AJL - The Association of Jewish Libraries

The 2012 Sydney Taylor Book Awards Revealed

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:38:00 GMT

The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. The award memorializes Sydney Taylor, author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series.

Michael J. Rosen and Robert Sabuda, author and artist of Chanukah Lights, Susan Goldman Rubin, author of Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein, and Robert Sharenow, author of The Berlin Boxing Club, are the 2012 winners of the prestigious Sydney Taylor Book Award. The awards were announced at the mid-winter meeting of the Association of Jewish Libraries.

The winners were revealed at the 2012 council meeting of the Association of Jewish Libraries in January, 2012 in Manhattan, NY. Awards chair Barbara Bietz made the official announcement, and shared her thoughts on this year’s winners in this interview, originally recorded for The Book of Life at bookoflifepodcast.com and cross-posted here by permission.

Click here for the 2012 press release and full list of award, honor and notable books.

13 min 11 sec

The 2011 Awards Banquet

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:51:00 GMT

At the annual awards banquet, authors, illustrators and publishers are recognized for their excellent work. This presentation includes acceptance speeches by the 2011 winners of the RAS Bibliography and Reference Awards, the Sydney Taylor Book Awards, and the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award.

Presented at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

56 min 38 sec

Sparks, Swords and Siblings: Highlights from the Sydney Taylor Book Award

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:45:00 GMT

The Sydney Taylor Book Award committee shares insights of the many books received in 2010, from picture boooks to young adult novels, as they worked to select the 2011 winners. Categories of books discussed include: "Chickens and Roosters and Hens, Oy Vey!" "Learning About Our Neighbors and Ourselves," "Woulda Coulda Shoulda," "Sneak Peaks," "Teen Picks," "Holocaust books/series for Libraries," "WWII Perspectives," and "Hot/Not Books."

Presented by members of the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

1 hr 39 min 50 sec

Gathering Sparks

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:41:00 GMT

Author Howard Schwartz discusses his book Gathering Sparks, illustrated by Kristina Swarner, the 2011 gold medal winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award in the Younger Readers category.

Presented by Howard Schwartz at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

28 min 07 sec

The Things a Brother Knows

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:35:00 GMT

Author Dana Reinhardt discusses her book, The Things a Brother Knows, the 2011 gold medal winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award in the Teen Readers Category.

Presented by Dana Reinhardt at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

24 min 35 sec

The Story and Secrets of Priest's Grotto

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:30:00 GMT

In the spring of 1943, odds of a Ukranian Jew surviving World War II were less than 5%. Hitler's final solution had reached a furious climax with no safe place left to hide, except below ground in a cave. This is the story of how several families, some of whom eventually settled in the Montreal region, chose this option, and fought to survive during one of the darkest times in history. Through the use of slides and an accompanying natrative, Chris Nicola tells this amazing story of survival, as well as his 10 year search for those who lived this remarkable story and his subsequent work in the making of a documentary, featuring himself and some of the Priest's Grotto survivors, based on his book, The Secret of Priest's Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story.

Presented by Chris Nicola at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

1 hr 12 min 32 sec

Indoctrination and Imagination in Early Israeli Children's Literature: The Case of HaSaMBaH

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:23:00 GMT

One of the most popular and most influential children's adventure books in Irael in the 1950s and 1960s was HaSaMBaH (an acronym for Havurat Sod Muhlat Be-HeHlet/The Gang of the Ultimate Secret), authored by Igal Mosehnzon. Led by a teenager named Yaron Zehavi and his aide Tamar, this group of teenage boys and girls set out to secretly assist the adults intent on ousting the British and on setting up the modern State of Israel. While promoting values such as courage, camaraderie, and freedom, the series also dealt with political ideologies, gender equality, and ethnic diversity. This presentation illuminates the creative modes of delivering societal norms and political ideologies in pre-State Israel and the lasting impact of the series as evident in its recent revival in Israel.

Presented by Yaffa Weisman at the 2011 AJL Convention in Monteral, Quebec.

27 min 19 sec

Digital Copyright Issues for Libraries

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:19:00 GMT

Of all the legal issues libraries face in the digital world, copyright is certainly the most important. Issues abound, from legislative reforms that impact library operations to mass digitization projects or digital licensing of materials. Libraries and the professionals who care for them must build an understanding of how digital copyright imposes new constraints on our institutions.

Presented by Olivier Charbonneau at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

36 min 17 sec

Digitization in Progress in the Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana, Amsterdam

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:11:00 GMT

The Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana has invested considerably in the digitization of its collections. The Rosenthaliana hosts a large biographical database of Jews in the Netherlands during the 20th century, containing more than 6,000 biographical entries. On the occasion of the exhibition of the Swiss private collection of Rene Braginsky in the Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana in 2009, several dozens of the most important Amsterdam holdings were published on the web. In 2011, some fifty online inventories of Jewish archival collections will be published. Further digital collections planned to be published include the incoming correspondence of the charitable organization "Pekidim and Amarkalim" of Amsterdam, Dutch-Jewish newspapers, and a substantial section of the Hebrew manuscripts of the Rosenthaliana, including its small but important collection of medieval manuscripts (in cooperation with the Naitnoal Library of Irael). The Rosenthaliana will also upload its holdings to the Judaica Europeana project. The presentation not only showcases the ongoing project, but also discusses technical and strategic aspects of the library's digitization efforts.

Presented by Rachel Boertjens at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

27 min 10 sec

The Literary Expression of the New Sephardic Immigration of Quebec

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:04:00 GMT

In the past 50 years, a new Sephardic migration originating from Mediterranean countries, specifically Morocco, has settled in Quebec. This new community was mainly French speaking and had to find its place within the Anglophone Jewish establishment and in the land of the two Canadian solitudes, French and English. Innovative solutions have been found on the institutional level and important cultural events have allowed the expression of artists in the wide spectrum of literature, theater, movie making, music, and arts. The themes, topics, and languages of expression reveal the deep desire to connect the past experiences of the old country, the new reality of Israel, and the religious dimension with the new Jewish, Quebecois and Canadian identity.

Presented by Dr. David Bensoussan at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

30 min 05 sec

Jewish Studies Born Digital

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:56:00 GMT

The previous two decades have witnessed a revolution in scholarly communications and learning: a massive migration to a digital and virtually connected world. Many of us have been thinking about and studying the impact of electronic information resources and technologies on Jewish Studies. Within the cross-discipline arena of Jewish Studies, alongside the traditional print journals, conference proceedings, and academic presses, are appearing new forms of digital scholarship, discourse and output that are challenging scholars to reorient the way they think about and conduct their work. Going beyond the massive and proprietary digitization projects, digial reformatting, and new digital editions of print and analog works or simultaneous publication of digital and print materials, this includes work and methods of communication that have been "born digitally." This presentation examines scholarly and creative output and methods of discourse that have been generated entirely digitally and do not, or cannot, have a print or analog version. Some of them may have even been initiated outside of the academy or by students.

A paper by Heidi Lerner, presented in absentia by Anna Levia, at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

29 min 15 sec

Self-Censorship: The Lorraine Beitler Collection of the Dreyfus Affair

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:48:00 GMT

The University of Pennsylvania's Rare Book and Manuscript Library serves as home to one of the most important resources for the study of the Alfred Dreyfus Affair in North America. The Lorraine Beitler Collection of the Dreyfus Affair is a monument to one of the most shameful incidents in modern French history. Collection materials include dramatic and disturbing anti-Semitic posters and periodicals, as well as some of the most powerful calls for human rights and equal justice ever composed. Possessing a collection of this nature presents many opportunities, but also poses significant challenges for curators and users. The purpose of the session is to describe the collection and these challenges, focusing on its scholarly potential, its uses in the classroom and in exhibitions,and on the collection website. The presenters wished to engage the audience in discussion of topics including: the collection's acquisition policies, the roles and function of the website and its future development, the presentation of controversial and offensive materials online, in exhibitions, and in the classroom, and the place(s) of the library and of librarians as social advocates and stewards.

Presented by David N. McKnight and John Pollock.

25 min 47 sec

Judging a (Jewish) Book by Its Cover

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:41:00 GMT

A book's cover is often the first thing one notices about a book when skimming a catalog or browsing in a bookstore. Although they help form an initial impression about the book, covers are seldom mentioned in book reviews or recognized through awards. This session aims to bring attention to the art and skill of book cover design by highlighting both effective and problematic Judaica book covers using a variety of examples, formats, and genres (picture books, graphic novels, fiction, biography, and history).

For images of the book covers discussed in this presentation, please visit jewishbookcovers.blogspot.com.

Presented by Steven M. Bergson at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

30 min 42 sec

From 'Life of Esther Visualized' to 'Hereville' - The Portrayal of Jewish Females in Comic Books, Comic Strips, and Graphic Novels from 1943 to the Present

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:27:00 GMT

The ways that women have been portrayed in comics during the past 75 years has led to criticism by fans, scholars, and creators in the industry. At one extreme, there are unrealistic superwomen who are shown being able to juggle both their career and their household, while still finding time to use their superpowers to save the world time and again. At the other extreme are women characters who are victimized, brutalized, and/or sexualized to a greater extent than their male counterparts. Although Jewish women characters are a minority in the comix genre, dozens of examples of such characters may be found. This session highlights several examples of such characters from various comix genres (e.g. Bibllical, superhero, biographical, war, graphic fiction, travelogues) and illustrate what types of values these characters embody.

NOTE: At the end of this recording, speaker Steven Bergson mentions the following speaker, Barry Deutsch, author of Hereville, whose presentation may be found here.

For the visuals from this presentation, please visit http://jewishwomenincomix.blogspot.com.

Presented by Steven Bergson at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

27 min 51 sec

What World Is Left: Uncovering a Family Secret and How That Secret Speaks to Contemporary Young Readers

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:22:00 GMT

Monique Polak discusses her novel What World Is Left, a work of historical fiction based on her mother's experience as a teenager in Theresienstadt. Polak will discuss the sad secret that lies at the heart of her novel: that the father of her young protagonist, Anneke, has been forced by the Nazis to produce propaganda drawings. Anneke will grapple with this revelation and it is this moral dilemma that helps to make Polak's novel resonate with contemporary tweens and teens. Polak will also explain the personal journey she undertook to produce this novel, as well as the delicate task of melding fact and fiction, especially when exploring a subject as painful and important as the Holocaust.

Presented by Monique Polak at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

24 min 08 sec

Beyond Pogroms and Matzo: Jewish Books for Tweens and Teens in a Secular World

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:16:00 GMT

Authors Margie Gelbwasser and Sarar Darer Littman have both written novels which feature characters struggling with their Jewish identity within the constructs of the everyday life of today's teens. This panel explores the portrayal of Judaism in middle grade and YA fiction, using both past and contemporary examples.

Presented by Margie Gelbwasser and Sarah Darer Littman at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

27 min 03 sec

Looking Forward: News from the National Library of Israel; a Technical Services Perspective

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:07:00 GMT

The National Library of Israel (formerly the Jewish National and University Library within the Hebrew University) became a fully independent "community interest company" in January 2011. The transition from a university library to a National Library demanded certain organizational changes, including the creation of a technical services branch. This paper presents current and planned policy changes and new and continuing projects emanating from this branch. Amongst them is a new policy concerning Hebrew personal and place names, the transition from an in-house Dewey based classified catalog to LC subject headings, use of LC classification for shelving some special collections, various retrospective conversion projects, and a major effort to clear out the Library's cataloging backlog.

Presented by Marina Goldsmith at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

39 min 57 sec

English Language Subject Headings in the Catalog of the National Library of Israel

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:02:00 GMT

The National Library of Israel (NLI) has traditionally provided subject access to its mostly closed stack collection via a classified catalog based on the Dewey Decimal and Universal Decimal systems, with special expansions for Judaica, Israelitica and Islamic studies, and with additional keywords. This unique system was very difficult to understand (particularly by remote users of the catalog) and expensive to maintain. In early 2010, the NLI decided to adopt English language subject headings based on the Library of Congress subject heading list with some adaptations in Judaica and Israeli topics. IN a period of one year, almost 1 million records were enriched with subject headings. This paper presents the unique problems of an Israeli library adopting LCSH and the experience of the NLI in making such a major change in a very short period of time.

Presented by Elhanan Adler at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

36 min 44 sec

Fundraising for Libraries: Advice from the Frontlines

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:57:00 GMT

Our panel of library administrators discusses the financial challenges facing libraries in today's economic climate and their strategies for success.

Presented by Helen Fortin, Evy Raby, Steven Spodek and Lynn Verge at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

1 hr 13 min 52 sec

The Hebrew Manuscript Colophon: Precursor to the Title Page

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:51:00 GMT

The colophon is a section of text found at the end of manuscripts and early printed books. It often includes the date of completion of the work, the place where it was written, the name of the copyist, the source of funding, the cost of the composition, personal experiences, poetry, etc. This paper presents the history of the colophon in Hebrew manuscripts, the historical record contained in them and its importance to the history of the Jewish book. It also uses examples of colophons from the Columbia University Hebrew Manuscript collection. In addition, the paper describes the role of the colophon in Hebrew Manuscript Cataloging.

Presented by Yoram Bitton at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

29 min 34 sec

Professional Development on No Dime

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:47:00 GMT

This session presents a survey of free online professional development resources that librarians can use both in their own practice and to develop expertise to share with colleagues. Of primary interest to those working with school-aged children, many resources will overlap with the needs of those working in research-based settings.

Presented by Sara Ravid at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

53 min 57 sec

How to Manage a Library without a Budget

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:41:00 GMT

In these times, where technology goes so fast and helps librarians to develop their work in the most efficient way, Rita Saccal shows how it is possible to manage a library without all the advantages of modern technology.

Presented by Rita Saccal at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

21 min 24 sec

Library of Congress's Israel and Judaica Section Update

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:11:00 GMT

Representatives from the Israel and Judaica Section at the Library of Congress discuss developments in aquisitions and cataloging during the past year and address questions submitted in advance by AJL members.

A panel presentation by Joan Biella, Marina Korenberg, Gail Shirazi, Aaron Taub and Galina Teverovsky at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

1 hr 26 min 26 sec

Halakhic Ethical Concerns of the Online Environment

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:30:00 GMT

The shealot ve-teshuvot, Responsa genre draws Jewish law from the past by analogizing halakhicprinciples that apply to questions regarding the new technologies. We will identify some of these ethical concerns and classify them. Some of the many halakhic issues treated include: (1) invading privacy rights in 4 categories: (a) . Hezeq re’iyya, (b) privacy of one’s residence against tresspassers i.e., אִם-בַּמַּחְתֶּרֶת יִמָּצֵא הַגַּנָּב (c) prohibition of disclosure of nistarot and tailbearing, הוֹלֵךְ רָכִיל, מְגַלֶּה-סּוֹד; וְנֶאֱמַן-רוּחַ, מְכַסֶּה דָבָר[ thereby transgressing against the Chofetz Chaim’s laws of shemirat loshon (lashon harah, and motzhi shem rah) (d) privacy of one’s emails a warning against which can include the phrase: בחדר"גמה בחרם ד,רבננו גרשום מאור הגולה meaning herem d’rabbeinu Gershom, or pagi’in פג,ין an acronymn forפורץ גדד י-שכנו נחש (2) The sanctity of Hashem’s name and the prohibitions of erasing the name (mechikat Hashem) based on Devarim 12:2-3, and does this apply on a computer screen i.e. lo ta’asum ken is an issur chaftza, a prohibition pivoting around a physical object (a) sefer torah with a specific halakhic status, written by a sofer who has teveled in a mikvah and written the name with yirat shamayim (haikkar ve-takhlit ha-adam) and kavanah (3) internet commerce on Shabbat, (4) social network listserves, blogs, wikis, etc. by which Orthodox Jews can construct "cyber" communities (5) employing filters for screening out “pritzus,narishkeit, and stius,(6) spyware and cookies that marketers use to target consumer groups, who may not wish these marketing techniques be used to waste their time, bitul zeman; (7) davoningfrom a kindle or ipod obviously not on Shabbos, (8) cyber minyanim and mizumem?, (9) permissibility of censoring hate literature on the web, (10) computer crimes of abuse and fraud by which one piggy-backs on another’s Wi-fi unsecured signals without authorization or permission to access to a computer network, contracted by others, possibly harming the network and damaging others’ data, and also diminishing bandwidth which can effect speed of connection for the paying subscriber, ergo constituting geneiva , (11) illegal film and music downloading causing financial loss to royalties of copyrighted works, despite minhago shel olam (normative practice) and hamotzi l’or yodeah mizeh (the author knew full well upon making the work public how it might be abused, i.e. umdenah (common assumption) (12) ethical concern with author copyright within 5 categories: A. Hasagat gevul -- unfair competition:B. Haskamot -- approbations; C. Dina d’malkhuta dina (based on Shmuel )--secular law; D. Shiur b’kinyan-- witholding the right to copy.and copyright- E. sighting a law in the name of one’s Rebbe who learned it from his Rebbe, a reason Rabbi Yosef Karo wrote the pirush Kesef Mishnahon Rambam’s Sefer Mishnah Torah, MT. see: Megilah 15a explicating Esther 2:22וַיִּוָּדַע הַדָּבָר לְמָרְדֳּכַי , וַיַּגֵּד לְאֶסְתֵּר הַמַּלְכָּה ; וַתֹּאמֶר אֶסְתֵּר לַמֶּלֶךְ , בְּשֵׁם מָרְדֳּכָי and P.A 6:6משנה מסכת אבות פרק This presentation attempts to outline and gather some of the basic frameworks of the halakhic approaches and principles to online ethical issues, for practical guidance please consult a qualified halakhic authority credentialed to field sheolos.

Presented by David B. Levy at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

40 min 44 sec]

Musical Counter Culture: Hip-Hop in Israel

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:15:00 GMT

While hip-hop is a uniquely American musical genre, its influence has spread all over the world. In recent years, Israeli hip-hop has come into its own, developing recognizable Israeli sounds and themes. Hip-hop has permeated nearly all the existing genres of Israeli music and cuts a wide swath across Israeli culture. With their inimitable wit and charm, Sharon Benamou and Daniel Scheide explore the musical, political and sociological dimensions of this music.

Presented by Sharon Benamou and Daniel Scheide at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

22 min 31 sec

Hereville: From Webcomic to the Printed Page

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:08:00 GMT

It is not unheard of for a webcomic to be published in a print edition (e.g. the Eisner award-winning Cancer Mom). It is not unprecedented for a graphic novel to be published which features a young Jewish girl (e.g. Token). However, it is rare to find a graphic novel that stars an 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl who aspires to fight dragons. Author-illustrator Barry Deutsch discusses his literary influences, the experience of self-publishing a serialized webcomic, the process of creating Hereville, and future plans for Hereville - a book described by School Library Journal blogger Elizabeth Bird as "the best graphic novel of 2010 for kids. Bar none."

Presented by Barry Deutsch at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

30 min

Kalman at the Bat: A Webliography of Jews in Baseball

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:02:00 GMT

While the names of two Major League Baseball Hall of Famers, Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax, easily spring to mind even for those impervious tot he US national pastime, according to baseball "halakhah," over 150 Jews have swung bats, tossed balls, and wielded leather in the North American major leagues. Many others were minor leaguers, executives, sportscasters, sportswriters, and authors. There is even a new baseball league in Israel. We examine a number of Web resources dealing with the abundant Jewish participation in the grand old game.

Presented by Elliot H. Gertel at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

37 min 02 sec

Modern Judaica Librarianship Meets Hebrew Books Research: A Match Made in Heaven?

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:53:00 GMT

Modern Judaica librarianship is not very different from general librarianship in that it concentrates more and more on the integration of digital presentations into the facilities offered to all users. A fast-growing corpus of Hebrew manuscripts and printed books are offered online in many different formats, in many different selections, and with greatly varying usefulness. This presentation concentrates on the digital presentation of Hebrew manuscripts and printed books on various websites, both from the professional librarian's perspective, with its natural concentration on best practices, international standards and sustainability, and from the researcher's perspective, with a far more limited perspective: usefulness. The presentation also includes an overview of new initiatives for international cooperation in the field of digitization of Jewish collections.

Presented by Dr. Emile G.L. Schrijver at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

37 min 18 sec

The Maskil, the Kabbalist and the Political Scientist: Judaica Classification Schemes in their Historical Context

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:41:00 GMT

This paper describes and analyzes three library classification schemes for Judaica in their historical context and discusses how the libraries for which they were originally designed, and the interests and background of their compilers, shaped the design of each scheme. The three schemes in question are the Freidus, Scholem and Elazar classifications. An outline is given of how each scheme has continued to develop since its first publication and how they have been adapted by other libraries to suit their particular collections.

Presented by Vanessa Freedman at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

30 min 30 sec

Meet Montreal Jewish Writers

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:35:00 GMT

Mordecai Richler famously said that he did not consider himself a "Jewish writer." What is the value/importance of writing about a certain cultural tradition? can we identify a Montreal-Jewish or Canadian-Jewish literary tradition? Are there writers actively continuing these traditions? Responding to it? Taking it in new directions? Meet four Montreal Jewish writers, hear them read from their recent works, and hear discussion on the value of writing within a Jewish tradition.

Presented as a panel by Ami Sands Brodoff, Bevery Akerman, Joel Yanofsky, and Glen Rotchin.

1 hr 18 min 38 sec

The Price Library of Judaica Anniversary Collection: An Introduction to a Unique Digitization Project

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:24:00 GMT

This presentation highlights a unique digitization project being undertaken by the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica at the University of Florida. The library will digitize an important collection of over 200 anniversary editions of Jewish newspapers held at the University of Florida. These jubilee issues have never been catalogued and until now have remained "hidden" from its patrons. Anniversary issues of newspaper titles contain a great deal of information about the history of the particular newspaper in question. Together, as a large and varied collection, they provide a key resource for research into the history of the Jewish press. The presentation includes a slide show featuring images of some of the newly digitized newspapers. Particular focus is given to the Canadian issue.

[Note: Powerpoint presentation is available in the AJL Convention Proceedings members-only section of the website. Click here to become a member.]

Presented by Dr. Rebecca J.W. Jefferson

18 min 55 sec

RDA and Hebraica: View from the US RDA Test

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:53:00 GMT

RDA, Resource Description and Access, is the proposed content standard for cataloging that would supersede the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules. The Library of Congress, National Agricultural Library, National Library of Medicine and 23 partnering institutions joined together to test RDA as a first step to determine whether or not the standard should be adopted. Joan Biella of the Library of Congress and Heidi Lerner of Stanford University Libraries were the only two Hebraica catalogers to participate in the test. Heidi was not able to attend the convention, but Joan spoke about their experiences as official participants in the test and focus on how what they learned and experienced through the test can impact future Hebraica cataloging.

Presented by Joan Biella at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

56 min 25 sec

Scholarly Publications and the Struggle for the Memory of the Holocaust

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:32:00 GMT

It can be argued that the Holocaust is the most published-about event in history. The Yad Vashem Library holds some 125,000 titles in 54 languages about the Holocaust and related events. Although we know a great deal about the Holocaust, new issues, sometimes of major importance, still arise. Over the last few years, one of those issues is where the Holocaust should stand in relation to wider contexts. There is much importance in anchoring the Holocaust in wider contexts, especially to counter the idea that it is some aberration in human history. Nonetheless, some of this discussion has become problematic and some of the problematic aspects have begun to surface in serious academic works. Perhaps most salient are the works of Timothy Snyder (Bloodlands) and Donald Bloxham (The Final Solution: A Genocide), which are being discussed widely and are deeply flawed. Perhaps unwittingly, such studies provide fodder to people who would like to manipulate the memory and history of the Holocaust for their own ends.

Presented by Rob Rozett at the 2011 AJL Convention, Montreal, Quebec.

35 min 17 sec

Teaching Library Skills Using Judaic Materials

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:27:00 GMT

This presentation shows how to use Judaic resources to teach students about the different types of books in the reference section. Library standards are addressed and specific lesson plans shared.

Presented by Susan Dubin at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

1 hr 4 min 19 sec

What Makes a Book Jewish (or Not)?

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:18:00 GMT

Joni Sussman of Kar-Ben Books led this panel of authors for ounger readers who represent a wide range of contemporary Jewish experience. The authors shared their own understanding of how "Jewish" informs their writing and introduced us to their latest titles.

Presented by Joni Sussman, Anna Levine, Alan Silberberg and Sara Mlynowski at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

1 hr 19 min 19 sec

YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe: From Print to Digital

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:07:00 GMT

The YIVO Encyclopedia of Jewish in Eastern Europe (edited by Prof. Gershon Hudert of McGill University) was published in two volumes in 2008. Two years later, the enhanced digitized version was finalized and made accessible on the Web. As copy chief of this unparalleled project, which covers the history and culture of Jews in the region from Renaissance times until the early 21st century, Joyce Rappaport describes the process of compiling, editing, and transitioning to its Web-based mode. She shows how both versions are valuable resources for librarians, scholars, and the general reader.

Presented by Joyce Rappaport at the 2011 AJL Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

20 min 50 sec

What Do We Do With Yiddish?

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMT

This keynote presentation was given by Ruth R. Wisse, Martin Peretz Professor of Yiddish Literature and Professor of Comparative Literature at Harvard University, and a former director of its Center for Jewish Studies.

Presented at the 2011 Association of Jewish Libraries convention in Montreal, Quebec.

51 min 15 sec

2010 Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee Panel

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:27:18 GMT

At each year’s AJL convention, members of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee participate in a panel presentation to discuss the best and worst of recent Jewish literature for children and teens. In this podcast, you can hear members Susan Berson, Barbara Bietz, Kathy Bloomfield, Debbie Colodny, and Kathe Pinchuck sharing their delight and dismay [...]

Everyone's a Critic: The Art and Science of Book Reviewing

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:18:52 GMT

A panel of experienced book reviewers share their views on the craft of constructing a useful review, on differences between reviewing for children and or adults, on unique issues in reviewing Judaica, and more. Presented by Ellen Cole, Heidi Estrin, Kathe Pinchuck, and Lisa Silverman at the 2010 AJL Convention in Seattle, WA. 1 hr [...]

Management 101: From Strategic Planning to Managing Staff and Volunteers

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:18:07 GMT

In this highly interactive workshop, we think dynamically about the role of the library in your synagogue and learn how to demonstrate to your lay leadership that the synagogue library is an asset in their efforts to draw in members, bring in revenue, and create a focal point for community involvement. Presented by Kathy Bloomfield [...]

The Other Side of the Coin: Jewish Memoirs for Fiction Readers

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:17:14 GMT

The best memoirs provide the same pleasures as novel reading: fascinating characters, riveting stories, interesting settings, and of course, great writing. Jewish memoirs are no exception! In this presentation you’ll hear about great Jewish memoirs for your library, for book discussion groups, and for your own reading. Presented by Roz Reisner at the 2010 AJL [...]

Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:10:09 GMT

Author Margarita Engle won the 2010 Sydney Taylor Book Award in the Teen Readers category for Tropical Secrets. She had the opportunity to present her book to an appreciative audience at the 2010 Association of Jewish Libraries annual convention in Seattle, WA. 29 min 47 sec

New Year at the Pier

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:09:29 GMT

Author April Halprin Wayland won the 2010 Sydney Taylor Book Award in the Younger Readers category for New Year at the Pier. She had the opportunity to present her book to an appreciative audience at the 2010 Association of Jewish Libraries annual convention in Seattle, WA. 35 min 01 sec

The Importance of Wings

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:08:42 GMT

Author Robin Friedman won the 2010 Sydney Taylor Book Award in the Older Readers category for The Importance of Wings. She had the opportunity to present her book to an appreciative audience at the 2010 Association of Jewish Libraries annual convention in Seattle, WA. 11 min 05 sec

Identifying Unknown Authors of Books in Ladino [in Hebrew]

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:04:11 GMT

Presented by Dov haCohen of the Ben Tzvi Institute at the AJL Regional Conference on November 3, 2010 at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem. 45 min

Teen Trends

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:04:00 GMT

What are teens reading these days? Are there any good YA books with Jewish content? How do I build my teen collection? How do I attract teens to my library? What do I do with them once they come? Explore the answers to these questions and more as we discuss current trends in secular and [...]

What Makes an Incunabula an Incunabula? [in Hebrew]

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:00:40 GMT

Presented by Yitzhak Yudelov, retired Director of the Institute for Hebrew Bibliography at the National Library of Israel, at the AJL Regional Conference, November 3, 2010, at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem. 51 min 50 sec

Digitizing an Archive: Stanford's Experience with the Eliasaf Robinson Collection on Tel Aviv

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

This is a follow-up to Zachary Baker’s presentation at the June 2007 AJL convention where he provided an overview of the Eliasaf Robinson Collection on Tel Aviv. Acquired by Stanford at the end of 2005, the collection includes rare archival documents, ephemera, maps, posters, and photographs, along with several hundred books, pamphlets, and journals devoted [...]

Fictional Jews at the End of Time: Conversion Narratives and Jewish Suffering in the Evangelical Apocalyptic Novels

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 03:57:27 GMT

The presentation analyzes contemporary evangelic apocalyptic fiction with respect to the portrayal of Jews and Judaism. It examines 38 novels published in the United States between 1991 and 2009. These novels, which includes themes of Christian triumphalism, conversion to Christianity, and horrific Jewish suffering in the final days of mankind on earth, are consistent with [...]

Using In-Process Records to Reveal Backlogged Collections

podcast@jewishlibraries.org (Association of Jewish Libraries) — Wed, 04 May 2011 03:55:00 GMT

Over time, the University of Maryland Libraries have been aggressively developing their Judaica collections. Through donations and purchases from private individuals and larger institutions, the Libraries have acquired tens of thousands of volumes in this subject area. The growth has far exceeded cataloging capacity, resulting in a significant backlog that is invisible to selectors and [...]