2015 ALA Annual Must-Dos

Focus on the future

As community centers and technology hubs, libraries are always forward-focused. ALA’s Center for the Future of Libraries presents various sessions concentrated on the Library of the Future. Hear experts from Google, Steelcase, and the Long Now Foundation discuss trends in libraries and the latest on innovative learning, online search, and literacy.

Catch the speakers

The conference starts on a high note at the Opening General Session (June 26) when litigator Roberta Kaplan offers insights into how the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was defeated, how the law got overturned 17 years later, and how change can be made through the legal system. Hear from bestselling authors and experts from film, journalism, and pop culture, including Haifaa al-Mansour, Edwidge Danticat, Joshua Davis, Sonia Manzano, Nick Offerman, Gloria Steinem, and Sarah Vowell. Don’t miss Sarah Lewis at the ALA President’s Program, as well as thought leaders like danah boyd, Eli Neiburger, and Maryanne Wolf at the division presidents’ programs.

Professional development

Continue the conversation on the transformation of libraries and your profession at:

Preconferences and more than 500 programs, discussions, and sessions covering digital content and ebooks, technology in libraries, innovation, books and authors, transformation, leadership, library advocacy, community engagement, and library marketing.
Look for the many informal peer-to-peer opportunities such as the Unconference (June 26) and Library Camp (June 29) where you can explore ideas, share inspirations, and reflect with your colleagues.
Networking Uncommons: A Wi-Fi-enabled space for impromptu sessions, follow-up conversations, and small get-togethers.

Book pride

Awards and honors
The Pride Parade won’t be the only pomp and circumstance in San Francisco this June. Award celebrations include the fourth year of the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction, as well as the Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder Awards Banquet, Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast, Stonewall Book Awards Event, Margaret A. Edwards Luncheon, and Michael L. Printz Program and Reception.

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Enhance your experience
Be present for the installation of Sari Feldman as the new ALA president and the new 2015–2016 division presidents at the Inaugural Brunch (June 30).

Need a break from stimulating conversations and networking opportunities? Stretch out and relax in the Think Fit Meditation Room (June 27–29).

Exhibit hall

Visit the publishers, Book Buzz Theater, and PopTop Stage to meet and hear from authors, get books signed, and pick up ARCs; chat about the latest products and services with more than 900 exhibitors; glean useful tips and info from the poster sessions; indulge at the What’s Cooking @ ALA Demo Stage; enjoy the Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage; stop by the Gaming Lounge to explore resources for your library programs; check out the DVD/Video Pavilion for a showcase of recorded materials for libraries of all types; see work by and meet the artists and illustrators behind your favorite comics, games, and graphic novels and see their work in Artist Alley; and close out your conference by celebrating at the Wrap Up/Rev Up (June 29).

Stay connected and informed

Check out the ALA Annual Conference Scheduler to receive updates, plan and organize your conference time, get tailored recommendations, and create a shareable calendar. Look for the mobile app of the Conference Scheduler on May 14.

Show your pride

With LGBT Pride Month in June, ALA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition coincides with the 45th Annual San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade, on June 27–28. The tagline this year is “Equality without exception,” a belief that ALA shares.

The events are sure to add an extra layer of excitement for attendees, but here is some logistical information to keep in mind.
All the available slots for ALA Annual Conference attendees to participate with the San Francisco Public Library in the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. were rapidly filled.

Many streets will be closed at times during the day. Anticipating that the city will be very busy, ALA has reduced the number of properties needed to hold meetings. In addition to the three buildings of the Moscone Convention Center, only six other hotel properties will be used for meetings. ALA has also reduced the number of shuttle bus routes and will increase the number of buses on each route. Be sure to plan extra travel time in your schedule on Sunday whether riding a bus or walking.

Special activities will also be scheduled in the exhibit hall throughout the day on Sunday. Kicking off Show Your Pride in the Exhibits will be a free continental breakfast in the exhibits from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Exhibitors will provide special giveaways and bring in authors and promotions as part of the celebration. Additionally, the exhibits will close at 4 p.m. on Sunday to help relieve outbound shuttle traffic from the convention center. Visit alaac15.ala.org/pride-week for up-to-date information. For more on the San Francisco Pride celebration, visit sfpride.org.

Latest Library Links

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Jackie Edwards writes: “As spring rolls around, seasonal allergies can flare up among library workers, resulting in symptoms like sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, ears, and nose, coughing, and asthma. Not only are these symptoms detrimental to well-being and productivity, but they can also mean you’re less able to provide excellent customer service to library users. Fortunately, by purifying the air, preventing mold, and keeping your work area clean, you can improve indoor air quality and combat allergies in your library.

Library Worklife, Apr.
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In Episode 94, Call Number celebrates Preservation Week, to be held this year April 28–May 4. The week’s events aim to raise awareness of the role libraries and cultural institutions play in protecting historic and culturally significant collections. Segments include Traci Sorell, honorary chair of this year’s Preservation Week, discussing the role of preservation in telling stories; Kathleen Monahan, special collections public services supervisor at Boston Public Library, addressing the importance of security in preservation; and Rosie Grayburn and Melissa Tedone, cofounders of the Poison Book Project, talking about research on potentially toxic bookbinding materials from the 19th century.

AL: The Scoop, Apr. 15
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Leigh Kunkel writes: “The legalization of marijuana in many states and municipalities in recent years has created a newly legal industry and budding entrepreneurs who can benefit from the expertise of business librarians. As soon as Washington state introduced an initiative to legalize recreational cannabis use in 2012, Seattle Public Library librarian Jay Lyman started fielding questions from potential entrepreneurs. Since then, 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational cannabis use, and 14 more have legalized medical use of cannabis. This cultural shift brings a new opportunity for libraries to step in with support services.”

American Libraries Trend, Mar./Apr.
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ALA launched its “Reader. Voter. Ready.” campaign, calling on advocates to sign a pledge to be registered, informed, and ready to vote in all local, state, and federal elections in 2024. Available resources include a 2024 voter engagement guide for libraries, a tip sheet to share with community leaders and partners, highlighting the ways libraries support voter participation and education, and a one-pager, “Voters Count on Libraries: The Numbers,” illustrating libraries as centers of civic lift and patron engagement with library services. ALA is collaborating with partners to provide nonpartisan resources and learning opportunities for librarians.

ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Apr. 10
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Joyce McIntosh writes: “Each year the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) distributes Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Programming Grants to organizations to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during Banned Books Weeks. Grants are awarded for $1,000 and applications are accepted through April 30. FRTF also offers the annual Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship for library school students and new professionals to attend ALA’s Annual Conference. The scholarship provides conference registration, transportation, six nights of housing, and a $300 stipend for meals and other expenses. The application deadline is April 26.”

Freedom to Read Foundation, Mar. 28, 29
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Bobbi L. Newman writes: “Psychological safety, a term coined to describe an environment where individuals feel free to express their thoughts without fear of repercussion, is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for workplace wellbeing. It fosters innovation, encourages the sharing of ideas, and supports mental health. Librarians can struggle with psychological safety because we prefer the veneer of niceness over almost all else. We often conflate niceness with kindness. It is hard to have psychological safety when teammates are afraid to express thoughts and be their authentic selves because any type of nonconformity is perceived as not nice.”

Librarian by Day, Apr. 5
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Joy DuBose writes: “Many people remember playing the original Oregon Trail in school to learn about the historical Oregon Trail and the tribulations of those who traveled it. But, unless you are familiar with games or know what to look for, you may not know what is currently available or how games have changed. Many games were created with education in mind, and there are a great deal more entertainment games that can also be used for education.” Examples include Super Algebrawl, Turing Complete, Kerbal Space Program, and even Stardew Valley.

Choice 360 LibTech Insights, Apr. 8