VLA Calls for Macmillan to Reverse Library eBook Embargo

Dear Mr. John Sargent,
The Vermont Library Association Calls for Macmillan to Reverse Library eBook Embargo
On July 25, Macmillan Publishers announced it would become the only major (Big 5) publisher
to limit eBook lending for U.S. libraries. Under its new licensing model, scheduled to begin November 1, 2019, a library may purchase one copy upon release of a new title in eBook format, after which the publisher will impose an eight-week embargo on additional copies of that title sold to libraries.
As American Library Association (ALA) President Wanda Brown asserted that same day, “Macmillan Publishers’ new model for library eBook lending will make it difficult for libraries to fulfill our central mission: ensuring access to information for all. Macmillan’s new policy is unacceptable.”
And Public Library Association (PLA) President Ramiro Salazar stated, “Access to digital content in libraries is more than a financial issue: it is an equity issue. We encourage Macmillan Publishers to reverse course before libraries and the people they serve are harmed.” Millions of people now use digital content as their preferred or only access to books, music, and movies. As a rural state, many Vermonters rely on digital content from their libraries. Digital content is portable, accessible to people with print disabilities, available anywhere 24/7, and brokered by libraries to provide diverse options to our diverse communities. Libraries not only pay for books; they market them. Lost marketing means lost publicity and sales for publishers and authors.
The Vermont Library Association joins the ALA in denouncing this measure and calling for Macmillan Publishers to cancel the embargo and restore full access to its complete eBook catalog upon release to the public.

  • Furthermore, the Vermont Library Association affirms the principles that:
  • All published works must be available for libraries to purchase and lend to library users.
  • Access to use of eBooks must equitably balance the rights and privileges of readers, authors and publishers.
  • Digital content must be accessible to all people, regardless of physical or reading disability.
  • Library patrons must be able to access digital content on the device of their choosing.
  • Reading records must remain private in the digital age.

Our Vermont contingent at NELLS

image of the five librarians mentioned in the text, standing outside with badges on
The New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS) foster the mentoring and development of leaders in state and regional library associations. NELLS was created through a cooperative effort of the New England Library Association and all six New England state library associations. First held in 2003, subsequent NELLS events have taken place in 2005, 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2019. Here’s the Vermont contingent from this year. Howard Burroughs (Brooks Memorial), Amy Williams (Rutland Free), Susan Larson (Milton Public), Cindy Weber (Stowe Free), and Emer Feeney (Fletcher Free).

Assistant Library Director – Dorset Village Public Library (Dorset, VT)

Hours: 24-30 hours, additional days/hours may be required including some Saturdays and evenings.
Salary: $18-$20 per hour
Overview: Receives written and oral direction from the library director. Provides computer maintenance for the public and staff. Assists the director with library administration including staff management and budgeting. Also helps plan and implement programming, provides customer service, answers reference questions, and assists with technical services including selection, acquisitions and cataloging.
Primary duties:
· Provide technical support: Assume responsibility for supporting patrons and staff with computers, printers, personal devices and copiers. Also perform regular maintenance and upkeep on computers including software management and updates. Experience with library websites and newsletters (Wix, WordPress, MailChimp) as well as Windows OS and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word). Other creative programs may be integrated.
· Provide customer services: conduct reference interviews, perform readers advisory, circulate materials using Library World, assist patrons in finding information at the library or online.
· Assist with supervising staff. Ability to delegate responsibilities and evaluate work.
·Prepare surveys and collect data and statistics.
· Select and assist with purchasing library materials on a monthly basis (books, DVDs, as well as other library and office supplies).
· Process new materials and provide support to the library’s cataloger. Maintain records in the library’s catalog.
· Work with the director to create programming schedule for the community. Assist with the implementation of programming, including creating advertising (posters, brochures) and preparing articles to submit to local newspapers. Design and create displays.
· Perform outreach: Develop community awareness for the library and the services offered.
·Financial responsibility: Assist in locating and submitting grant applications, works within library’s budget and assist in collecting data to help prepare budgets.
·Work with the librarian to oversee the daily operations and functions of the facility.
· Substitutes for the Library Director in her absence.

Minimum Qualifications
: Knowledge, skill and ability: Knowledge of professional library principles, practice, methods and administration. Wide knowledge of books and authors, customer service, and computers. Ability to work additional hours and some weekends.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, hear and use stairs. The employee may also be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee may also be able to lift up to 30 pounds and carry books up and down stairs and push full book carts.
Experience and Education:
Bachelor’s Degree required, MLIS preferred (or work towards Vermont Public Librarian Certificate). 1-2 years of progressive library experience including administration and supervising. Willing to participate in continuing education to stay current in the library sciences.
About the Dorset Library:
The Library is in the center of Dorset, Vermont, within walking distance to cafes, galleries and shops. Dorset is a small, quaint town of 2000 residents. The library has about 900 patrons which fluctuates between seasons. Approximately 20,000 items are in the collection and the library hosts approximately 30-40 programs and events each year, not including regular programs such as Lego Club and Story Time. Dorset is home to the Dorset Players and the Dorset Summer Theater Festival and the area offers many outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
Please mail cover letter and resume to: Erica Shott, Library Director, Dorset Village Public Library, PO Box 38, Dorset, VT 05251 or email dorsetvillagelibrary@gmail.com. Position open until filled.

Vermont Libraries with Online Local Digital Collections


Please let us know if you have any to add to this list!
Public libraries:
Rockingham Library, Bellows Falls    http://rockinghamlibrary.org/history/
Stowe Free Library, Stowe   http://stowe.advantage-preservation.com/
Bixby Library, Vergennes  http://bixbylibrary.org/digital-collections/
Universities & Colleges:
University of Vermont, Burlington, Center for Digital Initiatives  http://cdi.uvm.edu/
Castleton College, Castleton    https://www.castleton.edu/library/castleton-archives/
St. Michael’s College, Winooski   https://cdm15819.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/
Hartness Library, Randolph http://libguides.hartness.vsc.edu/vtc/archives/.
Harness Historical Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/hartnesslibrary/.
Other:
Vermont Historical Society, Barre http://digitalvermont.org/ and https://vermonthistory.org/virtual-vhs/photographs (This URL may change soon.)

Notes and Slides: People at the Center: User-Focused Librarianship


The notes and slides for the presentations from VLA’s College and Special Libraries’ one-day conference are all online. Thanks to all who participated!
Journey Mapping in the Durick Library
Presented by Beth Dietrich and Stacey Knight, Saint Michael’s College
Slides: Journey Mapping in the Durick Library
Full Project Report: User Experience in Durick Library:
Journey Mapping Student Experience
Mentoring the Mentors: A Pilot Project in Information Literacy
Presented by Daisy Benson and Scott Schaffer, University of Vermont
Slides: Mentoring the Mentors: A Pilot Project in Information Literacy
DIY Video Streaming at a Small Academic Institution
Presented by Amy Frazier, Middlebury College
Slides: DIY Video Streaming at a Small Academic Institution
Challenges & Rewards with an Institutional Repository: ScholarWorks @ UVM
Presented by Fred Pond and Chris Burns, University of Vermont
Slides: Challenges & Rewards with an Institutional Repository: ScholarWorks @ UVM
Supplemental Resources
How Can We Help You? Feedback to the Vermont Department of Libraries
Vincent M. Livoti, Statewide Consult for Special Populations and Director, ABLE Library
Slides: How Can We Help You? Feedback to the Vermont Department of Libraries
What Do Our Users Really Think? Effective Survey Design for Academic Libraries
Presented by Joshua Becker, Southern New Hampshire University
Slides: What Do Our Users Really Think? Effective Survey Design for Academic Libraries
Small-time UX: Doing User Research on Limited Time and Limited Budget
Presented by Sarah Sanfilippo, Southern Vermont College
Slides: Small-time UX: Doing User Research on Limited Time and Limited Budget
Let’s Meet at Your Place: Integrating Library Content Into a Student Portal
Presented by Daisy Benson, Gary Atwood, Dan DeSanto, and Graham Sherriff, University of Vermont
Slides: Let’s Meet at Your Place: Integrating Library Content Into a Student Portal