Letters

Kudos to Edward Gonzalez, SLJ's Administrator of the Year

I read with great interest the article about Edward Gonzalez in the November issue of School Library Journal ("Ultimate Advocate," pp. 44–46), and I'm sure I join every other media specialist in congratulating him on being named SLJ's Administrator of the Year.

His statement that "a healthy, dynamic library will do more for the academic success of a school and community than any stand-alone curricular program that money can buy" is one that I, personally, have never heard from a principal or any other school administrator, and it was so refreshing to read of a principal who holds such a view. Obviously the statement is true, judging from the success this school has experienced in the past five years.

I have written to Mr. Gonzalez to encourage (implore) him to tell the story of his school's success through the library to his fellow administrators across the country—even the world. I have suggested that he submit articles to non-library professional journals, such as Principal Leadership. Other principals and administrators need to become as enlightened as this man is, but they rarely read articles on this subject in their own journals. We media specialists read them all the time in our professional resources—and we like to read them—but it is preaching to the choir.

I applaud SLJ for sponsoring this award. Please continue to recognize enlightened, supportive administrators. Let's just keep in mind that we need to promote these people throughout the education community, and not just in our own little "library world."

--Marcia H. Bethea, Media Specialist, J.V. Martin Junior High School, Dillon, SC

I read with interest Nina Lindsays November column " 'I' Still Isn't for Indian " (pp. 42–43). As Wisconsin has a large Native American population, I am always looking for relevant titles. I agree that it is difficult to find material that acknowledges that Native Americans are anything but part of America's history. I'd like to recommend a few more books and courses of action to supplement her column.

A few new books not mentioned by Ms. Lindsay are Children of Native America Today (Charlesbridge, 2003) by Yvonne Wakim Dennis, and Meet Naiche: A Native Boy from the Chesapeake Bay Area (National Museum of the American Indian/Smithsonian Institution, 2002) by Gabrielle Tayac. Both authors are themselves of Native ancestry.

We can help change the situation by letting publishers know that we are disappointed in the current offerings on Native Americans. We all talk to sales reps, visit publisher booths at conferences, and some of us even have the ear of staff at publishing houses. Tell all of these people that we'd like to see more material that highlights and celebrates the lives of Native Americans today. Be specific—mention nations in your area that you'd like covered, Native American whose biographies you'd like on your shelves. These people listen to our requests, so make them count.

Both public librarians and school media specialists can also suggest curriculum changes. Much of the demand in my library for books on Native Americans comes from kids doing reports on specific nations. We keep buying books that aren't the best representation of Native America because we know that the kids will be in for them. But couldn't publishers, librarians, and teachers do better by students and Native Americans? Make sure that the teachers and administration in charge of curriculum know that kids ought to be learning not only the history but also the current reality of Native America. And for all of you who are also parents, make the request on behalf of your kids as well.

--Eric Norton, Head of Children's Services, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Several erroneous Web addresses appeared in our October 2003 Curriculum Connections feature "The Money Hunt" (pp. 12–14). All links have been corrected on our Web page at http://slj.reviewsnews.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA328185.

The information on Oklahoma's certification requirements that appeared in "A Higher Standard " (December 2003, p. 56) was incorrect. In order to receive a standard certificate in library media in Oklahoma, one must have a master's degree. The master's degree can be a master's in education with an emphasis on library media or a master's of library and information studies. A teaching background is not mandatory, though it is the norm.

SLJ is seeking news for a "People" column, which will appear as a semi-regular feature in News. Announcements regarding awards, job changes, and the like should be sent to Walter Minkel, School Library Journal, 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010 or e-mail wminkel@reedbusiness.com.