The primary focus of my ALA presidency is to serve the people—all people—with particular attention to those who were not included or who are underrepresented or forgotten. In my last column, I shared the idea behind ALA’s “Holding Space” tour, which began in July and featured virtual visits to 11 libraries across the country that … Continue reading We the People
Memorials were read for Gayatri Singh (M#8), Yen-Tsai-Feng (M#9), Thomas Low (M#10), Clement Chu-Sing Lau (M#11), Tze-chung Li (M#12), Patricia Ann Hannon (M#13), Mary Ardeth Gaylord (M#14), Michelle Marie Miller (M#15), Ruth and Jay Toor (M#16), J. Linda Williams (M#17), Mary Jo Lynch (M#18), Peggy Sullivan (M#19), Charles Brown (M#20), William A. Bill Garrison Jr. … Continue reading Council III: Memorials, Resolutions, and SCOE
But as we hear often, many members find the path to engagement too confusing, too insular, and too expensive. How do we address these concerns while also modernizing the way our Association functions? This is where we start. For the past 18 months, as a member of the Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness (SCOE), I’ve … Continue reading Forward Together
I start my tenure by reporting mixed results for our finances, but I am optimistic about the work being done to advance libraries. In 2018, the ALA Executive Board approved a plan to strategically invest in three critical areas: information technology, advocacy, and development. Over a three-year period already underway, $8.8 million has been dedicated … Continue reading Achieving Our Vision
At the event, R. David Lankes, now director of University of South Carolina’s iSchool, facilitated discussions on the topic. Participants from all types of libraries were asked to take an imaginary walk around their community: observing, listening, seeking to understand the aspirations of the community for itself. During the discussion that followed, participants talked about how … Continue reading Listening to Your Community
Shali Zhang, chair of the Committee on Organization, proposed an action item (CD#27.1) to add representatives from the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries to the Rural, Native, and Tribal Libraries of All Kinds Committee. The motion passed. Zhang also reported that the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and … Continue reading Council II: SCOE Preliminary Recommendations
Policy Monitoring Committee (PMC) Chair Gladys Smiley Bell presented the PMC report (CD#17) with three action items. Motions to insert a new interpretation of Library-Initiated Programs as a Resource into B.2.1.11 of Library Bill of Rights, a new interpretation on Services to People with Disabilities into B.2.1.21 of the Library Bill of Rights, and the … Continue reading Council II: Resolutions and Organizational Effectiveness
Over the coming months, our Association will be engaged in difficult but essential work. The task will require that we work together in good faith, trusting one another’s commitment to the important job of library workers and the power of libraries to transform individuals and communities of all types. The American Library Association (ALA) was … Continue reading Challenge, Change, Opportunity
