Council I Approves Renaming Dewey Medal

Councilors also participate in facilitated EDI workshop

By Amy Carlton | June 23, 2019

American Library Association (ALA) President Loida Garcia-Febo called the first Council meeting to order at 8:00 on June 23.

This Council session began with a facilitated discussion on equity, diversity, and inclusion through a social justice lens, facilitated by DeEtta Jones, founder and principal of DeEtta Jones and Associates.

Upon reconvening, the minutes from the 2019 ALA Midwinter Conference (CD#2.1) were adopted.

ALA Past President Courtney L. Young gave an update on the ALA Executive Director Search Committee (CD#34). ALA Executive Director Mary G. Ghikas presented the report on Executive Board (CD#15.2–15.3) and Council (CD#9.1) actions taken since the 2019 ALA Midwinter Conference.

Committee on Committees (COC) Chair Wanda K. Brown announced the nominations for the 2019-2020 COC election (CD#12): Oscar Baeza, Elissa Buell, Emily Clasper, Johanna Orellana Cabrera, Leslie Preddy, Raymond Pun, Ana Elisa de Campos Salles, and Sarah Thornberry.

Brown also announced nominations for the 2019-2020 Planning and Budget Assembly election (CD#12.1). Candidates for two-year chapter councilor terms (2019-2021) are Jayne Blodgett, Jennifer Dean, Susan Jennings, Paula Laurita, Kevin Reynolds, and Sarah Robbins. Candidates for two-year councilor-at-large terms (2019-2021) are Catherine Damiani, Mario Gonzalez, Muzghan Israfil Nazarova, and Brenda Pruitt-Annisette.

Garcia-Febo then announced the tellers for the ALA Council Elections for both the executive director search committee and the ALA Executive Board elections (CD#12.2): Cynthia Dottin, Tyler Dzuba, Grace Jackson-Brown, William E. Sudduth III, and Chair Vivian Bordeaux.

Ed Sanchez, chair of the ALA Resolutions Committee, presented that committee’s report (CD#10.2). Sanchez also reported on two membership resolutions. A resolution in defense of the free speech of supporters of the movement for Palestinian rights (CD#49) was referred to the Legislation, Intellectual Freedom, and International Relations Committees for review; follow-up is expected at Midwinter in Philadelphia. A resolution on renaming the Melvil Dewey Medal (CD#50) passed.

Garcia-Febo adjourned the meeting at 11:15.

AMY CARLTON is a senior editor of American Libraries.

Tagged Under

Addressing Race and Racism with Young People

Intersectionality, white fragility, and more

Left to right: OCLC's Cathy King, Lynn Silipigni Connaway, and Jay Holloway

User-centric Library Services

OCLC plans for a more demanding user base

Latest Library Links

2h

“A new Taylor Swift album is always a big event on the internet, including fans carefully reading into every line for hidden meaning—a little like close reading poetry. But while Swifties have celebrated Taylor Swift’s lyricism from the beginning, no album invites comparisons to literature quite like The Tortured Poets Department, if just for the title. Already, outlets have been putting together reading lists to pair with each song on the album. Here are just a few to get you started.”

Book Riot, Apr. 22
7h

Chris Hoffman writes: “When I was younger, I was told ‘never use your real name on the internet.’ But the world has changed, and I don’t follow that advice anymore. Likewise, there’s a lot of well-meaning online security advice that has outlasted its usefulness. There’s a core of truth to each one of the security practices I criticize below, but you shouldn’t blindly follow these old tips. At best, you’ll be wasting your time. At worst, you’ll be putting yourself more at risk. Read on to learn more about the five outdated security practices you shouldn’t use anymore.”

PC World, Apr. 17
1d

Bobbi L. Newman writes: “This week, an article from the BBC caught my attention: ‘Without support, many menopausal workers are quitting their jobs.’ Supporting employees going through menopause is important for those experiencing it and for everyone’s wellbeing. It reflects a commitment to employee wellbeing and a strategic approach to workforce management. Libraries can adopt strategies to support employees experiencing menopause, enhancing their wellbeing and workplace productivity. Remember, with all wellbeing, the goal is to support and empower staff to make the choices that best improve their health. Here are some practical approaches.”

Librarian by Day, Apr. 19; BBC, Apr. 9
1d

Libraries have a long history of helping to deliver on a wide variety of development goals, from literacy and school readiness to research productivity and urban cohesion. Their unique potential has been recognized not just by the governments or others that traditionally fund them, but also by a range of other funders, private and public alike. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions has created a dataset to help librarians easily discover examples of private philanthropic grants, as well as other funding sources, that other libraries have been able to leverage.”

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, Apr. 22
2d

Jackie Jennings writes: “It feels like the debate over whether #BookTok is bad has been raging since the moment the term was first coined. I’m starting off with a strong stance: BookTok is indeed bad. However, the problem with BookTok is not crappy books or bogus influencers. The problem with BookTok is TikTok itself. BookTok isn’t actually a community driven by fans, writers, influencers, or even publishers: it’s part of a social media corporation, controlled by the most mysterious, fickle god of all, the algorithm.” Not surprisingly, librarian recommendations can overcome some of BookTok’s limitations.

Jezebel, Apr. 18; Book Riot, Apr. 22
2d

ALA announced the launch of its state Intellectual Freedom Helpline grant program April 22. Over the next two years, 10 pilot program sites will operate a confidential reporting system that will help connect those experiencing censorship attempts with professional support, in-state peers, or referral to ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, as appropriate. State or school library associations or agencies wishing to either establish an Intellectual Freedom Helpline in their state or expand existing efforts may apply for $10,000 grants through July 14.

ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, Apr. 22
2d

In celebration of the release of his latest nonfiction title, The Secret Lives of Booksellers & Librarians, bestselling author James Patterson is honoring select American Bookseller Association and American Library Association members with bonuses. He announced plans April 11 to give $200 each to 250 library workers across the country. The deadline for ALA members may nominate members to receive bonuses through April 30. Winners will be announced at ALA’s 2024 Annual Conference in San Diego.