London-based blogger, science-fiction author, and digital-rights champion Cory Doctorow opened Day 2 of the Conference on Privacy and Youth via Skype. “There comes a day when kids have to use their good judgment,” he said, arguing that adults are unwittingly undermining that goal by berating young people to guard their personal information while subjecting them … Continue reading Conference on Privacy and Youth: Day 2
On March 1, I had the opportunity to join about 50 other invitees and steering committee members to discuss the scope and content of what has been named (at least for now) the “Digital Public Library of America” (DPLA). The planning effort is hosted by the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University, … Continue reading The First Digital Public Library of America Workshop
Over the past eight days, the biblioblogosphere erupted as word spread that terms of service were about to shift for libraries’ e-book lending rights. It began with a February 24 email (PDF file) from OverDrive CEO Steve Potash alerting customers that “Publishers are expressing concern and debating their digital future where a single eBook license … Continue reading E-Book Blues
In anticipation of the U.S. Senate reconvening February 28, American Library Association President Roberta Stevens has issued this call to action through ALA’s Washington Office: “I am writing to you today to enlist your participation in an association-wide advocacy campaign to protect funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Improving Literacy … Continue reading Action Alert: Protect Library Funding, ALA President Urges Library Community
As Editor and Publisher Leonard Kniffel leaves the helm of American Libraries and then takes on new responsibilities upon his return from a sabbatical, I would like to acknowledge his many contributions to the evolving character of our member magazine and all that it has become. Under his leadership and with the support and contributions … Continue reading From the Publisher: American Libraries Transition
“I grew up as a follower of Martin Luther King,” said Michael K. Honey, Fred T. and Dorothy G. Haley Endowed Professor of the Humanities and professor of labor and ethnic studies and American history, University of Washington, Tacoma. “When I was in high school, I followed his campaign for desegregation in the South on … Continue reading King Sunrise Celebration Features Michael K. Honey
The last session of ALA’s governing Council ended two-and-half hours early as the body sailed through its agenda. Council passed several items from the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and its Chair Tom Wilding, including: a change in the constitution regarding endowment trustees increasing the composition to no fewer than three nor more than six members; … Continue reading Council III: Governing Body Ends Session Early
“Over the past decade, the combination of technological change and economic stress has caused many members to question the way in which ALA groups accomplish work,” begins a White Paper on the ALA Midwinter Meeting (PDF file) published just ahead of this year’s Midwinter in San Diego. “In particular, they have raised issues relating to … Continue reading What Is the Future of ALA’s Midwinter Meeting?
In its second session, ALA’s governing Council approved 2015 Programmatic Priorities, offered by ALA Treasurer Jim Neal (Council Document #13). The priorities are: diversity; equitable access to information and library services; education and lifelong learning; intellectual freedom; advocacy for libraries and the profession; literacy; organizational excellence; and transforming libraries. As finances seem to be heading in … Continue reading Council II: Association Programmatic Priorities for 2015 Approved
“Libraries have traditionally done well under Republicans,” according to ALA Washington Office Director Emily Sheketoff, who told those attending the Washington Office Update Break-Out Session, “New Congress, New Challenges,” that “all is not bleak, but all is not well either.” Casey Dominguez, assistant professor of political science at the University of San Diego, provided an … Continue reading New Congress Still Offers Opportunities for Libraries
A measure that encourages clarification within job listings as to the presence or absence of domestic partner benefits was the sole action taken by the ALA’s governing Council during its first session today. Introduced by Peter Hepburn, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table councilor, the resolution (Council Document #35) originally called for requiring potential … Continue reading Council I: Domestic Partner Job Listing Measure Passes
“Don’t focus on the negative and scary,” actor Ted Danson advised at Roberta Stevens's President’s Program today during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in San Diego. In conversation with Stevens, the Emmy–award winning television and movie star and oceanic environmental activist warned of the perils of over-fishing, saying “the clock is ticking,” but “the problems are … Continue reading Ted Danson on the Environment: No Doom and Gloom
