho Book Award. Cost for the actual award may change as this committee has been discussing changing from the silver medal to a plaque. No decision has been made yet.

1) Intellectual Freedom. Suggested reducing from $150.00 to $100.00. Auction funds traditionally are used for special projects.

2) Library Advocacy Task Force. Consensus to discontinue this task force as it is now a part of the Public Relations and Advocacy Committee.

3) Library Improvement Committee. Consensus to discontinue this committee.

Divisions

1) Ed. Media. $900.00 request. Discussion about the need to separate Ed Media request for travel from Goold's Coalition travel request. There was also a question about $200.00 for a mailing that may be covered elsewhere.

Miscellaneous

1) Regional Conferences.

a) Wright was concerned that Regional Conferences do not focus on Trustees and that a special evening or Saturday workshop should be planned for to include them.

1) Regional Conference mailings were sent to ILA members only. Perhaps there needs to be a broader mailing to encourage more participation of all librarians and trustees.

a) Almeida strongly recommends continuation of yearly budget to help support the regional spring conferences.

1) Wright suggested consolidating regions to help make each conference stronger _ i.e., the money would be divided into three conferences, rather than six conferences.

2) Membership Refunds. Consensus that this line item was no longer necessary.

Special Funding

1) Elimination of Special Funding designations. Consensus to remove these categories as some have been incorporated into other areas and others are no longer needed. Included: Advocacy, Legislative Task Force, Intellectual Freedom Auction and Taxes, Freedom to Read Foundation.

2) Special Funding Issue: School Library Media Coalition. Wittman/Shropshire moved to approve Larry Goold's request to fund/support the travel expenses for a meeting of the School Library Media Coalition.

§ Discussion: Almeida expressed his support with the stipulation that the Coalition report their progress to the Executive Board. Wright felt that with a ten-year history there should be a point of closure. Mary Edmonds pointed out that there is a strategic plan for the Coalition and that there are periodic break-throughs. Ultimately, legislative support is needed to guarantee placing qualified librarians in every elementary school in Idaho.

Wittman asked if this was a one-time request for ILA funding or would there be a yearly request. Edmonds indicated there has been funding support from ILA in the past.

Idaho Education Association funds support the Coalition from time to time. Earnest indicated that IEA supported the Coalition with $1000.00 last year. Shropshire asked if IEA had a representative to the Coalition. Edmonds responded that IEA did not. There is a PTA representative and a teacher who are members of the Coalition. Wood asked if ILA membership would be required of the Coalition members if ILA is supporting the group.

There have also been some private donations for support; and Idaho State Library has supported the Coalition with facilitators.

Wood asked if there is any indication that there will be legislation this year to support the goals of the Coalition. Edmonds did not think that there would be. Wood reminded the Board that this is a second year request for ILA support and she expressed concern that this would continue indefinitely without resolution. Almeida stated that our support for last year was for the Coalition to develop a strategic plan and that has been accomplished.

Almeida was concerned with Goold's suggestion that ILA support the Coalition at the same rate as ILA Executive Board travel _ indefinitely - until Coalition's goals are met. It was reiterated that the ILA Executive Board would like to see a two-year plan of action submitted by the Coalition.

Wittman/Shropshire amended the motion to reflect $1000.00 support with Idaho Education to pick up the difference of $159.50.

§ Discussion: Almeida supports the Coalition's goal and suggests that a report of their progress appear on ILA's website. Wright reiterated that if ILA is committed to spending money to support the Coalition's efforts, he wants to see their goals fulfilled. Fouad reminded Wright that the Board will review any further requests for funding after seeing a report.

Bolles believes that Edmonds and Earnest have reported to their best ability what actions have taken place thus far. Specific time lines will be hard to develop. Bolles affirmed that a substantial report is necessary to continue financial support of ILA.

Call for the question. Motion carried unanimously.

Bank Account Report

Shropshire asked the Board whether to convert part of savings and checking funds to CD's or leave the funds in savings and checking. Almeida/Wood moved that $30,000 be invested in CD's on a staggered time basis as Shropshire sees appropriate.

§ Discussion: Is $30,000 too much to tie up? Almeida/Wood amended the motion to reflect a sum of $20,000 be invested in CD's. Motion carried unanimously.

Legislative Committee/Lobbyist Report

Lynn Melton and John Watts discussed with the Executive Board establishing a policy statement in regards to potential legislation, which may affect library communities.

After discussing each of the policy statements, Melton was directed by the Board to rewrite them to reflect more positive and supportive statements, rather than negative statements. Force will set-up a listserv for the Board to discuss the policies further. Final comments will be needed by Friday November 12, 1999.

1. Local control regarding public library collection development and Internet access

2. Changes to existing code which would allow county commissioners to deny voters the right to decide whether or not to tax themselves for library services

3. Allowing minor children to hold voting positions on municipal library boards

4. Change existing Idaho Code to simplify removal of library board members

5. Change to the Idaho Code which would eliminate library employment as a defense in cases relating to the distribution of materials harmful to minors

Resignation of Legislative Chairperson. Melton indicated she has started a full-time position and will not be able to continue as chairperson of the Legislative Committee. Melton will continue for 2000 as Legislative chairperson until a replacement can be found. Vicki Kreimeyer Brown has agreed to be chair for 2001. Adrien Taylor and Kevin Booe will assist Melton with lobbying activities.

Lobbyist Contract. Force indicated that John Watts requested a guaranteed lobbyist contract for two years. Wright pointed out that Watts' $6000.00 fee had been reasonable. Wittman and Bolles reminded the Board that ILA agreed to try the lobbyist for five years. ILA is currently paying Watts monthly because there is no current contract. The contract with Watts was for 1999 only.

In the new contract, there should be included an evaluation process and an escape clause for both parties. Wittman, Almeida, Melton, and Force worked on last year's committee to develop the 1998/1999 contract. Wright/O'Laughlin moved that an ad hoc committee be established to negotiate a two-year contract with John Watts to perform the duties as lobbyist for ILA. Passed unanimously. Force appointed the following to the ad hoc committee: the president (Force), first vice-president (Almeida), second vice-president (Earnest), and legislative chair (vacant).

Conference Site Report

Janet Strong sent out proposals for conference sites for years 2003 (north Idaho), 2004 (Boise), 2005 (South), and 2006 (Boise).

2003

The Board reviewed the 2003 sites and all are too small for ILA Conference needs.

· Requirements for minimum expenditure per day for food and beverage may be too prohibitive for Templins (Coeur d'Alene) _ Strong was asked to renegotiate with Templins to reduce the minimum expenditure requirement and lowered guest room rates

· No banquet on Friday at the University Inn (Moscow) and no use of facility on Saturday due to Homecoming

· Coeur d'Alene Inn would require Thursday sack lunches and dinner on the boat because there is not enough room space to handle a sit-down meal

2004 and 2006

Strong did not recommend using the Grove again as it was too costly and they were hard to negotiate with. Consensus of the Board that Strong start over with Boise, as the alternative of using a Cavanaugh's/Boise State University combination does not appear as it would be convenient for conference attendees.

2005

Suggested that Cavanaugh's at Pocatello appears to be the best location.

PNLA Representative Report

Strong attended the past PNLA board meeting.

· PNLA plans to create an adult book award, which will parallel the Young Reader's Choice Award. Each state and province will have two representatives, who must be PNLA members. There will be an award for fiction and an award for non-fiction. The adult book award committee will also investigate potential funding sources.

· Special interest groups will be disbanded. PNLA will continue round table discussion groups during annual conferences.

· Seattle, Washington, will be the Public Library Association (PLA) conference site. PNLA is hoping for a joint conference. The focus of the PLA conference will be libraries on the Pacific Rim.

· Strong asked for a suggestion for someone to participate on the Intellectual Freedom committee for PNLA. Lori Keenan's name was suggested.

ALA Representative Report

Wood reported that J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has been the subject of discussion on the ALA Council discussion list as a possible candidate for honorary membership in the American Library Association.

Public Relations and Advocacy Committee Report

Submitted by Erin McCusker via e-mail

Academic Division Report

Fouad asked for a clarification in regards to terms of office for divisions.

Academic next election 2001

Fouad will serve two years as chair

Public next election 2000

Wright will serve one year as chair

Trustee next election 2000

O'Laughlin will serve one year

Ed Media next election 2001

Edmonds will serve two years

Public Library Division Report

Wright is concerned that membership numbers have declined because all classes of library employees cannot afford the membership dues. Wright suggested that institutions pay a flat-rate dues, thus allowing all members of a staff to be considered ILA members; or that individuals pay a flat-rate dues. Strong/Fouad indicated that academic institutions cannot legally pay an institutional fee. Earnest indicated that individual schools/districts cannot legally pay institutional or individual membership dues. Wood suggested that Wright share his ideas with the membership committee chair. Force will direct the membership chair to investigate alternative fee structures.

Ed Media Division Report

Ed Media Bylaws emailed to secretary

Strategic Plan

The Board was asked to review the strategic plan for discussion at the January 11, 2000 meeting.

Next Board Meeting

January 11, 2000

8am Conference Planning Committee

9am Executive Board Meeting

Both meetings will be held at Boise State University Student Union. There will be a legislative orientation during the Executive Board meeting.

January 12, 2000 Legislative Breakfast

Adjournment

Wittman/Fouad moved that the meeting be adjourned. Passed unanimously, 3:40pm.

ILA NEWS

ILA Spring Conference Dates Announced

Mark your calendar! ILA Spring Conferences will be held in your area on:

Region I: North Idaho

May 5, 2000

Chair: Karen Schmidt

208-772-5612 ext 20

Region II: Moscow-Latah

April 27, 2000

Chair: Nancy Young

208-885-2514

Region III: Treasure Valley

April 15, 2000

Chair: Margaret Fujishin

208-337-4228

Region IV: Magic Valley

March 16, 2000

Co-chairs: Cora Caldwell & Pat Hamilton

Region V: Pocatello & Region VI: Idaho Falls

Joint Conference April 27, 2000

Co-chairs: Molly Stein, Karen Tate, & David Butler

208-547-4308 (Molly)

208-547-2606 (Karen)

208-356-2369 (David)

Watch for updates on the ILA Web Page and the listserv!

News from the Academic Libraries Division

Karin Ford, chair-elect of the Academic/Special Libraries Division, resigned from her post in December, because she accepted a new position out of state. I am happy to announce that Chris Ashby from the Lewis-Clark State College Library volunteered to replace her and that the ILA Executive Board approved his nomination at its January 11, 2000 meeting.

Rosmarie H. Fouad, Chair

Academic/Special Libraries Division

BOOK REVIEWS

Andrus, Cecil, and Joel Connelly. Cecil Andrus: Politics Western Style. Seattle: Sasquatch Books, c1998. LC 98-13505. ISBN 157061122X.

As a newcomer to Idaho, I was of course aware that former four-time Governor Cecil Andrus was U.S. Secretary of the Interior during the Carter administration. However, I had little insight into his background, philosophy, or political dealings in 34 years of public life until reading his 1998 biography.

This book fills in the details of his first-hand experiences beginning as a lumberjack and working his way into the highest political ranks at the state and national levels. Rather than taking a strict chronological approach to his life, Andrus and Connelly (a political writer for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer) lay out the story with each chapter devoted to a special aspect of his career. A quick look at these chapters follows.

Hornswoggling Along (introduction). Right away, Andrus' devotion to the West comes through, with statements like "The only reason people live on the East Coast is they don't know any better. I prefer the Western way of life, where people treat you the same way to your face as they do behind your back."

A Political Accident. This chapter describes his entry and subsequent education in the Idaho political scene. Dissatisfied with the state of the local school system in 1960, and inspired by JFK's run for the presidency, "Cece" decides to run for the Idaho legislature, and wins after spending a grand total of eleven dollars on business cards.

Governing Like a Normal Guy. Mowing the lawn, driving to work, and flying coach class may be ordinary behaviors for most citizens, but not for most governors. Andrus eschewed the perks that accompanied the highest office in most states. He also divulges some intriguing insights about a number of the better-known governors.

In Trials and Errors, he details his adjustments to the political hotbed of Washington, D.C., as well as some of his most memorable challenges in Idaho.

Lessons from a Self-taught Conservationist . Here Andrus describes conflicts of environmental and economic issues, and the stories behind protecting public lands. In particular he discusses the doubling in size of the National Park System, with the addition of 103 million acres in Alaska.

River of No Return. Issues of the Salmon River, dams, electric power, and fish are discussed.

In Birds of Prey and other Predators the creation of the Birds of Prey Natural Area is highlighted, with analysis of the Endangered Species Act and how it relates to wolves, grizzlies, and other critters.

In The Life of a Decision, Andrus discusses the difficulties of dealing with the abortion issue. He states that his policy on any legislative issue is to begin by considering "Whose lives will be affected by this bill, and how?" but it particularly applied here.

Feeding the Sharks. This is about the role of TV and the print media in investigating and influencing political figures and issues. This chapter contains some of the most amusing and sobering stories in the book.

The Conscience of a Conservationist. Here he examines the difficult balancing act of attracting business while remaining true to the environment.

Western Wasteland describes the ongoing issue of radioactive waste management.

Gone but Not Forgotten. Here Andrus describes some of his most memorable politicians and public servants, and describes key encounters that defined them.

We Should Not Have To Care So Much, You and I. In a last-minute effort to protect five rivers in northern California, Andrus uses his ability as Secretary of the Interior to declare rivers wild and scenic on his last day in office. The chapter title quotes Robert Frost, and ends the book with a declaration of hope and obligation.

Because of the nature of the tale telling by topic area, there's a slight bit of overlap of some critical issues, but that merely serves as a reinforcement of the major themes. There is more than a little salty language in the book, which might bother a more conservative reader. Overall, this is a compelling biography of one of Idaho's greatest and most influential political figures and citizens.

Jim Fullerton

Board of Trustees

Marshall Public Library, Pocatello

Lee, Mike, and Clements, Rhonda L. Moving to Discover the USA: 142 Action Rhymes, Songs and Games. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, c1999.

Find two people who believe above all else in a child's right to play, add equal amounts of scholarship, artistry and fun; mix well and pour through a funnel formed from a map of the USA. The result will be Moving to Discover the USA. Mike Lee is a man in motion; it's a love of his life that he shares with all children. With Rhonda Clements he has put together a book about the USA that looks at Who we are, How we got here and What we have done. The activities teach about our country while stimulating a child's natural ability to imagine and to move.

The book is divided into eight sections: Americana, This Land, Famous Americans, Native Americans, Man-Made Landmarks, Natural Wonders, Building a Country and Transportation. Each section contains original action games, rhymes and songs to enhance and compliment existing elementary school curriculum in grades one through four. They require a minimum of space and equipment no more sophisticated than a rope or sheet of paper to make fish, as in The Soaring Eagle (p. 26). One of my favorite activities is the State Shape Stretch (p. 42). "Can you move your body in the shape of a state? How many states can your body create?"

Included in Famous Americans is Harriet Tubman with an activity demonstrating the Underground Railway. It's a variation of tag including a Slave, Chaser, Safe House and a Conductor who helps the slave. Conductor's verse: "All people in this country have the right to be free." Chaser's verse: "I'll catch you if I can, and send you back where you began." Some activities, like Forming the Capital Dome in Landmarks Show the Way (p. 102-109) require several children but many can be done with only one or two, although more is probably merrier.

Designed with the elementary teacher in mind, Moving to Discover the USA is also an invaluable resource for anyone doing children's programs. The activities in this book alone would keep you in things to do for a long time. A children's librarian at the Athol, Idaho Library, I'm sure Mike had us in mind as well. The illustrations are clear, simple, and many give a bird's eye view to better understand the action and patterning the movements provide. If you work with children you need this book!

Diane E. Newcomer

Clark Fork Branch Librarian

East Bonner County Library

BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW

The following is a list of books available for review in the Idaho Librarian. If you would like to review one of these titles, please e-mail Christine DeZelar-Tiedman (chrisd@belle.lib.uidaho.edu). Postal address: University of Idaho Library, Rayburn Street, P.O. Box 442350, Moscow, Idaho 83844-2350 USA.

Christensen, Scott R. Sagwitch: Shoshone Chieftan, Mormon Elder, 1822-1887. Logan, Utah: Utah State University Press, c1999.

Contested Landscape: the Politics of Wilderness in Utah and the West. Ed. by Doug Goodman and Daniel McCool. Salt Lake City: Univ. of Utah Press, 1999.

Crandall, David. Fly Free as Easy as 1-2-3. Boise: Legendary Publishing, c1998.

Fleischner, Thomas Lowe. Singing Stone: a natural history of the Escalante Canyons. Salt Lake City: Univ. of Utah Press, 1999.

Frome, Michael. Green Ink: an introduction to environmental journalism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1999.

Hochman, Jhan. Green Cultural Studies: Nature in Film, Novel and Theory. Moscow: University of Idaho Press, 1998.

Hosac, Chet. The Orphan. Boise: Legendary Pub. Co., c1999.

Hunter, Rodello. A Daughter of Zion. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1999.

Knudson, Barbara. Living in Chaos, Walking in Peace: A Matter of Ascension. Boise: Legendary Publishing, c1998.

Kuhns, Michael. A Guide to the Trees of Utah and the Intermountain West. Logan, Utah: Utah State University Press, 1998.

Lindsay, Jeanne Warren and Brunelli, Jean. Nurturing Your Newborn: Young Parents' Guide to Baby's First Month. Buena Park, CA: Morning Glory Press, 1999.

Madsen, Betty M. and Madsen, Brigham D. North to Montana! Jehus, Bullwhackers, and Mule Skinners on the Montana Trail. Logan, Utah: Utah State University Press, c1998.

Madsen, Brigham D. Chief Pocatello. Moscow: University of Idaho Press, 1999, c1986.

Moeller, Bill and Jan. Lewis & Clark: A Photographic Journey. Missoula, Mont.: Mountain Press Pub. Co., 1999.

Over the Rim: The Parley P. Pratt Exploring Expedition to Southern Utah, 1849-50. Ed. by William B. Smart and Donna T. Smart. Logan: Utah State University Press, c1999.

Peterson, John Alton. Utah's Black Hawk War. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1999.

Russell, Bert and Marie. Rock Burst. Moscow: University of Idaho Press, 1998.

Sanford, Marcelline Hemingway. At the Hemingways: with fifty years of correspondence between Ernest and Marcelline Hemingway. Centennial ed., with a forward by Michael Reynolds. Moscow: University of Idaho Press, 1999.

Shadow Cat: Encountering the American Mountain Lion. ed. by Susan Ewing and Elizabeth Grossman. Seattle: Sasquatch Books, c1999.

Spence, Clark C. For Wood River or Bust: Idaho's Silver Boom of the 1880's. Moscow: Univ. of Idaho Press, 1999.

Tilford, Gregory L. From Earth to Herbalist: an Earth-conscious guide to medicinal plants. Missoula, Mont.: Mountain Press Pub. Co., 1998.

Van Wagoner, Robert Hodgson. Dancing Naked: a novel. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, c1999.

Waitley, Douglas. William Henry Jackson: Framing the Frontier. Missoula: Mountain Press Pub. Co., 1998.

When We Say We're Home: a quartet of place and memory. Salt Lake City: Univ. of Utah Press, 1999.

White Hat, Albert, Sr. Reading and Writing the Lakota Language. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1999.

Wingate, George W. Through the Yellowstone Park on Horseback. Moscow: Univ. of Idaho Press, 1999.