LSSI exec Pezzanite doesn’t understand “emotional” library women

By Jeff — Jeff Wilson

The hits just keep coming with this guy. He can’t help but say offensive things when it comes to public libraries and their advocates. This time, he insulted an SCVTalk reader and library-booster, Lori Rivas, after she went to a library conference in New Orleans and spoke out against privatization:

About 40 of those attending Rivas’ seminar were from LSSI, including co-founder Frank Pezzanite.

“It was hard to understand their concerns,” Pezzanite said. “They were coming from a very emotional place.”
Rivas said she was reinvigorated by ALA’s reception of her presentation.

That’s right. If you were concerned or upset by the way the City handled the library seizure in the last year, your concerns aren’t legitimate, you’re just being emotional. If you have real, substantive criticism to level at the City over their undemocratic, pre-decision process and their wildly optimistic budget & revenue projections, first of all, take a Valium and calm down little lady, and secondly, the sky didn’t fall, so what are you bitching about? “Why do you chicks keep arguing with me about my business model,” he seems to be saying.

I wonder how the women on the City Council or in the senior City staff would feel if a man publicly told a newspaper that “they were coming from a very emotional place.” Something tells me Laurie Ender, Laurene Weste and Marsha McLean wouldn’t react kindly to a man reducing them to a shrieking harpy.

The reality is that Lori Rivas has argued persuasively that public libraries should remain entirely in the public realm. And yet, I think she would say that if a community wants to outsource, the process should be clear, public, and transparent, with real opportunity for the public to weigh in prior to the decision. Which is exactly the opposite of what we had last year. Nothing emotional about that.

Comments (73)

Lori RivasJuly 4, 2011 at 8:13 am

Thanks, Jeff. And, yes, I’ve said so, as many times, to as many people, even to folks in our city management, and a clear, public and transparent process is exactly what we are fighting for with AB438. A few other points which did not come out in the article: a librarian from OR, who used to live in CA, told me that we who have been battling in SCV, have given courage and voice to others who have previously been intimidated to speak out against LSSI. She said that our actions here in SCV have spurred the CA library association, in particular, to take a stand against outsourcing entire library systems, and make their group’s position known at the upcoming SoCal library conferences in the fall. And to clarify, there were only about 20 LSSI folks at our session. I am not sure where the count of 40 came from, unless LSSI was padding their numbers for The Signal. It was very clear who the LSSI’ers were, as they all came in together, and sat in a line, across the back of the room, and there were certainly not 40 of them.

LibraryGalJuly 5, 2011 at 6:58 am

Not everyone in California is able to live in a city such as Santa Clarita. You have a community that is passionate about their libraries and you are fortunate enough to have 3 libraries open to the public. What Ms. Rivas fails to realize that in advocating for AB 438, the impact that she is hoping to have will have just the opposite. If AB 438 passes, more libraries will close. If communities do not have other viable options available such as contracting, they will make the decision to close the doors. These won’t be libraries in communities such as Santa Clarita but libraries in communities such as Inglewood, Oakland, and Escondido. The people who will suffer won’t be the citizens of Santa Clarita. They will be the poor, working-class, and minorities living in cash-strapped cities who depend on libraries the most. Contracting out may not be the right choice or a good choice for every city but at least these cities should be able to have that option. Whatever Ms. Rivas thinks of the way things were handled in her city should not be the rationale for passing a law that essentially takes away that right from every other city in California dealing with budget problems. I send my children to public school. Ms. Rivas does not. That is her choice. I’m sure that she would not be pleased if the California Teachers Association introduced a law mandating all children attend public schools because the net effect would be more union jobs. In Ventura, the city has hired a consultant, surveyed the public, and held many community meetings about their libraries’ future. If AB 438 were to pass, Ventura, a city that has done everything right according to Ms. Rivas, would not have the option to contract out for library service even if it was the right option for that community. I only hope that Ms. Rivas will realize before it’s too late that the only thing that SEIU cares about are keeping union dues paying jobs. The same dues money that sent her to New Orleans. SEIU does not care about keeping more libraries open or available to the public. By taking contracting out as an option, SEIU does not have to negotiate with cities. Cities will then make the decision to simply close the doors. It’s just easier that way. Read more: http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_18217065 http://blog.libraryjournal.com/annoyedlibrarian/2011/06/16/libraries-or-librarians/

SplashGuardJuly 5, 2011 at 8:27 am

Your entire comment was false. The bill does not in any prevent in any way a city from contracting out library services. It simply requires that sufficient noticing be given so that people in the community can be involved in the decision. That is what is happening in Ventura. It did not happen here. Since LSSI is currently the sole source contractor, your position is protecting that single company. Are you a lobbyist for LSSI?

LibraryGalJuly 5, 2011 at 11:40 am

My comment is not false. Sufficient notice is merely one component of the bill out of more than 30+ new regulations. No one can argue with the fact that more notice is always better than less notice. That’s not the purpose of this bill. The purpose of the bill is to prevent any city from seeking alternatives. The bill was written by SEIU. At least be honest about that fact. In Ventura, we have had a public process. The problem with the public process is that it was too little, too late to save the most popular library in the city. The Wright library was closed despite a huge public outcry. A major portion of our community is no longer being served because of the closure of this library. The library was closed in direct violation of the operating agreement between the cities and the county and as punishment for voters not passing Measure A. It’s amazing how you cast aspersions on people who have an alternate point of view or may have information that contradicts your cemented notions. And no, I am not a lobbyist for LSSI or for any other company. Thanks for asking. So that everyone has the facts, here’s a link to the full text of the bill: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0401-0450/ab_438_bill_20110627_amended_sen_v93.html

Lori RivasJuly 5, 2011 at 8:59 am

Here’s a short synopsis of the bill. Seems perfectly reasonable to me. Requires practical measured before outsourcing entire library systems.

Lori RivasJuly 5, 2011 at 9:00 am

http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/06/despite-strong-opposition-from.html#mi_rss=Capitol%20Alert

Lori RivasJuly 5, 2011 at 12:25 pm

Okay, LibraryGal, I have now also read the two links that you posted above. Both articles argue for a side of the story to which I do not ascribe. Both articles are written from a world view that does not fit within my morality. Neither article convinces me that AB438 is bad for libraries or communities, nor convinces me that AB438 is all about serving the union. Without a long, protracted discussion, which I am happy to have, but doubt this is the best forum, let me reduce my opinion to these few items: I think that deregulation, ie, privatizing public services, has been a huge factor in creating our current economic crisis and economic disparity. I think that capitalism run to its natural conclusion only serves the minority few at the top. I think that some governmental controls over public services is vital. And, I would rather my tax dollars pay local, union librarians than be sent out of state, and pocketed by a multi-national based in Maryland.

LibraryGalJuly 5, 2011 at 1:23 pm

Thank you for your honesty and I understand your point-of-view. Please understand where I am coming from. I have watched a beloved library close its doors first-hand. Once that happens, it’s very hard to put the pieces back together again. In a perfect world, there would be an unlimited amount of money for libraries and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. The reality is that we don’t live in a perfect world and funding for libraries has been decimated. It’s my opinion that we need more options, not less. Taking options away from other cities that are doing their due-diligence is not fair or right. It’s throwing everyone under the bus because someone didn’t play nice. I fear that the end result will be more doors closed, not open.

Lori RivasJuly 5, 2011 at 2:12 pm

LibraryGal, I would welcome your more detailed thoughts, sent to my private email, if you have the opportunity to compose and send today. I enjoy respectful discourse, though do not want to muck up this board. My email is lrivasx4@yahoo.com .

spineflower2July 4, 2011 at 9:02 am

“I am not sure where the count of 40 came from, unless LSSI was padding their numbers for The Signal.” You have it backwards. The Signal was padding numbers for LSSI…

Phil EllisJuly 4, 2011 at 9:17 am

Jeff, I certainly didn’t take the comment to be about women in general. It seemed to very specific about one person at one time – “coming from a very emotional place.” Please stop trying to reinvent meanings to words. But talk about irrationality – refusing to use a new and better service because you don’t like how it came to be. I wonder if Lori refuses to use other City contract services. I don’ remember getting to even speak on them, whereas I was afforded an opportunity to speak on the library system. Speaking about transparency, shouldn’t those who are sponsored by the union give a disclaimer when they speak. I was pleased to see that the Signal made that clear it its report.

Lori RivasJuly 4, 2011 at 10:06 am

Phil, several things: I was not “emotional” in my presentation, and everyone in the room clearly understood my outline — so much so, that not only did PBS film my presentation (mine only, not the rest of the session), but Lori and I were called the “stars of the day” on in an ALA publication: http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/inside-scoop/our-last-public-space So, if Pezzanite did not understand my presentation, that speaks more to his level of cognition, not to my articulation of the issue. Also, Lori and I made such an impact that day, that, hours later, when we left a restaurant after dinner, we were vigorously applauded and cheered on by a big group of librarians. Believe me, our message was clearly understood by all at the session. So, if Pezzanite did not understand my presentation, that speaks more to his level of cognition, and not to my articulation of the issue. Secondly, I am not “sponsored” by the union. As I told The Signal, and will repeat here, had this national conference been held in SoCal, I would have attended on my own dime. However, as a single income family, we do not have the resources for me to travel to NoLa for such a trip, and, so, when the union offered to pay for my trip, I accepted, then rejected, then accepted again. This issue is, obviously, important to me. Furthermore, the trip did not come without cost to my family: my husband took 2 vacation days to stay home with the kids while I was away. I do not speak for anyone but myself, and the homeschoolers that have asked me to speak on their behalf. Is it okay that LSSI can use taxpayer money to send 40 people to the conference, to advertise, fund a fancy booth in the vendor hall, etc., OR, if it is okay that our city government uses tax dollars to send folks to Sacramento to lobby for redevelopment funds, etc.? Look, I do not have the money to compete with the advertising and PR department and contacts of the City nor LSSI. I am one stay-at-home mom, who has given countless personal hours and resources over the last year, to speak out on this library debacle. It just so happens that my goals happen to align with the union’s goals on this particular issue, and so I chose to partner with the union in going to the ALA conference. Nothing I said or did was dictated by the union. Which carries more weight — a volunteer, sacrificing personal time and resources, or paid workers, lobbying on the clock, drawing from a corporate and public budget? I have nothing to hide, and have never, ever, spoken on behalf of the union. Ever. Shame on those who continually and consistently marginalize the small guy who speaks out against government and big business. Let’s talk issues, people, not denigrate those with whom we disagree.

Phil EllisJuly 5, 2011 at 8:49 am

“Phil, several things: I was not “emotional” in my presentation, and everyone in the room clearly understood my outline ” Lori, I don’t care whether you were or were not emotional in your presentation. That has nothing to do with my comments above. Please try to stay on topic. If you would care to reread what I said and stick to the facts you would notice that I was commenting on Jeff’s inane over-generalization.

Lori RivasJuly 4, 2011 at 12:15 pm

Lastly, Phil, you do not know why I will not use LSSI libraries, so it might behoove you to ask before ascribing irrationality to my decision.

Phil EllisJuly 5, 2011 at 7:23 am

Lori, you are right – I only know what you were quoted as saying: But Rivas won’t. Rivas said she won’t join the Santa Clarita Public Library system. “Not as long as LSSI is running it,” she said. So was it the manner it whihc the City made its decision or is it that it opted to use LSSI. It seems to me that a rational person would pick the better service. You can rationalize away your union support to your heart’s content. But the fact still remains that you are supported by the union – and your arguments seem to mirror theirs. If LSSI ends up running a much better system that the County, will you deny your home schooled children the better system?

Lori RivasJuly 5, 2011 at 8:21 am

No, Phil, I will not use an LSSI-run library for reasons I outlined below. Though I hope LSSI offers great libraries to the community, “great libraries” will not compel me to use…just like “low prices” do not compel me to shop a Wal-Mart, or Sunday coupons do not compel me to buy junk food, so it is that whatever our libraries end up being, I am not compelled to use their services. I know my tax dollars will still support the libraries, but my tax dollars support several things with which I disagree, and will never take part. For sure, I am an idealist, maybe too much so, but we will stick with County, and be served just fine. My kids will have all the books they need, and their education will not be compromised.

ToddJuly 5, 2011 at 3:51 pm

As I just posted, will you not be using LSSI because the SEIU has paid for you (indirectly) to not?

NateJuly 4, 2011 at 12:19 pm

I Agee with Mr. Ellis. Jeff, I feel you very emotional about this topic and lack a little perspective

spineflower2July 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm

That’s just his feminine side talking.

NateJuly 4, 2011 at 2:05 pm

Yes Jeff does sounds very Kevin Korenthal lately.

MikeJuly 4, 2011 at 2:12 pm

I don’t see what’s emotional about Jeff’s post. Pezzanite has a history of being hostile and dismissive, this is just another example. I’d rather us have good libraries, so I hope the City and LSSI figures this out. The steady dosing of hostility from the likes of Pezzanite, Striplin, Ferry, etc. have not been reassuring.

NateJuly 4, 2011 at 3:30 pm

I am sorry. I was referring to the very bitter and slanted post from a few days ago. All perspective, objectivity and fairness were tossed out the window. Even if you agreed with Jeff how could anyone get behind that post? This one is just using the weak argument that Bob Haurter used when Vakey was nailed for plagiarism. Falling back on the sexism argument… should be below Jeff but emotions being involved and all.

MikeJuly 4, 2011 at 3:46 pm

This one? http://scvtalk.com/2011/07/01/city-libraries-open-today/ what was wrong with it?

NateJuly 4, 2011 at 4:33 pm

It told the story from a hater’s perspective. Any valid points go out the window when he ignores the gross incompetence of Los Angeles County. Jeff played the pawn of the offense & defense of politics rather then rising above it and asking responsible questions of all sides. I was disappointed.

MikeJuly 4, 2011 at 7:17 pm

Where’s the hating? Where’s the evidence of “gross incompetence” from the county? I haven’t heard anyone complain either before or since. I hardly fault Jeff for failing to cover an imaginary side of the story. Besides, it’s not a news article. It’s analysis, nothing more. I’ve read it three times over, and I can’t find anything remotely hateful. It’s actually conciliatory.

NateJuly 4, 2011 at 9:18 pm

There were plenty of times the county talked out of both sides of its mouth and it was always ignored and overlooked. It wasn’t imaginary at all.

SplashGuardJuly 4, 2011 at 1:08 pm

Phil, You’re on the Newhall redevelopment committee. You have a vested interest in the library being built. You were put on the Citizen’s Library Committee because you go along with the City, and you were one of the few to agree with the City’s decision. No one who previously spoke against the plan was placed on the Library committee. Your interest in this is not emotional, it economic. Holy than thou? Cut the crap!

Phil EllisJuly 5, 2011 at 7:17 am

Your interest in this is not emotional, it economic. Holy than thou? Cut the crap! Pray tell, what economic interest do I have? My sole interest is getting better library service. People complain about a few flowers but do you remember the six week closure under the County for extremely minor “upgrades.” BTW, the Newhall library was going to be built no matter if the County or the City controlled the libraries. Please stick with facts – if you can.

LindaJuly 4, 2011 at 12:50 pm

While I agree with Lori’s position on the way this issue was bungled by the city, I am doubtful that there was a lack of emotion in her presentation. Emotion seeps through what she’s written here. That said, there’s nothing wrong with a little healthy anger when it is directed in a way that will actually accomplish something worthwhile. But anger usually provokes a reaction, and the comment by Mr. Pezzanite certainly was a very passive aggressive response. And what else would you expect? He is hardly going to say, “You’re right and privatization is wrong.” Refusing to use the library also seems to be an emotional response which accomplishes very little but create more profit margin for LSSI. One less person placing 50 book holds at a time means less wait time for other people. I would think Lori would want to get in there and see exactly where corners are being cut and hold the new library staff and the city council accountable. Lori, what is your reasoning on that issue?

Lori RivasJuly 4, 2011 at 1:12 pm

For sure, one less, or several hundred less, people using the LSSI-run City system will make books more available to those who use it. And as for getting into the libraries, and holding City and library staff accountable for library services, I just don’t think that I will have the energy or time for that, long term. This last year has taken a lot of my attentions and time. I am not ready to make that commitment for LSSI’s 5-year contract. As for not using the LSSI-run libraries, myself, I have privacy concern issues, and marketing concern issues, and morality issues. I do hope that the City libraries are successful for the community. On emotions, I am more forth-right on this board than I was speaking to an audience of strangers. For sure, my presentation was not devoid of emotion — I am not a robot — but I was certainly not emotional, and my presentation consisted primarily of a documented timeline of events, and other verifiable facts. I did not name any names or titles, I did not even name LSSI. The only pure opinion in my presentation was my closing statement about who is left advocating for the people when a private company is hired to delivery public services.

Lori RivasJuly 4, 2011 at 5:22 pm

Who here knows their computer stuff, and can tell me if this is a possibility? I just read over on The Signal comments that the City’s library website includes an option to buy books from Barnes and Noble – ie, you search a book, up the title pops, you have the option to place a “hold” or “buy.” The “buy” option takes you straight to the specific title on B&N website. Don’t remember this being an item in our contract, BTW. My question is, since the LSSI library site is linking directly to B&N, there is obviously some information, some kind of cookie, being passed. What I wonder, is it possible, or probable, that B&N then has access to a users entire LSSI/library cookie? Name, address, browsing patterns, etc. Would this information not be tremendously valuable, even more valuable than just buying the book? I mean, all one has to do is click over to B&N, and the cookie is shared. Is this the big proprietary secret? Or part of it? I really don’t know how computers work, what is possible, what is not. I am just thinking out loud. Any helpful comments?

NateJuly 4, 2011 at 6:17 pm

You don’t know how computers work… But that doesn’t stop you from getting all emotional and start drawing conclusions!

Lori RivasJuly 4, 2011 at 9:24 pm

You know me, Nate, all emotional and incomprehensible. I am just a mish mash of estrogen and progesterone. A coherent thought escapes me. Seriously, though, how do people learn but by asking questions? That’s all I was doing – asking. Do you know the answer?

SplashGuardJuly 4, 2011 at 7:20 pm

No privacy issues. You click and get re-directed to BN. But those buy clicks are an important source of revenue. Was this discussed with the City; does the City get this revenue? Why not? Why not Amazon? Why not coupons for restaurants, ads for just about anything? Was it decided that because you directed to a bookseller that was okay? It’s a City website, not a sales tool. We know the City watches these websites, so City how about an answer, or are you going to play “I’ve got secret?” Time to straighten up and fly right.

JeffJuly 4, 2011 at 8:40 pm

I am not a web developer (Nate is, maybe he could help) but I don’t think you can transfer cookie data on your pc from one site to another. Typically all websites get from click throughs is is referral information. If b&n is crediting lssi for traffic generation, it’s probably through some affiliate program where they pay a percentage of the purchase to the site that delivered them traffic. No personal data is forwarded. I don’t have a library card/account yet, but I can still search the catalog and click on the buy link to b&n. This will be the first of many upsell opportunities lssi will offer the people of Santa Clarita. I seem to remember a coffee bar mentioned in the contract as well (not that that would be a bad thing, love coffee and reading)

Lori RivasJuly 4, 2011 at 9:34 pm

Thanks, Jeff. Yes, commercial space in our libraries is guaranteed to LSSI in our contract. When we asked Mark Smith about the space in February, I think it was, at a CPLAC meeting, he kind of poo-pooed the whole idea of a coffee shop, saying it was something LSSI had tried once, a long time ago, and it didn’t work, and Smith did not see LSSI doing it again. However, I have since learned that Camarillo has both a coffee shop, and a bookstore, both run by volunteers. I do not know how LSSI uses the profits.

LibraryGalJuly 5, 2011 at 7:16 am

The coffee shop located at the Camarillo Library is not run by volunteers. It is a business owned and operated by a local couple since 2007. The article below details how their arrangement with the City of Camarillo works. It is a wonderful little shop and they often host music events in the courtyard outside. The bookstore is operated by the Friends of the Camarillo Library. It is extremely successful. The group recently donated $500,000 to the Camarillo Library. They were not happy with the Ventura County system and could not trust the VCLS director with their donation. They are extremely happy with how things are running now. The money is earmarked for materials for the library. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2008/jan/06/couple-brew-up-a-business-in-library/ http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/mar/24/camarillo-public-library-friends-donate-500000/

SplashGuardJuly 5, 2011 at 8:37 am

Lucky community to have a FOL that runs a 2500 sq. ft. bookstore and give $500,000 to a library that is run by a for profit corporation. So how much of that $500,000 was needed to cover the profits taken by LSSI? Wouldn’t it be better to have a non-profit run it and use the savings to improve the library directly? Again, are you a lobbyist for LSSI?

LibraryGalJuly 5, 2011 at 11:41 am

I was simply passing on information that I know to be true, because I frequent both the coffee shop and the bookstore, to Ms. Rivas who did not have the correct information. Again, that does not make me a lobbyist for LSSI. It’s kind of sad for you to attack a dedicated group of volunteers who work hard because they love their library. We are very lucky to have these people in our community.

VenturanJuly 5, 2011 at 11:52 am

LibraryGal: What is your opinion on working with the local community college to run the City libraries, rather than a for-profit company? I think that option was overlooked in Santa Clarita as privatization was a foregone conclusion. There was never a discussion, that I know of, that included working with COC rather than LSSI. We can at least vet that possibility in Ventura, that is if we have a willing partner in Ventura College.

LibraryGalJuly 5, 2011 at 12:52 pm

@Venturan (Replying directly is not available.) I think that all options should be on the table for how to better improve library service in Ventura. Granted, our spending on libraries is pathetic when compared to other areas. (Pathetic is being kind.) If VC is willing and able to provide better service to Ventura than VCLS, why not? The problem I have is that if AB 438 passes, Ventura will not have all options available. We should be able to weigh all options (county-run, city-run, private, or non-profit) for the community and choose the one that works best for us. We should not be punished.

Lori RivasJuly 5, 2011 at 11:06 am

Read the articles, LibraryGal. Thanks for the links. Do you know if the $500,000 gift from the FOL group, to be used to buy library books and materials — will those purchases be counted under the LSSI contract? What I mean to say, is that LSSI is under contract to buy X amount of books/year, for example. Will the purchases made with this $500,000 donation be counted towards LSSI’s contract, or will it be used above and beyond what LSSI is bound to provide? And, if it is used above and beyond the LSSI contract, what percentage will LSSI keep for brokering the purchases?

LibraryGalJuly 5, 2011 at 11:44 am

The $500,000 is above and beyond the money already allocated by the City of Camarillo to purchase books and materials. The purchases are not counted towards the contract. I have been told by numerous sources, i.e. the City, Friends, etc., that LSSI does not charge any percentage for purchases made using donated funds. All the money donated goes back into the library.

Lori RivasJuly 5, 2011 at 12:49 pm

Thanks for the info, LibraryGal. Sounds like a good handling of funds donated by volunteers.

Mr PerezJuly 4, 2011 at 10:19 pm

Is LSSI a publicly traded company?

SplashGuardJuly 5, 2011 at 5:43 am

LSI Corporation (Public, NYSE:LSI)

PetzJuly 5, 2011 at 3:06 am

Petz found it a bit strange that on Saturday a landscape company was replacing all of the grass in front of the Valencia library with new sod. Seems like this would be a bit far down on the priority/budget list.

SplashGuardJuly 5, 2011 at 5:49 am

Shine not substance. The PR on this project went south, so spending money to regain credibility through visual appearances, even by piling up BS and putting new grass on top of it, is the best the City can do. LSSI’s expertise on the other hand is to make a profit.

CCJuly 5, 2011 at 10:22 am

I saw them removing the old sod. I can’t imagine why new sod was put in place of perfectly good old sod. I was hoping for some drought tolerant plants to help dress the place up. Oh well.

SplashGuardJuly 5, 2011 at 12:08 pm

Go to: http://catalog.santaclaritalibrary.com/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/x/SC-VA/x/1/1166/X/BLASTOFF Blastoff?! The box on the right hand looks like this: Library Info • Events [ http://www.sbcounty.gov/library/home/default.aspx ] • Services [ http://www.sbcounty.gov/library ] • Branch Information [ http://www.sbcounty.gov/library ] Looks like the Santa Clarita Website is not quite finished? LSSI looks like they need someone for QA testing on the website. (Quality Assurance.) Sorry, maybe I am wrong. Maybe the webmaster for San Bernardino County is at fault. But this link looks promising… http://www.sbcounty.gov/main/OpenGovernment.asp . Sorry again, wrong County and wrong city. We don’t need that here.

DrakeJuly 5, 2011 at 2:22 pm

Hello SplashGuard, My name is Ryan Drake and I am the Webmaster for the City of Santa Clarita and the creator of the Library website. The eLibrary system that searches our catalog of material is run by software from SirsiDynix (an industry standard that most libraries use, including both Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties as indicated at the bottom left of each page). As I am unable to replicate your error I would appreciate your assistance in troubleshooting this issue. Please feel free to contact me at (661) 286-4070 at your earliest convenience so that we can make sure the correct links are being displayed for all users. I look forward to your call.

JeffJuly 5, 2011 at 2:48 pm

I think he’s referring to the links on the far right of the page he linked, the “My Account” landing page you land on if you click “My Account” from the santaclaritalibrary.com website. I see the issue too. Run your mouse over “Events, Services & Branch Information” and you will see a javascript call to open an sbcounty website. Here’s the text from the source code: http://www.sbcounty.gov/library/home/default.aspx ‘)” rel=”nofollow”>Events http://www.sbcounty.gov/librar ‘)” rel=”nofollow”>Services http://www.sbcounty.gov/librar ‘)” rel=”nofollow”>Branch Information Something that might help you in troubleshooting this is that I have no login or library card yet. I wonder if the sirsi system customizes the “My Account” screen based on which system the user is attached to. The footer for the page says “Inland Library Network” BTW

MikeJuly 5, 2011 at 2:50 pm

Same thing happens here.

SplashGuardJuly 5, 2011 at 3:14 pm

Drake, You must have been given or used code from LSSI or San Bernardino County. The reference to the url’s must be in two places. If the user is logged in it calls the correct menu with the correct links. If the user is not logged in, with a newly opened browser with no history saved, it calls a San Bernardino menu page with San Berardino links. I can log in and get the correct page. Log out and still get the correct page. But with a fresh browser and not logged in the code sends you to San Bernardino. So did you code the “buy” link? And where does the money go? Better to the City than LSSI… Good luck, I hate hard to reproduce errors.

DrakeJuly 5, 2011 at 4:09 pm

Please try the My Account link from the home page again. You should now only see the links back to our Santa Clarita Library site. Please be sure to clear your cache or close/re-open your browser before trying the link again. Thanks for your help and for bringing the bad link to our attention. In the future, please feel free to contact me directly at webmaster@santa-clarita.com with any web issues. @Jeff, you should be able to search the catalog whether you are logged in or not. The footer should now display “Santa Clarita Public Library, Inland Library Network”.

ToddJuly 5, 2011 at 3:50 pm

“Rivas’ trip to the conference was paid for by the Service Employees International Union.” Can anyone take her seriously now, with that bit of information out there? Because, to me, as an individual who is pro-local control (aka no more county control) but also anti-privatization of the library, I cannot continue to ignore the mounting pile of evidence that this entire anti-LSSI movement is bought and paid for by the SEIU. Sorry Lori, your comments here are occasionally thought-provoking. Until you pay back the SEIU in full, I will now be forced to consider you a bought-and-paid-for mouthpiece for them on all issues.

Lori RivasJuly 5, 2011 at 4:34 pm

Oh well. Don’t know what more I can do to convince you otherwise. Sad as it is, such is the nature of making your voice heard – the little guy doesn’t have a chance without aligning with bigger groups with more funding. I have receuved no payments or gifts or promises of future compensation from the union. I believe anyone who knows me would say that I am honest, to a fault. Does it help to know that NoLa was not a vacation for me? That when I walked the Quarter, with the little free time I had available, I did not enjoy the city, on many levels? I am not sure what you mean in your above comment, asking if the union is paying me to not use the LSSI-run libraries. Of course not. My highest priority is my children, and it is for them that I fight, and make decisions. I am obligated to no one, for nothing, except answering to God for my life.

ToddJuly 6, 2011 at 9:13 am

I appreciate you following up and responding. I would argue that the trip, regardless of if you had fun or not, is a gift, and a rather significant one, and were you in the public sector (elected or administratively) you would be required to publically disclose that, or perhaps be outright barred from accepting it. Can you please elaborate then (as you have seemed to skirt around the issue) as to why you won’t use the libraries now. You seem to indicate that its about your children. What exactly will the City and or LSSI do now that would be of detrement to your children. Do you have proof of this?

Phil EllisJuly 6, 2011 at 12:39 pm

I wonder why no one seems to be upset that the City outsources the operation of the bus system to an outside company.

ToddJuly 6, 2011 at 1:03 pm

Or the trash. Or the fire and police. All of which, I am on record, for bringing in-house (although, I will admit, the Sheriff does a great job in Santa Clarita… but I attribute that to good captains and Pulskamp’s working relationship with the LASD).

SplashGuardJuly 5, 2011 at 5:14 pm

Well Todd, On August 24, 2010 LSSI flew in people from all over the country to testify to LSSI’s wonderfulness. City Council listened attentively and bought the package, without any concern that LSSI paid for their airline tickets and other travel expenses. I guess that doesn’t bother you either. As long as those demonic unions can be bashed and trashed, all is well. We live in LA County. I was happy with my County library paid for with my County taxes. The City took it away, made me pay for it a second time, and gave it to a company that is in Maryland. Which is more local, Maryland or LA County? But in one sense you are right. Because the City is so nervous after screwing this process up so bad, we do have more local control. We found some issues with the website today and got them fixed and didn’t even have to pick up a phone. They promised that the new library will be as good as the County library, and maybe it will be. The hard part will be to do it and save money like they also promised —which was the whole point of the exercise.

ToddJuly 6, 2011 at 9:06 am

And I would lump those people’s opinons in the same group. Bought and paid for. For the record, I live in the City of Santa Clarita. I do not live in unincorporated Los Angeles County. I want my governance and services provided by a local agency. Now, if it so happens that they contract out to a company based elsewhere, well thats unfortunate, but the local city council and/or board of library trustees still holds the local accountability… which is much better than the one county supervisor who represents our area and can be out-voted by his peers that don’t live in, nor have any interest in my area.

MikeJuly 6, 2011 at 9:56 am

Todd, while financial support from a vested interest is always worthy of scrutiny, I think the chicken/egg relationship here is pretty clear. Lori has been out front on this issue from the first minute and clearly came into this as an independent actor. Her comments here and before the council have clearly from the perspective of a super-user of the local library system, not a union shill. At this fork in the road, their interests are aligned, but there’s a big difference between getting funded after being the most visible advocate on an issue, then being handed a red shirt and reading a speech someone else wrote. By coincidence, the other woman Lori presented with (also a Lori) has been a good friend of mine for 20 years. I know her motivation comes from the same place as Ms. Rivas’, and like me, she probably didn’t even know that SEIU was the library worker’s union until this story broke wide. Like most people here, I’m upset by how the city handled this, but like you, not necessarily opposed to the City running the libraries. I think this LSSI business is bad news and between the council and senior city staff, I don’t really see anyone who has the temperament to oversee a good public library. Despite the protestations of many here, I think on balance Pulskamp is a smooth operator. He’s kept this city out of serious hurt by running a tight ship. It’s just that cold, streamlined approach is a poor fit when it comes to maintaining something of cultural importance. Much of what our City does needs a good brain, but the libraries need a heart as well. Anyway, this is just to say I’m not an activist on this issue but I can personally vouch for the motives of Ms. Rivas’ co-presenter and I think over the last year, it’s been clear that Ms. Rivas’ motivations are sincere.

MikeJuly 6, 2011 at 9:58 am

“…being the most visible advocate on an issue, then being handed a red shirt and reading a speech someone else wrote.” should be “…being the most visible advocate on an issue, and being handed a red shirt and reading a speech someone else wrote.” (e.g. she is not some random red-shirter)

SplashGuardJuly 6, 2011 at 12:11 pm

I also do not think that in all cases the private operation of a library is wrong. In our case, the County was doing a good job. The case that the City’s takeover and hand off to LSSI would result in a better library, or that it would save money was never made. Further, it appears that those questions were never adequately researched by the City. The City’s quick, and what appeared to be secretive methods to get this done, did not help matters.

SplashGuardJuly 6, 2011 at 12:05 pm

I live in both the City and the County. I do not think in territorially as a tribe member. LSSI is a monopoly, in that there are no competitors for what they claim they provide, anywhere on earth. So there was no “so happens” involved here. If LSSI does not work out, or LSSI, the corporation fails, the City’s only choice will be to go down on bended knees and ask the County back in. Or, spend an incredible amount of money making the library workers public employees. Neither are likely to ever happen. LSSI owns us and our libraries—maybe not legally, but absolutely in practical reality. And that’s better than one County supervisor? No, not really…

SplashGuardJuly 6, 2011 at 12:14 pm

Then why do you so aggressively attack Lori? Why not distribute some of that in toleration for what you consider paid-for opinions to others? Do you have an agenda?

ToddJuly 6, 2011 at 1:00 pm

My agenda is to call it as I see it first, but secondly, self-reliance and independence from the county might be a factor too. As for aggressiveness? I’ve seen Lori (and stated publically on this blog) align herself with SEIU before, which she has denied doing. If she’s to be a true independent voice, she should not accept the union’s gift in any way, shape or form (plane tickets, t-shirts, or whatever else we’re not aware of). I have yet to hear anyone have a logical argument against LSSI. All that was feared is not proving true. Expanded hours, expanded collection, expanded resources. Where is the downside that everyone feared???? As I’ve asked Lori, what exactly has the City or LSSI done to harm her, or any other child?

SplashGuardJuly 6, 2011 at 1:44 pm

“I have yet to hear anyone have a logical argument against LSSI. All that was feared is not proving true. Expanded hours, expanded collection, expanded resources. Where is the downside that everyone feared???? As I’ve asked Lori, what exactly has the City or LSSI done to harm her, or any other child?” You have not been paying attention, the concerns have been plentiful and unasnwered. More hours, yes. Better collection, claimed not proven. Better resources and access to inter-library loan materials, claimed not proven. Better personnel and qualifications, not claimed, and certainly not demonstrated that we now have equal quality to what we had before. Cheaper, probably not,—it sure doesn’t look that way. But if you judge success by the fact that they opened the doors yesterday. Yes it was a raving success. As an apologist and attack dog for the City and LSSI, you really aren’t doing that well. But you haven’t got much to work with. And is child molestation a requirement for deciding that LSSI is unfit to run our libraries? Never heard that one before.

ToddJuly 6, 2011 at 2:55 pm

Apologies if I’ve missed out, but again, I ask, what exactly is LSSI and the City doing that will harm Lori’s or anyone’s child? Specifically? You and Lori seem to like flipping that around and have now begun to attack me as an apologist and attack dog (of which, I am neither, but I thank you for your inaccurate judgement).

SplashGuardJuly 6, 2011 at 5:55 pm

Todd, Cool out. You are the one who brought LSSI hurting children. I think that you mentioned the idea and ask someone else to justify the thought was quite weird though. Attack dogs attack people, not ideas. So attack the idea of people paid to say things but not disclosing that they are paid to say things (they don’t really believe just for the money.) That’s an idea. A good idea to attack, by the way. But using a mother of four as your target, really makes you seem mean. Google “straw man argument”, that’s what you question was. No one has accused of LSSI of hurting children. The issue is simply, “Will the City and LSSI provide as good or better service at a lesser cost, as they promised?” That question is still to be answered. If the answer turns out to be “no” we all will be hurt. No. No one has paid me a dime to say any of this. I am not a union member. I am not a communist.

momtwiceJuly 6, 2011 at 3:45 pm

I’m willing to myself out there as an emotional library user. I’m pretty darned ticked off about the library take over today. Let me start by saying we went yesterday to the Valencia Branch grand opening. We ran into friends along the paseo on the way so we arrived late and missed the speeches. But we were there on time for doughnuts and my kids were won over instantly. I was pleased to be handed a colorful glossy two sided page listing all the great upcoming events at all three libraries over the summer. We returned again today for the first of the libraries “Wacky Wednesday” event. Each week for 5 Wednesdays the library offers the wacky Wednesday program to go along with the summer reading programs global theme and today’s program was to highlight Australia. I couldn’t wait to see what my kids were going to do, play with Australian instruments? be read Australian folklore stories? Learn about Aboriginal culture? We arrived to a pile of markers and some coloring pages of Australian animals. Are you freaking kidding me? This is part of their new and expanded services? The woman who seemed to be running the show. She wasn’t wearing a volunteer shirt but nicely dressed and others asked her for direction etc. so I think it’s safe to say she’s the children’s library, but I’m not 100% sure of that. anyway my 3 year old wanted to know what kind of animal she was coloring. It looked like a rat. The volunteers helping us shrugged and said, “It looks like a rat.” finally when the children’s librarian making the rounds came by our table I prompted my daughter to ask *her* what the rat animal really was. She didn’t know either. Okay really? This is teaching my kids what? When my 3 year old was done with coloring her rat creature, she became bored while my 7 year old continued coloring his kangaroo coloring page. She wanted to play with the toys. Well i had to explain they didn’t have the toys in the children’s section any more. “no dinosaurs?” she asked, ‘no no dinosaurs.” She said that was okay she would just play with the legos. i had to tell her, “no, they don’t have the Lego’s anymore.” At this point the librarian over heard our conversation and piped in with, “No we don’t have Lego’s, but we do have lots of books. New books that you can check out that have never been read before!” My three year old gave her a blank stare because she’s three and she could care less if a book has nice clean new pages or if they are a little dog-eared. I began to feel sorry for the librarian and smiled and said, “Yep, there are some nice books. we checked out a bunch yesterday and we’re looking forward to reading them all, aren’t we?” to my little one. I miss Catherine, I miss Marci. They were librarians, they put together children’s programs that wree fun, exciting, educational and for the city to call throwing a bunch of markers and photo copies on a table “expanded services” is revolting. The city isn’t harming my kids but this action, no. But they sure did rip away a positive and enriching part of our lives. And they lied and said they weren’t going to do that. And they are still lying about it.

Lori RivasJuly 6, 2011 at 7:15 pm

Todd, I have had a very long and hot day. I have just now read all of your questions. I have friends arriving from out of town tonight — I am actually waiting at the FlyAway right now — but I will respond when I have the opportunity.