RASSmatazz

Newsletter of the Reference and Adult Services Section of the New York Library Association

“RASS: THE PLACE TO BE” is the theme of RASS this year at the NYLA Conference, Saratoga Springs. Yes, RASS—Reference and Adult Services—is the place to be for many library professionals. RASS is a place to serve, a place to connect, and a place to excel.

RASS is a place to serve. Librarians are unique public servants in many types of libraries. Librarians are given the opportunity to put chaos in order. We possess the power of organizing information in a meaningful way so that the vast knowledge of the world can be channeled into use. Librarians are bridges to the past and to the future. Through us, future generations are able to sail through the ocean of ancient knowledge in their enriching journey to the future. Librarians link information to people. With our magical touch, information is made alive by reaching people and changing their lives. Yes, this is THE PLACE TO BE: putting chaos in order, bridging past and future, and linking information to people.

RASS is a place to connect. Whether in person or digitally, reference is a business of connection. Reference and Adult Services is a profession that connects adults with information. In November, Saratoga Springs is a place where people concerned about reference, information resource sharing, and development of library materials and services to adults converge, bond, and get inspired. During the NYLA annual conference, conference attendees can expect a feast of programming from RASS: Introduction to Copyright in Cyberspace, Noted Author Francisco Goldman, SmallBiz, Best of Reference, Engaging the Remote User: e-collections; IM on the Reference Desk; Changing Face of Our Communities, and more.

RASS is a place to excel. While at Saratoga, look for the 2007 RASS Calendar of New York Libraries! Chosen from nearly 500 photographs submitted by 52 libraries, this calendar features 12 outstanding libraries as beautiful temples of knowledge and as exemplary community centers. On Friday morning, help RASS excel by joining RASS-berries, Bagels, and Roundtable, come and share your success stories and discuss your concerns with RASS leaders. RASS also celebrates fun, in the words of Shakespeare, “No profit grows where pleasure lacks.” After tending your mind all day, nourish your body by joining RASS for “Rassercise,” a fun-filled workout session with instructor Kristin Grasso. Check out our new brochure at The PLACE TO BE: RASS booth. Be a part of RASS.

Lucia S. Chen, Ph. D.

Lchen@nypl.org

(212) 340-0827

2006 NYLA Conference

2006 RASS/LAMS Noted Author Luncheon Speaker...

Francisco Goldman

Friday, November 3rd, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Goldman is the acclaimed author of the novels The Divine Husband, which draws on his research on 19th century Cuban independence figure Jose Marti; The Ordinary Seaman, called by The New York Times "brilliant, intermittently stunning;" and his debut The Long Night of White Chickens, which won the Sue Kaufman prize for first fiction. Goldman's essays and journalism have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper's and The New York Review of Books. He holds the Allan K. Smith Chair in Literature at Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut.

This program is co-sponsored by E*vanced Solutions, Inc. Tickets are required. For more information on getting tickets to the RASS Noted Author Luncheon, please contact the NYLA Office. A book sale and signing will take place following the luncheon.

And the Rest of RASS’ Conference Slate:

RASS will be offering a wide variety of dynamic programs including a pre-conference CE and of course lots of action at the RASS Booth at the 2006 NYLA Annual Conference to be held in Saratoga Springs, NY from November 1st-4th, 2006. There is still time to register for the Conference. And please sign up soon for the RASS Pre-conference and the Noted Author Luncheon, but do so soon as these events often sell out.

Introduction to Copyright in Cyberspace

RASS Continuing Education Program

Wednesday, November 1^st, 10 am-1 pm

Gretchen McCord Hoffmann, attorney and past-president of the Texas Library Association, will provide an overview of copyright law, statutory exceptions specifically for libraries and library-related functions, and fair use. The majority of time will be spent working with issues specific to copyright and the Internet and will focus on situations frequently encountered by librarians. The workshop will include interactive activities and exercises so that participants will have the chance to apply what they are learning on the spot. The speaker encourages participation and critical analysis throughout the workshop.

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SmallBIZ

Saturday, November 4th, 9:30 am - 10:45 am

Discussion of the organizational and planning aspects of managing the New York Small Business Resource Center and the grant process using a cross staff level team approach. Opportunities and obstacles which have arisen will be discussed.

Speaker: Kristin McDonough, The New York Public Library

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RASS-berries, Bagels, and Roudtables

Friday, November 3rd, 9:30 am - 10:45 am

Join RASS leaders for a discussion on a variety of hot topics and NYLA 2007 programming. RASS Membership meeting to follow.

Speaker: Lucia Chen, RASS President; Patti McCall RASS Vice-President

RASS Best of Reference

Thursday, November 2nd, 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

An annual presentation of the best reference sources of the year, as reviewed and selected by a committee consisting of the best and brightest reference librarians at The New York Public Library.

Speakers: From The New York Public Library: Jill Goldman, Tara Johnson, Lauren Lampasone, Peter Levine, Lucy Sukonik, Kelda Vath, Kim Walstad, Hong Yao

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Engaging The Remote User

Friday, November 3rd, 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm

The demand for remote access by library users is growing and libraries are responding by offering and building e-collections (e-Books, e-Audio, e-Video). Michael Ciccone will discuss the e-collection program at The New York Public Library and will disclose some fascinating statistics.

Speaker: Michael Ciccone, The New York Public Library

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IM on the Reference Desk

Thursday, November 2nd, 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Explore IM as a reference tool. Learn how to use free Instant Messaging services and software such as multi-platform tools to set up virtual reference services. Pros, cons, security, privacy, and more will be addressed.

Speaker: Sarah Maximiek, Binghamton University

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Rassercize

Friday, November 3rd, 4:15 pm - 5:00 pm

Rev up your afternoon and join us for a heart pumping workout session with Jazzercise instructor Kristin Grasso. Appropriate exercise attire, water bottle, and mat required. Pre-registration required. $6 admission fee. See registration form for details.

Speaker: Kristin Grasso, Jazzercise

The Changing Face of Our Communities

Thursday, November 2nd, 5:15 pm - 6:00 pm

Learn how community analysis can help you serve new immigrants, seniors and job seekers. Examples from Queens Borough Public Library's New Americans Program and Special Services/Job Information Centers will be provided.

Speakers: Fred Gitner and Wai Sze Chan, Queens Library

Stay Tuned!

RASS is currently producing a 2007 calendar with pictures of a variety of New York library buildings, selected from nearly 200 photo submissions.

RASSmatazz is the newsletter of the Reference and Adult Services Section of the New York Library Association. It is published three times a year and is distributed electronically to members who have given NYLA their email addresses. Members are invited to contribute articles on Reference and Adult Services issues for publication. Material may be sent to Jennifer Lenio, RASS Publications Director, at jlenio@libraryweb.org. The next submission deadline is December 15, 2006.