Off to Read the Wizard

June 27, 2010

It's difficult to miss the OverDrive Digital Bookmobile, which is stationed in the corner of a large parking lot across the street from the Washington Convention Center. But inside is not just the expected product information. The Digital Bookmobile is also home to a project called Lend Your Voice. "Lend Your Voice is a community-sourced … Continue reading Off to Read the Wizard


Toni Morrison Opens ALA 2010, Delivers Quote of the Day

June 27, 2010

Nobel Prize–winning author Toni Morrison capped a splendid Opening General Session at the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., yesterday with what has to be the quote of the year. After charming the audience with her recollections about the libraries of her youth, she noted her respect for the technology and the contemporary library, ending … Continue reading Toni Morrison Opens ALA 2010, Delivers Quote of the Day



Research, Research Everywhere

June 26, 2010

A number of poster sessions at Annual provide librarians and library students the opportunity to share research projects. Yesterday, the Emerging Leaders had their turn, at a reception where they showed off the group projects undertaken as part of the EL program. All of the Emerging Leaders' projects are available at connect.ala.org/el10projects, and AL interviews about four … Continue reading Research, Research Everywhere


Libraries Are a Mirror to Societal Success Says Harvard Law Professor

June 25, 2010

"There are far too many libraries today that are not open seven days a week, weekends, or at  night," Harvard Law School Jesse Climenko Professor Charles Ogletree said in an exclusive American Libraries interview during Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. "We have 24-hour jail service and, in some instances, only limited library service. We’ve got our priorities wrong and if … Continue reading Libraries Are a Mirror to Societal Success Says Harvard Law Professor



Marlo Thomas Steps in to Replace Duchess at ALA Annual Conference

June 16, 2010

Less than 24 hours after Sarah, Duchess of York canceled her appearance at the forthcoming ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., revered actress, author, and children's advocate Marlo Thomas has stepped in to fill her Sunday morning slot. Often remembered for her 1960s television series That Girl, Thomas is more recently known for her work … Continue reading Marlo Thomas Steps in to Replace Duchess at ALA Annual Conference


Duchess of York Cancels

June 15, 2010

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, today canceled her scheduled June 27 appearance at the American Library Association's Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.  Although her publicists gave no immediate reason for the cancellation, they told ALA that a statement was forthcoming. Ferguson was recently caught on videotape in the compromising position of trying to sell access … Continue reading Duchess of York Cancels


Website Now Offers One-Stop Shopping for ALA Online Learning Opportunities

May 18, 2010

ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels today announced the official launch of ALA Online Learning, a new section of the ALA website showcasing all web-based professional development opportunities across the Association. "This new section will allow website visitors to easily find all ALA online training in one place for the first time ever," Fiels said. … Continue reading Website Now Offers One-Stop Shopping for ALA Online Learning Opportunities


Keith Michael Fiels

Planning and Budgeting

May 12, 2010

At the ALA Executive Board’s spring meeting, held April 23-25 at the Association’s headquarters in Chicago, the board spent a significant amount of time discussing the draft ALA 2015 Strategic Plan (PDF file) and the latest revisions made to the plan based on comments provided by over 750 ALA members. The ALA Council agenda includes discussion … Continue reading Planning and Budgeting


ALA Treasurer Sees Challenges Ahead

May 3, 2010

ALA Treasurer Rod Hersberger, whose term ends after this year's Annual Conference in June, delivered a report today on the American Library Association's financial picture. His assessment is scheduled for publication in the June-July issue of American Libraries, but here's a preview: "Over the last three years, I have tried to share information with ALA … Continue reading ALA Treasurer Sees Challenges Ahead


Raphael, Neal Elected ALA President, Treasurer

April 30, 2010

Election results just announced: Molly Raphael  has been elected 2011-2012 president of the American Library Association, and James Neal was elected ALA treasurer for the 2010-2013 term.  Raphael is the former director of Multnomah County Library in Oregon, and Neal is university librarian at Columbia University in New York City. Raphael received 5,857 votes for … Continue reading Raphael, Neal Elected ALA President, Treasurer