Drexel University Online recently formed a new educational partnership with the California Library Association. Through this partnership, CLA members are entitled to receive a 20% tuition reduction on online programs offered through The iSchool at Drexel (College of Information Science and Technology). Drexel Online is pleased to offer CLA members the opportunity to advance their education in a convenient online format at reduced tuition rates.

Drexel's MS in Library and Information Science is ranked among the top 10 library science programs in the nation by U.S.News & World Report. This ALA-accredited program is available to CLA members online as well as face-to-face at Drexel University's Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento. With access to classes online 24/7, CLA members can earn a distinguished degree without career interruption.
"We are thrilled to partner with such a forward-thinking organization and we look forward to supporting CLA's commitment to improve library service and education throughout California," said Dr. Kenneth Hartman, Academic Director of Drexel University Online. "This non-exclusive partnership offers CLA members a convenient and affordable way to advance their education and develop the skills necessary to move up in the field of library science and information systems."

David E. Fenske, Dean of the iSchool, adds, "We value our relationship with the California Library Association, and are pleased to be in the state offering another educational choice to California residents. The iSchool maintains a physical presence in California through the Drexel University Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento, as well as the online program, providing students with both online and on-campus course options."

For more information about Drexel University Online and to apply online at no cost, visit www.drexel.com/cla. CLA members, be sure to enter "CLA" as your partner affiliation code on your application to receive your reduced tuition rates.

Please contact your partnership liaison with any questions:

Valerie Malinowski
CLA-Drexel Online Partnership Liaison
(215) 895-0915
www.drexel.com/cla

The Legislative Analyst's Office also cautions that additional court cases could make the projected Budget shortfall even higher. Lastly, the LAO forecast "assumes no COLA's or salary increases for state employees through 2014-15," and predicts the gap between "revenues and expenditures will increase to $23 billion in 2012-13, when the state must pay back its loan from local governments under Proposition 1A of 2004."

While the big three revenue sources, Personal Income Tax, Corporate Taxes, and Sales Tax, are down only about $500 million, most of the state's problems are due to the above factors and the admitted gap by the Governor's Administration, when the Budget was revised in July 2009, that the operating shortfall, or the ongoing gap between projected expenditures and revenue, would be about $7.4 billion. The reasons for the shortfall include the use of one time and temporary Budget solutions, including funds borrowed or taken from local government, including property taxes and redevelopment agency funds, which alone exceed $4 billion.

Regarding the issue of providing new revenues for the state's General Fund, the LAO suggests, "the State's fiscal situation is so dire, the Legislature may have to revisit some of the temporary tax increases, including the Vehicle License Fee, and the Dependent Exemption credit," along with a review of current tax expenditure programs offering special deductions and exemptions for businesses etc, "that often have not been shown to be cost-effective."

The Governor will be confronting the issues raised in the Analyst's Fiscal Outlook when he introduces his Budget, probably on January 8, 2010.

Submitted by Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

Colton city leaders have chosen to close its public library system in an effort to save $4 million in the current fiscal year. No date has been given as to when the City's libraries will reopen.

The timing of this closure conflicts with statewide increases in library usage and demand. According to California Library Association President, Kim Bui-Burton, "in this difficult economy, Colton's two libraries and homework center are the heart of support for the city's residents."

Ms. Bui-Burton adds that Colton's libraries "provide literacy and lifelong learning activities for all ages, through academic enrichment for students and economic advancement for adults and businesses. In addition, the libraries provide free access to the Internet for job searching and application.

"The Colton libraries are a welcoming community place where limited public resources can be widely shared and benefit all.

"CLA recognizes the extraordinary difficult financial situation faced by the City of Colton and many other California communities. There are no easy solutions, only painful choices. Cutting library support should not be one of these choices."

The California Library Association appeals to the City of Colton to seek whatever remedies are possible to keep their libraries open and communities served. Ms. Bui-Burton adds that "it is hoped that library service can be restored so that the information lifeline that citizens desperately need in these times of crises will be there for them."

About the California Library Association

Established in 1895, the California Library Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit association that provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services, librarianship, and the library community. CLA helps its 3,000 members excel in a fast-changing job market and is a resource for learning about new ideas and technology. Furthermore, CLA is a leading advocate on all statewide library
issues and actively works to influence legislation affecting libraries and librarians. Governed by an elected Board of Directors, CLA is headquartered in Folsom, California.

More information may be obtained at www.cla-net.org

Printable Press Release (116 K)

"Stacey is truly an expert in her field and California is lucky to have her as the state librarian," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "She's the perfect person to maintain the excellent quality of services and access to accurate and up-to-date information Californians expect and receive every time they visit our library."

Since February, she has served as acting state librarian for the California State Library and previously served as deputy state librarian from 2007 to 2009. Aldrich was assistant director of the Omaha Public Library from 2005 to 2007, branch chief of public libraries and state networking at the Maryland State Department of Education from 2002 to 2005 and senior associate of Coates and Jarratt in 2000. Prior to that, she was a staff development coordinator at the Maryland State Department of Education from 1996 to 2002 and an information technology librarian for the Hood College Library from 1992 to 1996.

"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to take on the position of state librarian," said Stacey Aldrich. "I will use my experience to uphold the California State Library's tradition of preserving our history and connecting Californians to the information they need to be successful."

Aldrich, 39, of Sacramento, earned a Master of Arts degree in library science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian language and literature from the University of Pittsburgh. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $119,616. Aldrich is a Republican.

The California state librarian is tasked with overseeing the collection, preservation, generation and dissemination of a wide array of information. The California State Library, a California public research institution, provides accurate, up-to-date information for elected officials, state employees and the general public. The librarian ensures that the State Library remains the central reference and research library for state government and the legislature and provides technical assistance to, and outreach programs for, California's public libraries as well as directing state and federal funds to support these libraries.

On behalf of CLA's staff and volunteers, our Association congratulates Ms. Aldrich on her appointment as California's State Librarian.

To the Board of Directors of the California Library Association:

This is to certify that on the 27th day of October 2009, Paymaneh Maghsoudi was duly chosen by the qualified electors of the California Library Association to serve as President Elect and whose term of office shall be for one year, at the conclusion of which, the Vice President/President Elect shall automatically assume the office of President and serve one year and then serve as Immediate Past President for one year; Jackie Griffin was duly chosen by the qualified electors of the California Library Association to serve as Treasurer and whose term of office shall be for 3 years concluding in 2012; and Patricia Rivera, Hillary Theyer, Sean Reinhart, Mary George, Monica Schultz and Barbara Flynn were duly chosen by the qualified electors of the California Library Association to serve as members of the Board. All officers and board members shall assume their duties on the last day of the Annual Conference, to wit, November 2, 2009. Board members will serve staggered terms for up to 3 years so that 1/3 of the board members stand for election each year. These first terms will be determined by Board resolution at the Board of Directors meeting scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2009.

Witness: The Interim Executive Director, Claudia Foutz, and our seal hereto affixed at Sacramento, California this 27th day of October, in the year 2009.

Claudia Foutz, Interim Executive Director

Although we understand that SJSU student membership sponsorship has been discontinued we want all CLA/ALA student members from the spring and fall semesters to know that we will be honoring you as full members and that you will continue to receive CLA benefits during this transitional period. Our goal is to ensure that there will be no disruption in membership benefits. We are also seeking out new and innovative ideas for reaching and supporting students throughout California - and welcome your suggestions.

As new information evolves, please check back with CLA's blog, Facebook, and twitter pages for the latest information regarding this transition.

Kim Bui-Burton
CLA President

The previous CALIX listserv is no longer accessible. However, both CLA and UCLA staff & leadership are working quickly to reinstate the free flow of communication between California's library community.

I was shocked and deeply saddened to read the CALIX posting regarding the San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science severing its unique relationship with the California Library Association. We very much regret that the senior management team has come to this conclusion.

The CLA Board is committed to building bridges and strengthening relationships with all providers and supporters of library services across California, and engaging new leaders in the future of CLA. As the 2009-2010 CLA President (and a proud alumnus of SJSU School of LIS) I look forward to finding ways to work with SJSU administrators, faculty and students to re-establish effective relations.

From Dr. Haycock's most recent communication to the previous Board, I believe that this issue is now closed. Our work as the new Board will be to move CLA forward for the future. I am excited and energized to be working with all of you, as I noted in my speech to the General Membership, demonstrating integrity, clarity and transparency in everything we do for the future of California libraries and communities.

Again, I am happy to be contacted with any follow-up questions you may have. My cell is 831-601-0934 - I will be heading into the Grand Canyon and Zion areas for the next few days so will respond as soon as I am able.

Many thanks,

Kim Bui-Burton
CLA President

CLA and sponsor Boopsie bring you CLA 2009 Mobile...the fastest, easiest way to access Conference Schedules, Speakers, Exhibitors and other important information about the 111th Annual CLA Conference & Exhibition directly from your Smart Phone.

From your BlackBerry, G1, Palm, Windows Mobile or other phone, go to http://cla2009.boopsie.com from your Smart Phone's mobile browser. Downloading is easy and quick. Once you have downloaded the CLA 2009 Mobile App, you practically have the CLA Conference Program at your fingertips!

Also, keep an eye out for the Apple App Store version of "CLA 2009" for your iPhone or iPod touch - this will be launched as soon as the App is approved by Apple headquarters.

Please note:

• Access to a data network is required on your phone, so be sure you have an unlimited data plan
• This application works for Smart Phones only and is not accessible through your Personal Computer

Submitted to California Libraries by:

Richard Berta
CLA Membership, Marketing & Communications Manager

I can't wait to begin the conference with a big, joyful, and therapeutic belly laugh with Paula Poundstone as a way to bring to an end to this year of transition and change. I am very happy to report that all of the governance transition is nearly complete. Your Board of Directors made the necessary decisions in September and October to finalize all the loose ends as a result of our bylaws changes and Executive Director recruitments.

In September the Board approved a contract with Association Resource Center (ARC) of Folsom, CA to manage CLA. The contract assures that CLA will have the ability to end the relationship when we are ready, hire our Executive Director and take the Executive Director with us if/when we leave ARC. In the meantime when the contract becomes effective December 1, 2009 ARC will immediately increase CLA's staff to 3.8 FTE, provide modern office space, equipment and computer infrastructure and allow a new Executive Director and the Board to concentrate on planning for a bright future. The CLA office will move from Sacramento to Folsom.

The CLA Board of Directors is currently working with ARC to recruit for a permanent Executive Director. Final interviews should conclude in November. To obtain the most current, up-to-date information, make a point of attending the Second General Session and Membership Meeting on Sunday, November 1st, from 3:15pm to 4:45pm. At this meeting, you can catch up on all that has happened this year before hearing from the "Unshelved" duo of Barnes and Ambaum on "Surviving the Public."

As I pass the presidential gavel to Kim Bui-Burton, I am confident that your Board has made the right decisions for CLA at this time. CLA will be advancing into the next year in a healthy and proactive position, poised to plan ahead for future growth.

Please join me in Pasadena to celebrate our resilience and strength as an organization. CLA rocks!

On your mark, get set, get ready---GO TO CONFERENCE 2009!

Submitted to California Libraries by:

Barbara Roberts
CLA President

You will recall that the California State Legislature officially adjourned the 2009 session on Friday, September 11, and should have begun a 4 month long Fall/Winter recess. Instead, some policy matters were left undone in the final days of session, which required the legislature to return to the Capitol in recent weeks to dispense with several pieces of legislation, and to continue their work in the "Special Sessions" on Water, federal funding for education, and the overhaul of the state's tax system.

In our October 15 memo to CLA members, we reported that the State Senate recently returned to the Capitol, to address twenty important measures, including SB 67, by the Committee on Budget, a bill that fell victim to a stalemate between Senate Republicans and Democrats in the final days of session. SB 67 contained several technical "clean up" changes in order to implement the Proposition 1A Securitization program that more than 1100 cities, counties, and special districts have already enrolled in. In the final days of the session in September, Senate Republicans had refused to grant the necessary two-thirds vote for these 20 "urgency" measures, until agreement could be reached on issues important to their caucus, such as extension of the New Construction Home purchase tax credit. Fortunately, with these disagreements resolved, the Senate was able to conclude their work on the 20 bills during a one-day session.

On Monday, October 26, the Assembly reconvened for two purposes: the first was to address approximately 10 pieces of legislation that were coming back to their house from the Senate for a vote of "concurrence," and second, to continue hearings on the complicated water legislation. It should be noted that the Assembly did not need to address SB 67 during their session, as they had already passed the bill in September before the legislature officially adjourned. However, the Assembly did need to take up bills such as technical clean-up measures pertaining to the student aid program and K-12 education.

Also on Monday, as part of the "Special Session" on water, the Assembly and Senate Committees held a joint hearing and took testimony on a major water bill by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, that could potentially address issues affecting the Delta, water storage, and water conservation. Senator Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass are requesting that several public hearings be held this week and next week on the water legislation, to allow as many affected parties to participate in the process as possible. It is conceivable that the legislature may attempt to vote on a water package next week, if agreements are ultimately reached in this politically-charged battle.

Submitted to California Libraries by:

Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro
CLA Lobbyists

What do you do when you are seeking a library position without library experience during this lean and challenging economy? As a graduate student, one method to gain a hands-on library experience is through formalized internship once you've completed certain amount of class units. But in the meantime, what opportunities are there to combine theory and practice in the hopes of achieving a better understanding of what librarianship is all about? As it turned out, I was able to find a volunteer position while attending the "Tricks and Tips for Getting Your First Professional Job " Spring Fling workshop sponsored by the Student Interest Group of CLA. I was able to make contact with a forward-thinking library professional with twenty-years of library experience and who subscribes to what the core values of librarianship are about: Stewardship, service, literacy and education, equity of access, intellectual freedom, and democracy. Tracie Carignan is the manager at Glen-Avon library, one of 34 branch libraries within the Riverside County Library System. And through her mentorship, I was able to gain practical day-to-day, hands on experience about librarianship. Here is a short-list of the experiences I gained:

• Learned about the overall library and organization.
• Observed through method of shadowing staff members and learn about their work and interaction with patrons.
• Was able to sit in on staff meetings for reference and circulation department. And sat in on branch manager's meeting.
• Observed problem-solving in action of various departments.
• Was able to interact with staff one-on-one and get to know their philosophy, method and approach to their work.
• Gained personal experience of assisting library patrons at the circulation and reference desk while being supervised.
• Gained knowledge and learn to use Sirsi-Dynix software for Acquisition, OPAC, and Circulation department.
• Gain new knowledge about the use of cataloging within library county system.
• Gained hands-on knowledge about Online Selection & Acquisitions.
• Learn about how to facilitate community outreach programs such as resume workshop.

I appreciate the fact I was able to gain additional insights about challenges to all facets of librarianship while volunteering these past two months at this library. Through her mentorship, I gained the perspective of observing not only other staff members at work but also the day-to-day challenges she faces daily as a manager. The important lesson I take away is the power and dignity shown through herself as an example of a manager with a can-do attitude toward her staff and when serving the public. In the future, I hope to follow her lead while finding gainful employment in a library.

Submitted to California Libraries by:

Tracie Carignan
Manager- Glen Avon Regional Library
Riverside County Library System.

&

Susan Tockgo
SJSU Graduate Student

What is the Writer-to-Writer Challenge? Adult literacy learners of the California Library Literacy Services are invited to read a book, any book. It can be fiction or non-fiction, written at any level, and can be a book-on-tape. They then write a letter to the author describing how the book changed their lives.

This year 188 adult learners entered the Challenge from 43 library literacy programs all over California. Their letters, based on their writing skill levels, were divided into four categories: Emerging, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced. There are two rounds of judging: In the first round a panel of librarians and literacy specialists carefully selected the finalists in each category. In the second round, groups of learners reviewed the finalists' letters and picked the winner and runners-up in each category.

The letters of the winners will appear as a Four-part Series beginning with this E-newsletter.

Alan Archer
President, CLA Literacy Interest Group

***

Winner: Advanced Writer
Sima Tawakoli
Berkeley Public Library

Dear Paulo Coelho,

I am honored by "my good fortune of the world," as you would say to be able to read your novel The Alchemist in two different languages, Farsi and English. I read the Farsi version of The Alchemist almost one decade ago when I had started to work as an architect and instructor. I read the English version of your novel when my English tutor, Judy bought it for me one very pleasant morning this June in Berkeley. Maybe one day I will have a chance to read it in your language which I am sure will be the best to understand fully all of the magic of the book.

Your book had a deep influence on my life. I had some idea of going to other countries and The Alchemist made this decision stronger. Four years ago, I left my country, Iran, "to look for my treasure," like Santiago did. I can tell you that not just for me but for any person who goes after his or her treasure this book is like a model. All of the things that happened in any chapter in The Alchemist, such as being disappointed, upset, hopeful, or persistent, happen to us seekers. My: life right now is in the chapter where Santiago is working in the Crystal shop, after he feels he has lost everything by being robbed. Sometime I feel I have lost my precious things by leaving my country. I know that I have to pass a few more chapters to find my treasure.

When I read your book again in English, I just remembered how much I enjoyed it for the wonderful truths, like the time that the king talked to Santiago, helping him make his decision about taking his trip and The King told him about a baker who postponed making his decisions for decades and who was still a baker.

It was almost one year after I left Iran when my Mother called to say she just learned the reason for my trip. She wasn't happy when I left. One night when she was missing me so much she slept in my bed where she found The Alchemist under my pillow. She read the book thinking may be she would get sleepy. However, she couldn't stop reading until dawn. When she called me her voice was strong." Now," she said," I understand you."

Thank you, Paulo Coelho for helping me explain my reason for leaving. When I left home, I couldn't explain in words why I had to go. Silently the understanding came when my mother read your words.

Very truly yours,

Sima Tawakoli

Approaching the foreboding medieval-style castle entrance, I notice the hand-welded bars above tall arched windows. Yet the tower parapet is covered with 21st century satellite dishes.

While waiting in the "sallyport" for guards to hand-operate the ancient gates, there is some dread of what is to come. It is soon assuaged by stepping into a courtyard and gardens, beautifully maintained by inmate gardeners. Yet contrasts continue as we compare the religious facilities on the north side with the grimy Adjustment Center and Death Row on the south.

Continuing on our path, we walk on buckling pavement and follow a crumbling brick wall that opens to a smooth surface tennis court and immaculate baseball diamonds. Thanks to a recent successful fundraiser/rock concert, the baseball fields are a beautiful home to teams that beat all visitors. If it isn't great coaching, then it must be that continual "home field" advantage that makes them constant winners!

A walk past a spiritually active Native American firepit contrasts with our modern pre-fab modular destination. Nervous about inmate contact, I soon feel at home as we are warmly greeted by the five-member REACH Executive Council. They have been working for weeks to establish a list of inmates who are approved to attend the event, and who have each been given a hand-written "ducat." The only signs of modern technology are the nicely printed programs and the overactive air conditioner. Everything else, from setup to cleanup, runs by inmate hand labor.

Although dressed in well-worn denim shirts and pants, I see much pride in appearance with neat pressing and finely-stitched patches.

Despite the fact that many housing units and much of the yard are segregated, the REACH classroom is one place where all races learn together in friendly camaraderie and safety.

As my co-workers and I worry over the fat grams in our KFC box, I realize how eager my inmate dinner partner is to remove my container when finished, in the hopes of salvaging uneaten items. He is not displeased. All men ate voraciously, claiming the chicken and cake were "the best food we've had in months."

We forget that many of the older, long-term scholars have not partaken in the rapid changes of the outside world. One of the inmate "technical experts" remarked that he has never sent or received an email, and that when he left civilian life, "gas was 99 cents per gallon."

The ultimate contrast is the presentation, especially when we see diminutive Jane Curtis speak among men half again her height. Eyes look upon her with respect and love. Appreciation is evident for her and the work of prison co-sponsors Debra Sheldon and Tom Bolema. Along with three regular and several occasional "outside" tutors, they have provided a way for incarcerated men to improve their literacy skills.

As their printed program asserts: Project REACH is making a pronounced difference in the lives of those involved. Every time a man learns to read a new work, graph an algebraic equation, write a letter home, prepares for a successful passage of the GED - or simply sees that he can wish, ask for, and receive help with something that matters very deeply to him and his sense of self-esteem - it is a transforming experience. Project REACH and its participants are at the heart of every one of those transformations.

The two-hour visit, with its look at past versus present housing as well as learning conditions, speaks well for Project REACH. My view may be colored by my enthusiasm for the program, which attracts the most motivated of the incarcerated. Nevertheless, I am convinced that despite what goes on elsewhere in San Quentin, what goes on inside the REACH classroom promotes a brighter future for everyone involved.

Marin Literacy Program offers adult and family literacy programming through its Inmate Literacy Services both at San Quentin State Prison and Marin County Jail. Visit MLP website www.marinliteracy.org for more information. Jane Curtis is Coordinator of Inmate Literacy Services, and Kaaron Carver is Marin Literacy Program's Office Assistant.

Submitted to California Libraries by:

Kaaron Carver
Marin Literacy Program

Conversely, are you looking for a ticket to a special event?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, be sure to post in the comment box below!

While tickets for CLA Special Events are no longer on sale, you still have a chance to attend these events and/or sell your tickets to your peers. So if you have a ticket to sell or are looking to buy, be sure to discuss below!