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
Despite the rampant budget deficits facing municipal and state government all over Illinois, the Chicago Public Library has been allocated a 2011 budget that calls for no reductions. Ruth Lednicer, CPL director of marketing, contacted American Libraries November 29 “to let you know how happy we are to report that the Chicago city council’s 2011 … Continue reading Chicago Public Library Funding Holds Steady for 2011
Libraries in many parts of the country were heartened to see voters approve their operating levies and capital bonds after several years of struggling to make ends meet and keep their doors open. In particular, a 52.8% yes vote for Hood River County (Oreg.) Library will enable it to reopen next year after lack of … Continue reading Voters Resurrect County Library in Oregon, Deep-Six Service for Michigan Town
As libraries face the departure of staff with well-honed reference skills, years of experience in the community, and deep knowledge of the collection and traditional resources, how can we identify and retain their departing expertise—the gold in the library’s intellectual vault? How can we ensure that newly minted employees with e-knowledge skills have access to … Continue reading Wait! You Can’t Retire Without Sharing That with Us
In the midst of new outbreaks of violence in Pakistan, the United States Consulate in Karachi has announced plans to reopen its Information Resource Center, which has been closed for four years. Schools and universities in Karachi shut down October 20 and library programs were cancelled after a group of armed men opened fire in … Continue reading Violence Grips Karachi, but U.S. Consulate Announces Plans to Reopen IRC Library
With the media reporting new threats of terrorism in Pakistan, security was tight as we made our way to the first of many meeting venues in Islamabad. Check points and blockades, inspections and screenings are the norm for foreigners, according to the U.S. State Department, even for a representative from the American Library Association in … Continue reading Pakistan Libraries Struggle with Image, Technology, Politics, and Disaster
In what looks very much like the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernández paid a visit to 50 East Huron Street today, accompanied by First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, to talk with American Library Association staff about libraries. Joined by an entourage that included Dominican Consul General Giselle Castillo-Veremis and … Continue reading Dominican Republic President Consults with ALA on Library Development
South African librarian Ellen Tise is president of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2009–2011. American Libraries caught up with her during the 76th IFLA World Library and Information Congress, August 10–15, in Gothenburg, Sweden, where she talked about international relations, energizing the profession, and open access to knowledge. American Libraries: How was … Continue reading Ellen Tise on International Relations, Energizing the Profession, and Access to Knowledge
With library budget woes continuing unabated in many parts of the nation, three public library systems found themselves in role-reversing showdowns with municipal officials this summer. Ironically, two libraries—those in Trenton, New Jersey, and Wheaton, Illinois—were forced to fight in favor of sharply reduced services in order to balance their budgets while city leaders ordered … Continue reading City Officials Fight Library Backers in Trenton, Suburban Chicago
Everyone knows that the real IFLA action is in the divisions, sections, and committee meetings; for that reason, the August 14 General Assembly of the 76th World Library and Information Congress in Gothenburg, Sweden, was short and sweet. The assembly made a swift hour’s work out of a series of reports and resolutions that concern the inner … Continue reading IFLA in Gothenburg, Day 6: The Mechanics of Making an International Organization Tick
During one of the IFLA sessions here in Gothenburg, Sweden, I took a seat in what turned out to be a lousy place for the acoustics. Major programs during this year's World Library and Information Congress were largely in English, which is a second language to most Swedes, but listening to speakers of other languages … Continue reading IFLA in Gothenburg, Day 5: Exhibits, Programs, Networking Are All about Language
