I believe that Lauren Barack, the author of “Proposed ‘Digital Literacy Corps’ Will Not Usurp School Librarians’ Role, Explains FCC,” a story that appeared on SLJ’s Digital Shift (June 12, 2012), used a poor choice of words when she said that “representatives of the American Library Association (ALA) reached out to some bloggers to help clarify the role the ALA has had with the FCC over the proposal to help quell concerns.”
What really happened was a conference call with a couple of invited bloggers to discuss the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (OGR), the Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP), and ALA’s comprehensive strategic plan related to advocacy around the National Broadband Plan (NBP)—and how school librarians were specifically being served by ALA’s actions.
Some people misinterpreted Lauren Barack’s article, and why wouldn’t they? The words “quell concerns” imply that ALA was attempting to stifle debate. I would like all ALA members to remember that The Digital Shift is not an ALA publication, and Ms. Barack is a trade news reporter. The actions that ALA, OGR, OITP are taking around the NBP are specifically designed to help preserve E-Rate funding. E-Rate is absolutely essential to the future health and vitality of school librarians. Diverting funds from E-Rate to fund a Digital Literacy Corps is ALA’s primary concern. (Ann Dutton Ewbank is a member of the ALA School Library Task Force. The opinions expressed here are her own and do not represent ALA or the Task Force.)
Ann Dutton Ewbank, Ph.D.
Assistant Division DirectorMary Lou Fulton Teachers College
Arizona State University
Watch your language
I just read Ed Spicer’s interview with John Corey Whaley, “Flying High” (May 2012, p. 30). Both Whaley and his book, When Things Come Back, sound intriguing and certainly worthy of the focus of the article. I was, however, bothered by the use of the term “douche bag” in the first question of the interview. I understand the phrase refers to unsavory people, those who act with no regard for others, someone I might categorize as a low-life or jerk. I further understand that the phrase, however vulgar, is commonly used in our culture. However, it demeans women and is personally offensive, and I was shocked to find it in print in School Library Journal. There are many other terms that could have been used in the question and I ask you to consider choosing words more carefully for future SLJ articles.
Nancy L. Ausdahl
Application Analyst
Washington Elementary SD
Glendale, AZ
The Author Replies:
It never occurred to me that the term used in the context of this article would be considered demeaning to women. And I always try to be sensitive with my word choice. If you read the book, you will see that it was chosen specifically to match the “ass-hat” tone of the main character, Cullen. That said, it is never my intention to insult anyone of any gender and I am sorry that this word had that effect on you. The reminder to be careful using words is always worth heeding. Although you do not appreciate this word, I can assure you that it was chosen with care.
Ed Spicer
North Ward Elementary School
Allegan, MI
Children’s wellness series
This letter is to flush out essential components of the Home Edition of the Healthier Happier Life Skills series that were either omitted or inaccurately covered in School Library Journal’s review (June 2012, p. 51). Endorsed by KIDS FIRST! Coalition for Quality Media for Children, the correct DVD titles and corresponding ISBNs are: Health: Fun Time Relax Time (ISBN 978-0-962435-4-4), Happiness: The Best Things in Life Are Free (ISBN 978-0-962435-5-5), and Relationships: Love Songs for Our Children (ISBN 978-0-962435-6-8).
This holistic wellness series for young children (ages 3-8) utilizes a radio-show Q&A format to introduce strategies for physical, emotional, and social well-being. Healthy habits, building a strong body, handling stress, self-esteem, communication, and kindness are just some of the many life skills explored. The educational Q&A format with a cast of kids, songs, and activities are animated.
Each DVD includes downloadable home projects for families to share, such as “Stress Busters” and “A Good Deed.” Sing-along and quiet listening songs, previously performed for live student audiences, were selected for their message and strong melody, and are hits from American family musical theatre and contemporary tunes (e.g. “I Got the Sun in the Morning,” for a lesson on gratitude; “Grandma’s Feather Bed,” for a lesson on the importance of family). Closed captioning and karaoke-style song lyrics are displayed to enhance language arts skills and support struggling students.
The original soundtrack for the series, The Best of Broadway and Beyond: Health Series, received The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, various awards, and an enthusiastic review in School Library Journal (June 2009. p. 62). The new DVD release animates the original soundtrack, adds fun family projects, and is very well received by children and parents.
Pennie Sempell
Director
Pennie Sempell & Company
Mammal vs. fish
Just wanted to let you know that in the Listen In column, “Catch a Wave: Get kids listening and beat the summer wipeout” (June 2012, p. 47), the Standard listed for Shark Wars is incorrect. The standard states that “Students will list the characteristics of ocean dwelling mammals, i.e. specific species of shark.”
Sharks are not mammals, they are fish. If students listed shark characterstics, they would not have correct information about mammals. These audio books look like they would be great for reluctant readers—thanks for the column.
Annette Felix
Teacher-Librarian
Tucson, AZ
The Author Replies:
I’m so embarrassed for the obvious slip. Here’s the life science learning standard that should have been listed: Students will investigate and understand interactions among populations in a biological community, including the relationship between predators and prey.
Sharon Grover
Head of Youth Services
Hedberg Public Library
Janesville, WI
About Phyllis Levy Mandell
