1. Drug guide wanted
  2. Nervous nativists assail use of consular IDs
  3. Solina gives us a Spanish-language Web guide
  4. Printer-ready flyers for library users and staff
  5. Muckraking in Spanish
  6. Mexico's maximum movie star
  7  Try your luck in another contest
  8. Bilingual materials for minds of all kinds
  9. Venezuelan band says, No acid jazz for oil
10. Have we got a job for you!
11. A labor of librarianly love
12. University of Guadalajara's Librarian of the Year
13. Online Spanish-language literary magazines
14. Cuba to host Third World Libraries conference
15. Agricultural labor is focus of new photo exhibit
16. Volunteer your expertise in Central America or Africa

1. Anyone know of a Spanish-language pharmaceutical reference?

From: Willie Braudaway librarywillie@hotmail.com

Subject: Looking for Drug Guide in Spanish

Hi Flaco --

I need you! Actually, I need the title of a good consumer drug guide in Spanish that lists both the English and Spanish names for pharmaceuticals and gives clear, concise information about those in Spanish. Any help out there?

 Thanks,

 librarywillie

 Willie Braudaway

 Val Verde County Library

 300 Spring Street

 Del Rio TX 78840

 (830)774-7595

2. ID cards? I don't have to show you any stinking ID cards!

A lot of US and Canadian libraries (and other agencies, and banks, too) have taken to honoring a Mexican ID card called the matrícula consular.  Now, sure enough, a fierce backlash is being wound up by anti-immigrant groups. You can read about the controversy in a zillion newspapers and magazines this week, or listen to an NPR report about it.

3.  New Internet resource en español

Where does Solina Marquis get all her energy and good ideas? Heck, we don't know—but we're glad she shares them with us. Her latest creation is a Spanish-language guide to learning about the Internet, chock-full of clear instructions and well-chosen links:: http://www.sol-plus.net/solinaweb.htm

4. Good stuff to print out and pass around

Your buds at Spanish That Works, an outfit that offers language courses for library staffers, have generously made available several of their useful publications, all in dazzling PDF format.

http://www.thelearninglight.com/InglesBiblioteca.pdf is a one-page sheet, intended for Spanish speakers, of library English. Now, wouldn't that make a nice handout to copy and leave on a shelf in your Spanish-language stacks?

http://www.thelearninglight.com/LibraryPhraseLists.pdf is an extensive library phrase list, for the reference of Anglophone desk staff

http://www.thelearninglight.com/10ways.pdf proffers suggestions for language practice and for reinforcing a Spanish-friendly atmosphere at your library

http://www.thelearninglight.com/Dewey1.pdf gives Spanish-speaking users a brief guide to the Dewey Decimal classification system

5. Palast in Spanish

Few journalists rake th' muck as diligently and as expertly as Greg Palast. He grew up a San Fernando Valley lad, studied under Milton Friedman as one of his "Chicago Boys," and has since investigated, as a hired consultant, graft and corruption at the highest levels. Not only did he uncover aspects of the 2000 Florida election scandal that US newspapers wouldn't touch (Palast's bosses at the BBC weren't as shy, and the US Civil Rights Commission confirmed his findings, a bit too late), but he has also looked into some of our lethal meddling in Latin America. His website has a substantial and eye-opening Spanish-language component.

6. Mexican screen idol distracts my wife

So, last week we saw the splendid Mexican movie El crimen del Padre Amaro (double featured with a subtitled Catch Me If You Can...it cost four dollars...ticket prices in your neighborhood may vary) and once again Missus Flaco was all agog over Gael García Bernal, that talented tapatío whose fine face is practically emblematic of Mexico's cinema renaissance following his star turns in Amores perros and Y tu mamá también, as well as a Levi's commercial which speaks volumes about the value of a good bilingual dictionary. García was profiled in a newspaper story last week, and if you're a real hardcore fan of his you just might turn your knowledge into books in this issue's contest, below.

7. Win books!

Some bilingual children's books from the fine folks at Raven Tree Press have taken up residence in the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library thanks to Ruth Mitchel, who evidently is something of an authority on the comic Groo, the Wanderer and its creator Sergio Aragonés:

----- Original Message -----

From: Mitchel, Ruth

To: 'bibliotecas.geo@yahoo.com'

Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2002 10:49 AM

Subject: post Navidad quiz SOL82

Feliz Navidad!

Groo's dog's name is Rufferto and his cartoonist is from Spain.

Ruth H. Mitchel, Youth Services Librarian

But it doesn't end there—we've got more great stuff to give away. We're not going to ask, "Where's the campus of Oregon State University?", because if we did Ruth in Corvallis would win again. In fact, we're gonna ban her from this issue's competition just to keep things interesting. But we'll make it easy for the rest of y'all this time by giving you a choice of questions. The first correct response to either one wins three of Raven Tree's bilingual books—that's a $51 value! Have a  look at Raven Tree's online catalog to get an idea of what's in store for the fortunate quiz winner. No, you don't get extra credit for answering both questions, and remember that your answer goes to bibliotecas.geo@yahoo.com.

All right, so here's the catch: both questions concern the mighty George Lopez:

1) In which film do both George and Gael García Bernal appear, and what happens to G-Lo's character in that one?

or

2) What's the song that plays over the opening credits of The George Lopez Show, and who's the band that recorded it? (Hint: their name seems to be on everyone's mind lately.)

Best of luck. But even if you don't win this time you can still get one complimentary Raven Tree Press book just for being a paid-up member of REFORMA; here's how.

8. Still more bilingual books and stuff

Speaking of bilingual books, a couple of Flaco's favorite people have great ones out in paperback. The divine ms. tatiana de la tierra's For the Hard Ones / Para las duras is a collection of poems and prose by a lovestruck lesbian librarian. How good is this one? In his out-of-his-head rrrrave review, Librusa kingpin José Carvajal said the book made a lesbian out of him. The author hopes her work will "journey under the skin, into the bloodstream, of those who need it most." Available for $14 from Calaca Press or from tatiana herself.

And that now-famous folktale from the jungles of Chiapas, The Story of Colors / La historia de los colores, by Subcomandante Marcos with illustrations by Domitila Domínguez, now has a low-priced paperback edition: $8.95 from Cinco Puntos Press (publishers also, while we're thinking of it, of the must-have ¡Sí, se puede! / Yes, We Can!).

The newspaper War Times gets a nod from Utne librarian Chris Dodge in the current issue. This tabloid, too, is bilingual, and timely; it's one of the periodicals that Sandy Berman and others have been encouraging their local libraries to acquire.

9. They came from Caracas to rock us

Hey, what's going on down there in Venezuela, anyway? If you're a student of FOX News, it's clear enough that The People are Rising Up against an Oppressive Dictator; on the other hand, if you're a student of, whaddayacallit, history, you might suspect that multinational business interests are trying to force the ouster of a democratically elected president, with some behind-the-scenes assistance from friends up north.

Either way, Venezuelan acid jazzheads Los Amigos Invisibles just want you to dance. Their website's a bilingual funhouse and their latest video is a real kick in the trasero, but you don't need to take my word for it—not with enthusiastic reviews like these.  But why should you believe them, either? Give these locos a listen for yourself.

10. Fabulous library seeks to add to its talented crew

From: Andrea Ginsky aginsky@sarasota.lib.fl.us

Hispanic Services Librarian-Selby Public Library, Reference Section, Sarasota, FL Posting #0310-2002

Join the team of an upbeat, progressive, public library in Sarasota, Florida. Selby Public Library is seeking an energetic, team-oriented SPANISH-SPEAKING REFERENCE LIBRARIAN with a strong public service commitment. Duties include reference service to a diverse population characteristic of a large public library in a busy urban setting, outreach and promotional service to the Hispanic community, collection development, and participation in the library's instructional programs. Salary $31,116.80 to $38,396.80 annually plus excellent benefits. Applicants should contact Sarasota County Government Human Resources, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236. Phone: (941) 861-5261; TDD: (941) 861-4701; apply on-line, http://pats.sarasotacounty.org. Posting # 0310-2002, closing soon.

The Selby Public Library is a spacious and modern facility with a dynamic and dedicated staff with a commitment to excellent public service. Varied duties of the position will include reference desk

coverage with the help of a variety of electronic resources, outreach and promotional service to the growing Hispanic community in our area, collection development, and participation in the library's instructional programs.

Skills required include cultural competence; public relations; and interpersonal communication to provide excellent customer service to library users from diverse cultures. Must have the ability to read,

write and speak English and Spanish to facilitate communication with Spanish-speaking patrons easily and appropriately in a wide range of dialects; work comfortably in an urban, multicultural environment. The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with the public, community groups and co-workers is also needed. A flexible schedule is required, with some evenings and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications: A Master's Degree in Library Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association. Students who are within 6 months of graduating with a Masters Degree in Library Science are encouraged to apply. Spanish/English bilingual/bicultural skills are required. Library experience providing reference services, selecting books and materials and experience working in a multicultural environment are preferred.

Andrea Ginsky

Senior Librarian, Reference

Selby Public Library

1331 First St.

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-861-1155

aginsky@sarasota.lib.fl.us

11. Library spirit shines brightly here

Amando Álvarez is a library director in Denver whose highly personal website is a carefully composed, informative, and utterly charming collection of poetry, stories, vintage photographs, and even a play about libraries. This is a real treat.

12. "The world of the library...is life itself "

And Martha Enciso Durán, she's another True Believer. If you read Spanish you might be inspired by a recent profile of this University of Guadalajara 2002 Librarian of the Year; a portion of the piece is translated here for your delight:

"The world of libraries hadn't been part of my life, but the moment I stepped into it I fell in love. It's fascinating, it's dynamic, it's life itself. Here there's always activity, always work to be done. The life of the library is constantly on the move."

13. Some extraordinary electronic 'zines

It's a pleasure to spend time at truly brilliant literary sites. El poder de la palabra opens access to more than 2,000 texts—biographies and excerpts—of 823 writers, 332 composers, 189 painters, 196 film directors, and 120 architects. Librarians might appreciate the Premios section of this handsome site, which lists dozens of important literary awards in Spanish and English and tells you who won each year.

Cyberallyu, in its 7th year, is a wordy wonderland full of essays, discussion forums, and literary news. Here you can read about such matters as Eduardo González Viaña's historic, heroic agitprop reading that clogged up the bridge between El Paso and Juárez.

At Flakozitas you can find everything from serious short biographies of famous contemporary writers, to the words of national anthems of most Latin American countries, to handy amorous phrases suitable for inclusion in love letters.

Finally, the lavish online journal Biblios deals, in Spanish, with librarianship, archival science, and musicology. The current issue has a piece on Japanese libraries.

14. Cuba conference to explore how libraries foster social change

From: Maribel Duarte González  cminerva@jm.lib.cult.cu Subject: Convocatoria evento

[Maribel Duarte, who handles public relations for the National Library of Cuba, sends this announcement about the upcoming Third World Libraries conference in Havana. Her message follows in English and Spanish]

Third World Libraries

July 9 - 12, 2003

Havana Convention Center (Palacio de las Convenciones)

Topics to be discussed:

1 – Libraries and cultural identity among Third World peoples

2 – Libraries and sustainable development

3 – Role of the library in strategies fostering realization of human potential

4 – National libraries in the defense and preservation of their countries' historical record and bibliographic heritage

5 – How libraries can contribute to the struggle for solidarity and social justice in a climate of neoliberal globalization

Registration: $150 US. For more information, contact:

Organizational matters

Mirtha Padrón, Executive Secretary

Centro de superación para la Cultura

Calle 15 #714

Tel: (537) 553691, 552300, 552299

e-mail super@cubarte.cult.cu

Conference Coordinator

Paula Bravo

Palacio de las Convenciones

Havana. Cuba

Apto Postal 16046

Tel: (537) 287541, 226011-19

e-mail: eva@palco.gep.cma.net

Details of the scientific program

Telephone: 8817657 / 8818876

Fax: 333938

E-mail: marciam@jm.lib.cult.cu, relacint@jm.lib.cult.cu

 Las Bibliotecas del Tercer Mundo

 9 al 12 de junio de 2003

 Palacio de las Convenciones, La Habana

 Temas a debatir

 1 - Las bibliotecas y la identidad cultural de los pueblos del Tercer Mundo 

 2 - Las bibliotecas y los programas de desarrollo sostenible.

 3 - Papel de las Bibliotecas en las estrategias de formación de potencial Humano. 

 4 - Las Bibliotecas Nacionales y la defensa y conservación de la memoria histórica y el

 patrimonio bibliográfico de las naciones. 

 5 - Aporte de las bibliotecas a la lucha por la solidaridad y la justicia social en un mundo de

 globalización neoliberal.

 Cuota de inscripción: 150.00 USD

 Para más información diríjase a:

Detalles organizativos:

Mirtha Padrón, Secretaria ejecutiva

Centro de superación para la Cultura

Calle 15 #714

Tel: (537) 553691, 552300, 552299 email: super@cubarte.cult.cu

Paula Bravo, Organizadora del Congreso

Palacio de las Convenciones

Habana. Cuba

Apto Postal 16046

Tel: (537) 287541

226011-19

e-mail: eva@palco.gep.cma.net

Detalles del programa científico:

 Teléfonos: 8817657 / 8818876

 Fax: 333938

 E-mail: marciam@jm.lib.cult.cu

relacint@jm.lib.cult.cu

15. Field Work: Online photo exhibit examines farm labor

From: Lincoln Cushing lcushing@library.berkeley.edu

Subject: New labor photo exhibit at IIR

Field Work - photo exhibit by Robert Gumpert, UC Berkeley Institute of Industrial Relations, January 16- August 15, 2003

Reception Wednesday, February 5, 5-6:30

Online exhibit http://www.iir.berkeley.edu/exhibit/ (Previous shows are archived)

Field Work is one of a series of projects intended to raise questions in the viewer's mind about relationships in the world we live in. In this case the subject is agriculture and those who work the fields. All the images are from California, where half of the nation's vegetables and fruits are grown, including 85% of the strawberries and 95% of the tomatoes used in processed foods. The photo/text panels illustrate the harvesting of specialty crops such as asparagus, romaine lettuce, pomegranates, garlic, and cotton, and together tell the story of the political economy of agriculture and of the field workers who form the labor backbone of this industry with falling wages and increased corporate control.

Robert Gumpert is a freelance documentary photographer living in the Bay Area. He started his career in Harlan County, Kentucky, in 1974, documenting what turned out to be the last three months of the epic United Mineworker's strike. These photos resulted in a 1976 exhibit and catalog in Los Angeles, "Harlan County Kentucky: A Photo-Documentation," and many are part of the Coal Employment Project Records Appalachian Archives at East Tennessee State University. He continues to photograph social and economic subjects. Recent projects include a traveling exhibit of photos of garment workers, "Faces Behind the Labels," mounted by Oakland's Sweatshop Watch during 1998 and 1999, "Lost Promise: The Criminal Justice System," and an ongoing study of the health care system. His photos have been used in outreach materials by U.C.'s Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, and he is currently a under contract as a photographer with the California Department of Industrial Relations.

16. Share your skills with libraries in the developing world

Name: Mary Alice McCarthy maryalice@worldlibraries.org

Subject: Volunteer opportunity

I think the volunteer opportunity described below might be of interest to people who visit your website. I would appreciate it very much if you could make it available. Thanks!

Mary Alice McCarthy, Ph.D.

Training Director

World Library Partnership

Durham, NC 27701

Volunteer at a Library in Africa or Central America 

Spend the summer of 2003 helping communities gain access to the information they need to build a better future as part of the Inform the World Library Skills Exchange (ITW). ITW volunteers provide hands-on assistance and training to rural librarians in South Africa, Honduras and Guatemala. The program is a unique opportunity to share your skills while experiencing another culture. If you love libraries and have a sense of adventure, join us for this exciting service project!

Who: The World Library Partnership (WLP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building global understanding by promoting literacy, learning and access to information. Visit our website at www.worldlibraries.org for more information.

What: The ITW volunteers will conduct practical service projects in libraries in rural South Africa and Central America.

When:

Central America

Honduras - June 25-July 23, 2003

Guatemala - July 2-July 30, 2003

South Africa

Limpopo Province - July 15-August 15

Kwa Zulu Natal Province - July 22-August 22, 2003

Eligibility: WLP invites librarians, library school students, teachers, IT professionals and others who love libraries to apply. Conversational Spanish is a requirement for the Central America program. Fluency in English is required for the South Africa program.

How to Apply: The application for the various ITW 2003 programs can be found at our website - www.worldlibraries.org - along with more detailed information about each program. The Application Deadline is January 31, 2003. We welcome early applications.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. For the South Africa programs contact Maggie Hite at maggie@worldlibraries.org. For the Central America programs contact Mary Alice McCarthy at maryalice@worldlibraries.org or give us a call at (919) 479-0163.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Bruce Jensen  bibliotecas.geo@yahoo.com

Anti-copyright @ 2003 www.sol-plus.net. Not-for-profit use encouraged   All other rights reserved.