Council II Discusses ALA Reorganization Ideas

February 12, 2018

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American Library Association President Jim Neal called the second council meeting to order at 10:01 a.m.

Policy Monitoring Committee (PMC) member Jennifer Boettcher presented the PMC report (CD#17) with three action items. The first motion proposed that text on politics in American libraries be incorporated into the ALA Policy Manual. The second motion proposed that text on equity, diversity, and inclusion be added to the Policy Manual. The third motion proposed to add definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion to the Policy Manual. All three motions passed.

Susan Considine, chair of the Committee on Organization, presented a report (CD#27) with two action items. The first proposed the dissolution of Federal and Armed Forces Library Round Table and merger with Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies to form a new ALA division named the Association of Specialized, Government, and Cooperative Library Agencies, to take effect September 1, 2018. The motion passed. A second motion proposed the dissolution of the Joint Committee on Archives, Libraries, and Museums to establish as a Membership Initiative Group. That motion also passed.

Martin Garnar, chair of the Committee on Diversity, presented a report (CD#14) on the committee’s accomplishments and planned activities.

Garnar, who is also president of the Freedom to Read Foundation (FRTF), presented the FRTF report (CD#22), including updates on legal victories and upcoming cases, Banned Books Week activities, and its strategic plan.

Neal led a discussion on how ALA might organize itself to continue to fulfill its mission in the 21st century (CD#35). Councilors and visitors broke into small groups and answered written discussion questions, which were collected.

ALA Executive Director Mary Ghikas reported that there were 5,311 paid attendees and 2,682 exhibitors at Midwinter, for a total of 7,993, compared with 8,971 in Atlanta.

Neal adjourned the meeting at 11:59.

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