In the Olden Days...

I worked with Jim at the State Library for 16 years. I learned from him, feel grateful for opportunities afforded me, and observed his impact on the state's libraries and citizens. Beyond these big picture e-salutes to Jim I have a few little picture stories to share:

Many of my fun memories of working with Jim center around traveling. We began consulting at the State Library back when the Motor Pool still had Ford Pintos and Volares. Fortunately the cars soon got better and safer because driving to Oregon's libraries was the only way to go. A lot of miles carpooling, a lot of time talking about library development and other topics. Eastern Oregon's similarities to the Texas landscape brought forth stories of Jim's travels for the Texas State Library. I learned about the Texas road wave from Jim (one finger raised off the steering wheel as another vehicle passed.)

In one rare instance we got out of the motor pool cars for a memorable trip to a western states library development meeting in Idaho. It was Jim's idea to travel by train. At that time Amtrak still ran the Pioneer line from Seattle to Salt Lake City with stops in Portland and Boise. It was a beautiful trip along the Columbia River Gorge. That route ceased in 1997 and as far as I know that's the only modern instance of library development staff taking the train (I assume Cornelia Marvin traveled that way!)

Jim played a role in the creation of the Oregon Library Association's traditional annual planning retreat at Silver Falls Conference Center. The inclusion of an evening hike around the South Falls with Jim as tour guide was an anticipated break in the agenda with assorted escapades depending on the year. I don't think the Silver Falls escapades necessarily involved Jim but two OLA ventures did: silhouetted unclothed reader tattoos and "socialize reading" bumper stickers. Guess which one made more money…

Naming programs and projects always consumed some time and required effort. I was pleased and amazed that Jim let me name the training program for small libraries the SLiCE program (Small Libraries Continuing Education). Like all good librarians I was into acronyms. It took two tries to get the right name for the state aid program dedicated to children. The Children's Services Improvement Grants (CSIG) didn't quite resonate the way that Ready to Read does. The year that Jim's first daughter was born there were a few staff members with new babies. Some of us re-named the Oregon Center for the Book to the Oregon Center for the Babe in their honor.

Many can attest to Jim's sense of humor. What else could explain the Mickey Mouse ears, a Statue of Liberty foam crown, a carved skull, and a Zippy cartoon (among other goofy objects) that showed up on my desk after he returned from trips? Jim also fell victim to a humor in the workplace session and occasionally appeared at a meeting with a red clown nose. Let's admit many of us did! (See photo slideshow...)

Jim appreciated Apple computers from the get go. On his first day as my supervisor in 1986 he asked me if I'd like to have a desktop Macintosh. I had no idea what this was going to mean not ever having had a desktop computer. Looking back I don't see how we would have produced all those publications, letters, grant guidelines etc. without desktop computers -- and specifically the Macintosh. As you can see I signed on wholeheartedly to the cult of Mac. Under Jim's leadership the State Library even tried to initiate others with RSLAP-- the Rural/Small Library Access Project -- that granted Macs and software to small libraries for public access. (This was before Al Gore invented the Internet).

Jim, you always embraced change and lifelong learning--I have no doubt that this change to retirement will be an enjoyable beginning-ment for you. As the tote bag says, "Peace, Love, Retired."

Salute,
Mary Ginnane

Jim's Career

When I look back on my career in and around state government, there are issues I wish I'd worked harder on, and a few that I would like to have worked harder against. As always, there are regrets. But I take personal pride in that I made a small difference here and there. In one area, though, my contribution was substantial: I was chair of the Board of Trustees that hired Jim Scheppke as Oregon's State Librarian.

I can say now that it wasn't easy. After the dismissal of Wes Doak, the board interviewed around 10 applicants from across the country, and Jim Scheppke already on the staff. When it was time to vote, it was three for an out-of-state applicant, three votes for Jim and one abstention. The deadlock went on for over an hour. Finally, when the discussion had died down, I asked permission to speak on Jim's behalf. I have no recollection of what I said, but I do remember how earnestly I said it. When I was finished, there were several minutes of silence. Then, just when I was about ready to throw in my gavel, the trustee who had abstained spoke up. "All right," she said, "let's go with Jim." I was elated. I felt like I had accomplished something important for Oregon.

Two decades of Jim's service as State Librarian have vindicated my faith. He has been a leader with a gentle hand and a voice of reason. His personality and intelligence fit the task perfectly. Our State Library has prospered under his guidance. Even more, public libraries throughout the state have strengthened and grown more secure in their communities, often through formation of a district of similar libraries seeking financial stability through association. And on a personal level, those who have been fortunate enough to associate with Jim Scheppke on library and other matters have been the better for it. He quietly helps people find the right thing to do.

I will always think of him as my close friend, and mentor.
-George H. Bell