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
Public service announcements to help libraries promote ALA President Roberta Stevens’ “Our Authors, Our Advocates” national library advocacy public awareness campaign were unveiled today during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in San Diego. Library advocates can now download audio and video PSAs from such best-selling authors as Sharon Draper, Brad Meltzer, Sara Paretsky, and Scott Turow. The … Continue reading “Our Authors, Our Advocates” Advocacy Tools Available
I spotted ALA past presidents Peggy Sullivan, Beverly Lynch, Sarah Long, Barbara Ford, Loriene Roy, Leslie Burger, Camila Alire, and John W. Berry among the crowd gathered at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina this evening to say thanks to the Library Champions, Major Donors, members of the Legacy Society, and others who contribute … Continue reading Past Presidents, Staff Gather to Thank Library Champions
American Libraries Direct is celebrating its fifth birthday with the January 5, 2011, issue. The e-newsletter was launched on January 11, 2006, just prior to the ALA Midwinter Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. It was a modest affair, but since then it has grown to become an essential news resource for ALA members and nonmembers … Continue reading Five Years of AL Direct
1. Supply and Demand Several Fox TV affiliates aired a segment June 28 titled: “Are Libraries Necessary, or a Waste of Tax Money?” The answer should have been apparent before the question was even asked: Gate counts and circulation documented that libraries were more in demand than ever, and patrons were not about to surrender … Continue reading The Year in Review 2010
Americans love their libraries, and advances in technology have multiplied the ways in which libraries enrich the quality of life in their communities. Whether they are in an elementary school or a university, a museum or a corporation, public or private, our nation's libraries offer a lifetime of learning. To library supporters everywhere—Friends, trustees, board … Continue reading 12 Ways Libraries Are Good for the Country
ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels notified the Association’s governing Council today the decision by the Library of Congress and other government agencies to block online access to the WikiLeaks website will be added to the Midwinter Meeting discussion agenda in San Diego in January. Here is his message to Council in full: The Committee … Continue reading WikiLeaks Earns Spot on Midwinter Agenda
