Library Assistants Experience Fulfilling Day

Thirty library assistants from throughout the North Country participated in their fall 2007 Conference Day on November 8, 2007 at the Northern New York Library Network and the ODY Library, St. Lawrence University.

During the morning session, Elaine Dunn-Thayer of Massena Public Library told about participating in the New York Library Association’s Leadership and Management Academy that runs with the NYLA Conference. Ms. Dunn-Thayer was very enthusiastic about the 10 courses, including Working with a Board, Budgeting, and Long-Range Planning, that made up her certificate program, which she completed over several years. Ms. Dunn-Thayer encouraged others to take advantage of this outstanding program, and also to apply for a Professional Development Grant through the NNYLN.

This was followed by a presentation on Graphic Novels by Xan VanArsdale of Potsdam Public Library. Ms. VanArsdale pointed out that Graphic Novels are not the comics the assistants grew up with, but are more lengthy and complex, and many have excellent artistic quality. Graphic Novel ratings on each book can assist librarians in knowing where they should go in the library. Genres include current events, religion, history/biography, and classics. "Graphic Novels are popular, fun and educational. They bring in new patrons, serve as stepping stones, and should be viewed as your friend, not your enemy," Ms. VanArsdale said.

After lunch, the group went to the ODY Library on the St. Lawrence University campus where GIS Specialist/Maps Librarian Carol Cady gave a demonstration of the ArcGIS System. The system is a collection of software products used to create, import, edit, query, map, analyze and publish geographic information. Users can get data from all over the world and can combine information, creating charts and tables that help visualize data and see how information is related.

Participants enjoyed an informative tour of the ODY Library by Electronics Services/Reference Librarian Paul Doty, who spoke about the collections, programs, and services offered in this outstanding academic library.

The spring conference is slated for April 2008 at SUNY Plattsburgh.

By Pat Wiley Saranac Lake Free Library

Elaine Dunn-Thayer from Massena Public Library spoke on her experiences as a participant in NYLA’s Leadership and Management Academy.	Xan VanArsdale from Potsdam Public Library spoke on Graphic Novels.
The conference proves popular.