Cates Raffle Winners

The following is a list of items and the winners from the Sheila Cates Scholarship Fund Raffle.

On behalf of the Cates Scholarship Committee, many thanks to all those who donated items and to all those who purchased raffle tickets.

• A Musical Puzzle Box, donated by Virginia Leininger, Kathy Mora's mother. Won by Sheryl Stout.
• Bluebird of happiness, a framed photograph of a bluebird, donated by Dale Alger. Won by Lisa Mecklenberg-Jackson.
• Gallatin Valley Gardening Goodies, donated by the Bozeman Public Library. Won by Ann Walters.
• Set of Lewis & Clark & Sacagawea bears donated by Suzanne Reymer. Won by Jay Selman
• Heavenly Homemades, a collection of homemade goodies donated by the Bitterroot Public Library. Won by Steve White.
• Glacier Reader Basket- Donated by the Flathead County Library. Won by Jan Zauha.
• Make Your Life Sparkle, a basket donated by the Montana State Library, Won by Vivian Yang
• Tea with Dolley includes a free performance of Tea with Dolley Madison. Donated by Cherie Heser, Rosebud County Library. Won by Doug Ferkin.
• Everything you need for a Kitchen Garden Donated by Skyview High School Library. Won by Lynn Zimmerman
• Red Hat Bag Donated by Virginia Leininger. Won by Jill Johnson
• Specialty Chocolates from the Sapphire. Donated by the Darby Community Public Library. Won by Sue Lerdal
• Shhh! It's a Surprise! A mystery item donated by Ve Abrams, Fallon County Library and Diane Van Gorden, Baker MS HS Library. Won by Beth Williams
• MOOSE shoulder bag donated by Suzanne Reymer. Won by Doug Ferkin.
• Librarians Head for the Islands! Donated by Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson. Won by Lois Fitzpatrick.
• Go Griz! basket with assorted University of Montana sports paraphernalia. Donated by Coby Johnson. Won by Jim Kemmerer
• Dragon Dreams, Autographed copies of Eragon and Eldest along with a stuffed dragon. (Saphira blue, of course). Donated by Milla Cummins. Won by Doug Ferkin.
• A Bundle of Books from Montana the Magazine of Western History Won by Magi Malone.
• Librarians for Wellness, Donated by the MSU-Billings Library. Won by Dayl Fredrickson
• Harry Potter the complete set (so far) donated by the Missoula Public Library. Won by Coby Johnson
• Ceramic Pencil made & donated by Darlene Staffeldt. Won by Charlotte Henson
• Relaxation Basket Donated by Virginia Leininger. Won by Nancy Brennan
• Quilted Placemats. 2 sets donated by Carrie & Sinda from the Flathead Valley Community College Library. Won by JoAnn Schutte and Diane Van Gorden.
• Remembering Missoula, a basket from the Fort Missoula Museum Shop. Donated by Coby Johnson. Won by Doug Ferkin
• Framed fireworks photograph donated by Dale Alger Won by Sonja Woods
• Books and CDs by MSU faculty. Won by Lois Fitzpatrick
• Everything's Coming Up Huckleberries Donated by Sami Pierson, Lincoln County Libraries. Won by Cherie Bergeron
• Proceeding on . . . the Garden : A Centennial Potpourri - donated by Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson. Won by Natalie Malaterre.
• MLA Bookends & Books donated by Gloria Curdy. Won by Coby Johnson
• Garden Delight donated by the Golden Plains Library Federation. Won by Milla Cummins.
• 100s of Things to Celebrate 100 Years of MLA donated by the Montana Tech Library Paraprofessionals. Won by Marie Habener
• Trout poster, 2 bowls and notecards donated by Milla Cummins. Won by Bernadine Abbott
• Tea Time donated by Jan Zauha. Won by Cherie Heser.
• Gift Basket donated by Parmly Billings Library. Won by Gloria Curdy.
• Children's Craft Basket donated by Parmly Billings Library. Won by Janet Eidson
• 3 hand-knit scarves donated by Anita Scheetz. Won by Vera Abrams, Vivian Yang, Julie Radtke.
• Just Horsin' Around donated by the Sagebrush Federation. Won by Anita Scheetz.

Winners of the Cates Traveling Quilt are:

Magi Malone / Flathead County Library
Cherie Bergeron / OPI
Alice Meister / Bozeman Public
Karen Havelange / Glasgow Public

Originally posted to Wired-MT by Diane Van Gorden

Assessment workshop

Assessment workshop 2
Originally uploaded by sreymer.

I have to give Brent Roberts credit for being probably the only person alive who could make assessment entertaining and useful. He put us in small groups and had us come up with outcomes to assess for a library program. Hopefully, it will help us all start thinking in those terms when looking at new and existing programs.

ASLD Dinner

Unfortunately I didn't get much of a chance to really enjoy the MLA conference between presenting and running back to the Mansfield Library's reference desk. One excellent event that I did get to attend was the ASLD dinner at the Bridge on Thursday night (confession: I did make the arrangements for this event). 38 academic and special library employees and their friends ate a fine meal while sharing stories and ideas, some of them even work-related, with colleagues. The venue was excellent and the company quite nice. Thanks to all who attended, and I look forward to next year's dinner in Helena!

On Parliamentary Procedure

Kudos to Lois Fitzpatrick for a fascinating introduction to parliamentary procedures. I had no idea there was even such a thing as "Robert's Rules" before this talk. According to Lois, one of the main goals of this protocol is to preserve the rights of the minority positions in the debate. Very interesting. Here's a few links if anyone's interested:
Official Robert's Rules page
wikipedia page
Other parliamentary rules

Remote Control Found

We found this remote control as we were packing up equipment from the conference on Sat May 08:





















It probably belongs to a projector brought by one of you to the conference. Please check to see if it might be yours. If it is, please contact Sebastian 406.243.4402 / sebastian.derry@umontana.edu, and we'll get it to you.

Developing Native American Collections

This was most helpful to me because it addressed an important aspect of my job. I learned to identify bias and evaluate Native American literature for stereotypes (intentional and unintentional) -- both in text and in illustrations. I was particularly intrigued by Julie Cajune's request to respect the tradition of only sharing coyote stories during the winter months. I would be happy to honor that tradition, and I wanted to share it with those of you, who like me, didn't know.

Anne Kish

Cates evening

Bruce & Pat
Originally uploaded by sreymer.

Many different eras were represented at the Cates' fundraiser. Bruce & Pat represent some of our pre-21st century colleagues learning to have fun.



My favorite cowlets
Originally uploaded by sreymer.

This team of intrepid public librarians may not have been the ultimate winners but they sure raked in the dough.

One useful tidbit I learned was, if your team is to have a reasonable chance at not being humiliated in Montana trivia, it pays to have at least one native Montanan on your team.

Missoula Public Library reception

Good food -- good drinks -- good people -- good fun! Last night Missoula Public Library hosted an inviting reception. It was a great opportunity to explore the library and relax to the tunes of the groovy musicians. Thank you to the MPL staff for putting this reception together!

Anne Kish

Funding Digital and Preservation Projects

Presenter: Gayle Palmer, OCLC Western Service Center
Digital and Preservation Services Manager
gayle_palmer@oclc.org

Good News! Lots of $ is out there for digital and preservation projects! So, where is it? Finding the $ is the hard part, but Gayle broke it down. She gave us tips on proposal writing and a list of resources to get us started on creating our own fund-finder lists.

I lingered after class for some one-on-one time with Gayle. She encourages any of you out there to contact her if you need info or advice. In addition to benefitting libraries, her expertise is just as applicable to museums and historical societies.

--Anne Kish

Oo-la-la--it's Sheila Cates night!

Don't forget to attend the Sheila Cates Trivia Mania event tonight, Thursday, May 4 at 8 p.m. in ballrooms B & C. Food, fun, challenge, drinks--it all can be yours if you attend. Don't miss one of the most exciting events of the conference!

Montana Memory Project, what's in it for you.

As Jason Clark, Steve McCann and I found out, digitization continues to be a very popular topic for Montana librarians. And scare resources in terms of funding, staff or volunteer time and equipment continue to be daunting challenges that must be overcome.

The Montana Memory Project is a growing working group of librarians committed to bringing to life a statewide digital initiative. At this time the work group would like to hear from you. Do you have content that you would like to digitize? Do you have the resources you need to create and publish digital content? If not, what do you need to make this a reality for you?

If this topic is of interest to you and your library please feel free to share your comments and concerns here.

Also please remember to comment on this topic and all the goals and objectives presented by the State Library. Online comments may be submitted at:

http://montanalibraries.org/BusinessPlan/BPinvite.asp

Jennie Stapp

Keynote address

Keynote address
Originally uploaded by sreymer.

Keith Michael Fiels, ALA Executive Director, talked about some of the issues he considers crucial to libraries:

• Library funding and advocacy as a way to sustain/increase library funding.
• Planning at local, state and federal level.
• Libraries have to be seen key players in education.
• We want to improve library services by attracting the best and brightest to the field - provide training at all levels, resource sharing and recognizing outstanding service as well as that which needs improvement.
• Improve library salaries one librarian at a time.
• Libraries and librarians improve the world by serving all, promoting diversity, fighting to protect the constitutional rights of library users, fighting to keep information free and accessible for all, and helping to develop libraries internationally.

In answer to the question, will libraries survive? Keith was optimistic. He thinks we need to be part of an emerging virtual learing commnity. Not only will public and school libraries continue to serve the have nots, but they also provide a sense of community for all generations.

Every library should be linked by technology and by people who know how to use it.

He ended by letting the audience know that what we do is incredbily important to our communities and the world.

Library Instruction as Outreach

Bright and early this morning, I was treated to a presentation by UM librarians Sue Samson, Samarantha Hines, and Jennie Burroughs. The Mansfield Librarians offer library instruction effectively by dividing their users into unique user groups and tailoring their instruction programs to the special needs of each group. Targeted user groups include: first-year students, second-year students, upper-division students, grad students, faculty, adjuncts, TAs, campus administration, distance students, the community in general, teachers, businesses, health professionals, seniors, and government agencies. Whew! This library instruction program is really NOT one-size-fits-all!
Interestingly, Sue noted that, although undergrads are the most visible library users and the instructors don't frequent the library as often, the faculty are treated as the primary users. After all, they are the folks requiring all of the students to use the library.
This presentation went far beyond a show-and-tell presentation about what the Mansfield library is doing. It was an interactive multimedia presentation designed to help attendees develop library instruction programs for their own libraries. Each attendee received a take-home folder complete with a power point and a workbook with activities that enhanced the presentation. For more information about the UM library instruction programs, contact any of the 3 gracious presenters.
--Anne Kish

New Members' Breakfast

New Members' Breakfast
Originally uploaded by sreymer.

The conference started out bright and early at 7am with a breakfast for new and vintage members.

A good chance to get introduced to the movers and shakers (and those intrepid enough to be up at 7am).

Final Schedule Posted

Find it here: Final Schedule (pdf version)

Last Minute Schedule Change ...

Via Elaine Higgins:

In the 2nd program session, Thurs. afternoon, 1:00-2:30, it will be Karen Strege and Lisa Wozniak [for the "Library Practitioner Certification and E-Learning Opportunities" program].

Additionally, during the break Thurs. afternoon [2:30-3], there will be a get-together of those interested in the MLA Calendar of Librarians.

Missoulian article

Missoulian article
Originally uploaded by stevemtzn.

The Centennial conference has made the papers. Check out the image (or better yet, buy a paper) or read another article at the Missoulian

Stuffing MLA pizzas. I mean conference bags.

When does the pizza get here?
Originally uploaded by stevemtzn.

Perfect weather in Missoula today. 70's and sunny. Perfect time to stuff nearly 400 conference bags! All in all, we finished the job at exactly the right time; when the pizza from McKenzie River Pizza arrived. Thai Peanut pizza ... mmmm.

More Missoula Events

Holy smokes! In the past 2 days I've heard about 3 other great Missoula events going on during conference.

1. The first Missoula Farmer's Market of the year is on Saturday, May 6th! This is a weekly tradition for many Missoulians. The market is at the north end of Higgins (less than 5 blocks from the hotel) and runs 8:30-noon. The real abundance of produce becomes available in late June/July, but you can expect to find plenty of starter plants, lettuces, radishes, and other spring plants. Local bakers also show up, so you can get some tasty pastries for breakfast. The Saturday Arts & Crafts Market will also be going on 2 blocks south of the Farmer's Market.

2. The Garden City Brewfest will be going on in Caras Park (2 blocks from the hotel) noon-8:00 PM on Saturday, May 6th. "Admission to BrewFest is free, but those interested in tasting the beverages on tap will pay $5 for a 7-ounce commemorative glass, a wristband and two tokens, good for beer or wine. Additional tokens are $1 each. Soda, water and a variety of food choices are also available for purchase, including brats and pizza by the Sentinel Kiwanis Club and Mexican faire from El Cazador. Designated drivers who identify themselves will be provided with free soda throughout the day." It's a fun way to try some local microbrews and wines.

3. The 2006 Spring College Rodeos and Bull'o'Rama is happening at the Western Montana Fairgrounds May 4-7. The UM student newspaper, the Kaimin, has the story.

cates 2005

cates2
Originally uploaded by sreymer.

This is going to be fun. I always enjoy posting embarrassing photos of other people.

At least this one is relatively anonymous. You'd never know it was Bridgett Johnson of Lewistown Public Library, unless some evil person told you.

Looking forward to at least as much fun this year!

Food and Drink in Missoula

We all have local favorites when it comes to food and potent potables. Let's share!

On Wired-MT, Barry Brown noted that there are 3 excellent micro-breweries in town:

Bayern
A Signature Beer: Trout Slayer

Big Sky
A Signature Beer: Moose Drool

Kettlehouse
(a few short blocks from conference site)
A Signature Beer: Old Bong Water
(My favorite is Cold Smoke.)

Missoula has taken Seattle coffee culture to heart. There are many independent coffee houses (and coffee cabooses) in town. Some of my favorite coffee places near the conference hotel include:

Liquid Planet

Butterfly Herbs

Bernice's Bakery

The Raven Cafe

Some of my favorite restaurants near the hotel include:

The Old Post (try the cod tacos--you'll be glad you did)

SaWaDee (Thai food)

The Bridge

Uptown Diner

The Shack (terrific breakfasts)

Higgins Alley

Please share your favorite restaurants, pubs, and coffeehouses in the comments section.

Other Events and Things to Do in Missoula

A few months ago, several people posted on Wired-MT about other events going on in Missoula during the conference. These are some of the concerts, shows, and other events you may want to attend while you're in Missoula:

Events on the UM campus
May 2-12
Gallery of Visual Arts presents MFA Thesis Exhibitions by Orville Chigbrow, Sarah Conway and Steve Krutek. Opening reception Friday, 5/5, 5-7 PM, gallery hours Monday-Friday, 11 AM-4 PM, 243-2813.

May 3
UM Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 7:30 PM, University Theatre, 243-6880*.

May 3-6
Department of Drama/Dance presents Spring Dance Concert, 7:30 PM, Montana Theatre, 243-4581*.

May 4
Media Arts Spring Showcase, Undergraduates 2-4 PM, Graduates 7-9 PM. Programs feature short narrative/experimental movies and integrated digital art/design work, University Center Theater, open to the public without charge, 243-4540.

May 6
Missoula Symphony Orchestra, featuring the Eroica Trio, 7:30 PM, University Theatre, 721-3194*.

(* indicates that tickets are required)

Events Downtown

First Friday
"Most Missoula galleries celebrate their new exhibits on the First Friday of the month. Many stay open until 8 pm or later and serve a surprising array of refreshments. You won't want to miss this chance to experience Missoula's arts community!"

The Fifteenth Annual National Juried Exhibition Of Traditional Oils
"The opening reception and awards ceremony will take place on Friday May 5, 2006, from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m." At the Dana Gallery
The preliminary program is online.

MCT Community Theater's production of My Fair Lady. The show runs May 4-7, 10-14, 2006, and is sure to be worth seeing. Tickets go on sale April 17th. You can purchase them online, or call (406) 728-PLAY.

The Missoula Downtown Association has a list of other events going on downtown.

Please use the comments option to add your own recommendations for events and things to do in Missoula.

Watch this space ...

The MLA Conference blog is on it's way. Over the next month we'll finalize the design of this blog and then call for authors.

• Are you willing to become a conference blogger? Have a digital camera, or are you simply willing to write down your thoughts on the various happenings in Missoula? Drop a line to Steve McCann and we'll set you up as a co-author of this blog.