Librarians and libraries should join with parents and other family members in “going back to the basics,” Roland S. Martin told the audience during the August 8 closing session of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association’s seventh National Conference of African American Librarians in Birmingham, Alabama. “When I look at the breakdown of … Continue reading Librarians Urged to Get Back to Basics
"Visions of Hope: Lunch with Two Extraordinary Men" was the title of the author luncheon featuring Ray Charles Robinson Jr. and Bryant Terry August 7 during during the Black Caucus of the American Library Association's seventh National Conference of African American Librarians in Birmingham, Alabama. "The work of librarians is vital for our youth," Robinson, … Continue reading Son of Musical Icon, Food Justice Activist Headline BCALA Author Luncheon
Kim Wayans, joined by her husband Kevin Knotts, shared a bit of her life growing up in a family of comedians at the August 6 author luncheon during the Black Caucus of the American Library Association's seventh National Conference of African American Librarians in Birmingham, Alabama, "Culture Keepers VII: Bridging the Divide with Information, Access, … Continue reading Kim Wayans/Kevin Knotts Writing Team Brings Laughter to Authors Luncheon
"It was the Little Rock Public Library's [then] small Ivory branch for colored people that helped me to begin to process information," Terrence Roberts said during the opening session John Tyson Lecture, August 5 during the Black Caucus of the American Library Association's (BCALA) seventh National Conference of African American Librarians in Birmingham, Alabama. Roberts, an … Continue reading Libraries and Information Key for Little Rock Nine Member
Two different library stories in Texas crossed my desk in the past week that gave me pause. The first was the discouraging news from far southeast Jefferson County that county commissioners seeking to close a several-million-dollar deficit have zeroed out the $297,236 budget for the 80-year-old county library, which serves 33,000 residents in unincorporated and … Continue reading Facts, with a Generous Helping of Heart
A post-conference interactive issue of Cognotes is now available online. ALA is going green this year and sending it out electronically to attendees. Deidre Ross, head of Conference Services, invites feedback and suggests that you send her a short e-mail with your thoughts, to dross@ala.org. If you were at the Annual Conference, this issue … Continue reading Post-Annual Conference Interactive Issue of Cognotes Now Available
Librarians and their supporters spoke loudly and clearly about the value of libraries during the American Library Association’s 2010 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., June 24–29. On Library Advocacy Day, June 29, some 2,000 librarians and library supporters registered for a rally at Upper Senate Park, according to Emily Sheketoff, executive director of ALA’s Washington … Continue reading Librarians Head for the Hill to Rally for Reading
A couple weeks ago I was experimenting with FBML AL site (that's how we get those "Like" buttons on the blog posts, for example) and at the same time experimenting with Dlvr.it to push out content. Well, one thing led to another, and now we have a Facebook Page. Because I'm on Facebook at least … Continue reading There’s More to “Like” as AL Delves into Facebook
The last thing I did before checking my suitcase at Washington National Airport was to tuck the pink steno pad in which I’d been scribbling all conference long into the front pocket of my suitcase. Well before the end of my trip, I had tired of lugging and protecting the accoutrements of conference life, so … Continue reading What Came Home from D.C.
Friends, family, and colleagues, including new division presidents, helped Roberta Stevens of the Library of Congress celebrate her inauguration as 2010–2011 president of the American Library Association. Instead of a traditional presidential speech, Stevens turned the podium over to four of her favorite authors: Marie Arana, Brad Meltzer, Sharon Draper, and Carmen Agra Deedy. Calling … Continue reading Roberta Stevens of the Library of Congress Inaugurated 2010-2011 ALA President
LITA's trendsters seemed to have some fun—and words of caution—with their predictions for libraries 3–5 years out. All the trend predictions had a clear emphasis on end-user experience over back-end library technology and future-proof, forward-thinking information services over preserving old workflows. For a complete re-cap of the entire panel discussion, see the ustream video. Jason … Continue reading Top Technology Trends at ALA10 Part 3: Long-term Trends
American Library Association's governing Council sailed through its last Annual Conference session that began early morning to accommodate the Library Advocacy Day rally on Capitol Hill. Council approved six action items from the Committee on Legislation: a measure that urges Congress to commit a minimum of $100 million designated for school libraries in FY20111 and … Continue reading Council Handles Full Agenda in Early Last Session
