Do you have a question you’re dying to ask the candidates for ALA President? If you can’t attend the Presidential Candidates’ Forum at Midwinter, why not submit a question on YouTube? It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s the new ALA way!
• Questions should be submitted as videos and posted to YouTube
• Maximum running time is 90 seconds
• ALA members or groups of members may submit questions using your true name(s) (anonymous submissions will not be considered)
• Video submissions must be tagged as ALAelection09 in order to be identified as questions for the ALA Presidential Candidates
• Submissions accepted from Dec. 8 through Jan. 16
Six questions will be selected by a jury of past ALA presidents and presented to the candidates. Candidates’ responses will be posted to YouTube and AL Focus prior to the opening of the ALA Election on Mar. 17. The candidates for ALA President for the 2009 election are Kent Oliver and Roberta Stevens. Questions will also be posed to any petition candidates.
For more details, go to http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/governance/alaelection/index.cfm
This opportunity is brought to you as one of ALA President Jim Rettig’s "Creating Connections" initiatives. For further information about Jim Rettig and his initiatives, visit http://jimrettig.org/
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
YALSA Offers 20 Mini Grants for Teen Tech Week
Through funding from Verizon Communications, Inc., the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of ALA, will award up to 20 mini grants, consisting of $450 in cash and a Teen Tech Week prize pack, to members offering inventive activities, resources and programming for Teen Tech Week, March 8-14, 2009.
Visit http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teentechweek/ttw09/home.cfm to read the official rules and download the application form. This contest is open only to YALSA members. Applicants for the TTW Mini Grants must submit the official application form to the YALSA office at yalsa@ala.org by January 19, 2009. Winners will be notified the week of February 9, 2008. In addition to $450 cash for the winners’ TTW plans, they’ll receive a prize pack featuring Teen Tech Week items.
Visit http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teentechweek/ttw09/home.cfm to read the official rules and download the application form. This contest is open only to YALSA members. Applicants for the TTW Mini Grants must submit the official application form to the YALSA office at yalsa@ala.org by January 19, 2009. Winners will be notified the week of February 9, 2008. In addition to $450 cash for the winners’ TTW plans, they’ll receive a prize pack featuring Teen Tech Week items.
Video on Traditional Cultural Expression.
In November 2008 OITP hosted a conference in Washington, D.C. titled "Cultural Heritage and Living Culture: Defining The U.S. Library Position on Access and Protection of Traditional Cultural Expression." The video is posted on District Dispatch's website:
http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1134
http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1134
Attention: Friends Organizations - Grant Opportunity
Books for Babies Matching Grants - Stay tuned - Grant application available in January!
NEWSFLASH: Nordstrom is supporting a second year of grants! Please scroll down for the 2008 winners.
In partnership with Nordstrom, FOLUSA will be granting 20 grants for $500 each to match $1,000 raised by selected Friends groups, women's groups, libraries, and other non-profit organizations for purchasing Books for Babies kits from FOLUSA. Grant recipients do not need to be members of FOLUSA. Grant recipients do not need to be members of FOLUSA. The 2009 application will be available January 1, 2009.
Here's how it works. Applicants agree to order a minimum of $1,500 worth of Books for Babies kits, of which FOLUSA will pay $500. Therefore, the minimum commitment from applicants is $1,000. Grants will be awarded in two cycles:
Cycle 1: Applications are due April 1, 2009. Recipients will be notified by April 15, and kits must be ordered by June 1, 2009.
Cycle 2: Applications are due October 1, 2009. Recipients will be notified by October 15, and kits must be ordered by December 1, 2009.
Applicants not awarded grants in the first cycle may amend their applications and be reconsidered for the second grant cycle. Only one grant per organization.
Grants will be awarded to organizations that currently have a Books for Babies program in place as well as organizations starting a new Books for Babies program. Grant applications will be considered based on the following criteria:
Effective kit distribution plan.
Effective use of the kits to connect new parents with their local library.
Involvement of the local library.
Effective publicity plan for their Books for Babies program.
The 2009 application will be available January 1, 2009.
NEWSFLASH: Nordstrom is supporting a second year of grants! Please scroll down for the 2008 winners.
In partnership with Nordstrom, FOLUSA will be granting 20 grants for $500 each to match $1,000 raised by selected Friends groups, women's groups, libraries, and other non-profit organizations for purchasing Books for Babies kits from FOLUSA. Grant recipients do not need to be members of FOLUSA. Grant recipients do not need to be members of FOLUSA. The 2009 application will be available January 1, 2009.
Here's how it works. Applicants agree to order a minimum of $1,500 worth of Books for Babies kits, of which FOLUSA will pay $500. Therefore, the minimum commitment from applicants is $1,000. Grants will be awarded in two cycles:
Cycle 1: Applications are due April 1, 2009. Recipients will be notified by April 15, and kits must be ordered by June 1, 2009.
Cycle 2: Applications are due October 1, 2009. Recipients will be notified by October 15, and kits must be ordered by December 1, 2009.
Applicants not awarded grants in the first cycle may amend their applications and be reconsidered for the second grant cycle. Only one grant per organization.
Grants will be awarded to organizations that currently have a Books for Babies program in place as well as organizations starting a new Books for Babies program. Grant applications will be considered based on the following criteria:
Effective kit distribution plan.
Effective use of the kits to connect new parents with their local library.
Involvement of the local library.
Effective publicity plan for their Books for Babies program.
The 2009 application will be available January 1, 2009.
Need Financial Assistance for LIS Studies?
The 2009 Financial Assistance for Library and Information Studies Directory is an annual directory of awards from state library agencies, national and state library associations, local libraries, academic institutions, and foundations that give some form of financial assistance for undergraduate and/or graduate LIS programs. The directory is available online. http://www.ala.org/ala/educationcareers/education/financialassistance/2009%20FALIS%20Booklet.pdf
ALA Presidential Candidates
The 2010–2011 candidates for ALA President—Kenton L. Oliver and Roberta Stevens—have launched websites that describe their platforms and qualifications. Oliver is the executive director of the Stark County (Ohio) District Library, and Stevens is outreach projects and partnerships officer at the Library of Congress and project manager for the National Book Festival.
Change in date for Registration for ALA Annual
The first day of registration for the 2009 ALA Annual Conference has been moved from Friday, Jan. 2 to Monday, Jan. 5. Registration for the Conference, to be held in Chicago. July 9 through July 15, will open at 8 a.m. CST on Jan. 5.
The change was made to accommodate the closing of the ALA office for the day of Jan. 2.
Beginning Jan. 5, participants can register online through the ALA Web site, by fax or by mail. Hotel reservations can also be made at this time. With the new reservation system, attendees must be registered before they can make a hotel reservation. Also that day, participants can sign up for the pre-conferences and special events. If you registered for the “Bundle,” you can go back into the system and make housing reservations, as well as sign-up for the pre-conferences and special events.
Registering early with Early Bird Registration, available until March 6, will ensure the lowest rates. Advance Registration rates are available until May 22. Limited registration is available onsite, beginning June 26. For rates listed in detail, visit
http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/upcoming/annual/2009/registration.cfm
The change was made to accommodate the closing of the ALA office for the day of Jan. 2.
Beginning Jan. 5, participants can register online through the ALA Web site, by fax or by mail. Hotel reservations can also be made at this time. With the new reservation system, attendees must be registered before they can make a hotel reservation. Also that day, participants can sign up for the pre-conferences and special events. If you registered for the “Bundle,” you can go back into the system and make housing reservations, as well as sign-up for the pre-conferences and special events.
Registering early with Early Bird Registration, available until March 6, will ensure the lowest rates. Advance Registration rates are available until May 22. Limited registration is available onsite, beginning June 26. For rates listed in detail, visit
http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/upcoming/annual/2009/registration.cfm
ALA Midwinter Coming Soon!
If you haven't signed up for "the premier preconference" sponsored by CAL, there's still time left - in fact, you can sign up until the day of the conference on January 23rd. Look for additional information coming out on Libnet of contact me (Shelley @ walchak_s@cde.state.co.us ) The preconference will allow discussion on the all-important OCLC study, "From Awareness to Funding."
The Event Planner is now ready to use (http://tinyurl.com/9rhyll) and includes dates, times and locations of all events. The Planner is only available to fully registered attendees. To log in, use the email address you provided when you registered, and the generic password "ala." You will be able to reset your password using the "My Profile" feature once you are logged in. If you do not remember your email or you are having trouble accessing the event planner please contact Karee Williams at kwilliams@ala.org. Fully registered attendees can create a personalized agenda and search for meeting, programs and events.
If you have an Exhibits Only or Exhibits Supreme registration, you cannot log in and create an agenda. However, you can view and search exhibitor listings and information by clicking on product locator.
The Event Planner is now ready to use (http://tinyurl.com/9rhyll) and includes dates, times and locations of all events. The Planner is only available to fully registered attendees. To log in, use the email address you provided when you registered, and the generic password "ala." You will be able to reset your password using the "My Profile" feature once you are logged in. If you do not remember your email or you are having trouble accessing the event planner please contact Karee Williams at kwilliams@ala.org. Fully registered attendees can create a personalized agenda and search for meeting, programs and events.
If you have an Exhibits Only or Exhibits Supreme registration, you cannot log in and create an agenda. However, you can view and search exhibitor listings and information by clicking on product locator.
National Library Legislative Day - 2009
The 2009 National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) is quickly approaching and will be held on Monday, May 11th and Tuesday, May 12th at the Liaison Hotel in Washington, D.C. Please think about joining up with fellow Colorado library advocates to go to Washington and talk with our legislators about the importance of libraries. Please contact me if you have questions about NLLD. (Shelley) walchak_s@cde.state.co.us. For more information from ALA, please go here: http://tinyurl.com/95owqx
ALA Submits Report to Obama-Biden Transition Team
The ALA Washington Office prepared a report on the library community’s key issues and concerns, Opening the “Window to a Larger World”: Libraries’ Role in Changing America and submitted it to the Obama-Biden Transition Team on December 17. The Washington Office hopes to continue this open dialogue with the administration over the next four years. You can link to the full report at this url:
http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1191
http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1191
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
ALA Annual in Chicago - July 9 - 15
Although Midwinter is not yet here, it's already time to start thinking about ALA Annual - this year in Chicago, and rather late - from July 9th - 15th.
Here's the information:
New- Registration Opens January 5, 2009, 8:00 am CT
ALA Annual Conference 2009
http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/upcoming/annual/index.cfm
The 2009 Annual Conference will take place in Chicago, IL July 9- July 15, 2009 at McCormick Place West located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60616.
Committee and business meetings take place July 9-15, 2009 and Council Meetings run to July 15. Education programs take place primarily July 10-13, 2009. The Exhibits will be held July 11-14, 2009 at McCormick Place West. Programs and meetings will also take place at McCormick Place West and nearby hotels.
Thinking about attending conference and want to find out more about Chicago check here-City of Chicago and ALA Site
Here's the information:
New- Registration Opens January 5, 2009, 8:00 am CT
ALA Annual Conference 2009
http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/upcoming/annual/index.cfm
The 2009 Annual Conference will take place in Chicago, IL July 9- July 15, 2009 at McCormick Place West located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60616.
Committee and business meetings take place July 9-15, 2009 and Council Meetings run to July 15. Education programs take place primarily July 10-13, 2009. The Exhibits will be held July 11-14, 2009 at McCormick Place West. Programs and meetings will also take place at McCormick Place West and nearby hotels.
Thinking about attending conference and want to find out more about Chicago check here-City of Chicago and ALA Site
Monday, December 1, 2008
Want to be involved in Poster Sessions at ALA Annual
The ALA Poster Session Committee is currently seeking volunteeers! Members are needed to shape the future of the poster sessions and participate in committee activities. Volunteers with leadership interest and potential are eagerly sought. If you are interested, please email Jody Fagan, faganjc@jmu.edu the following information:
statment of interest: why are you interested?
previous experience / participation in the ALA poster sessions and/or other organizational poster sessions
your resume/ CV
The 2009 ALA Annual Poster Sessions will be held at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, IL on July 11, 12, and 13, 2009 at McCormick Place West (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the conference).
Proposals for the 2009 Annual Conference are due on or before January 31st, 2009.
The web form, http://www.lib.jmu.edu/org/ala/form.asp is now available. Please click "How to Apply" for more details.
Authors will be notified of acceptance on or before March 31, 2009.
statment of interest: why are you interested?
previous experience / participation in the ALA poster sessions and/or other organizational poster sessions
your resume/ CV
The 2009 ALA Annual Poster Sessions will be held at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, IL on July 11, 12, and 13, 2009 at McCormick Place West (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the conference).
Proposals for the 2009 Annual Conference are due on or before January 31st, 2009.
The web form, http://www.lib.jmu.edu/org/ala/form.asp is now available. Please click "How to Apply" for more details.
Authors will be notified of acceptance on or before March 31, 2009.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Do You Want to Present at ALA Annual?
Do you have a great idea for an Annual Conference program but don’t belong to a committee or other group that can plan and produce a program? As part of ALA President Jim Rettig’s “Creating Connections” initiatives, you are invited to submit a proposal for a program to take place at the 2009 ALA Annual Conference July 9-15 in Chicago.
The purpose of a Grassroots Program is:
· To expand opportunity for participation in ALA by giving members who do not belong to committees or boards within ALA an opportunity to plan and produce a program at the Annual Conference
· To provide programs at the Annual Conference that address very current issues by compressing to the greatest degree possible the program planning schedule
· To enrich the variety and quality of programs at the Annual Conference.
Proposals can be submitted by a single ALA personal member or by any group of ALA members who do not serve together on a committee or board within ALA. Proposals can address any topic of interest to ALA members. Proposals must be original; they cannot replicate a program previously presented at an ALA Annual Conference, Midwinter Meeting or national divisional conference. Proposals previously submitted to a committee, board or task force in ALA, one of its divisions or one of its round tables, cannot be resubmitted
Proposals will be judged on:
Relevance of the program’s topic to ALA members and the profession at large
Timelines
Knowledge of proposed speaker(s) on the topic
Originality – i.e., the degree to which the proposed program looks at a topic in a new and fresh way or treats a topic that has not received as much attention as it deserves, either because it is very new or due to some other factor
Proposals can address ALA’s key action areas:
Diversity
Equitable Access to Information and Library Services
Education and Lifelong Learning
Intellectual Freedom
Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession
Literacy
Organizational Excellence or other areas.
A jury will select up to 10 programs to take place during the conference. The jury will be made up of members of the student ALA chapters at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UCLA as well as several members of Jim Rettig’s presidential initiatives advisory committee.
Each selected program will be listed in the program book for the 2009 ALA Annual Conference and will be noted as being part of the Grassroots Program Track as a juried program. You are also welcome to publicize your program by whatever means you would like, but please indicate that it is part of the “Grassroots Program Track.”
Each program will be allotted a $500 budget to cover speaker costs or other expenditures.
Additional information and a submission form can be found at
http://tinyurl.com/6ntadq
Deadline for submission is Feb. 6, 2009.
Don Wood
Program Officer
Chapter Relations Office
American Libraries Association
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60466
dwood@ala.org
1-800-545-2433, ext. 2429
The purpose of a Grassroots Program is:
· To expand opportunity for participation in ALA by giving members who do not belong to committees or boards within ALA an opportunity to plan and produce a program at the Annual Conference
· To provide programs at the Annual Conference that address very current issues by compressing to the greatest degree possible the program planning schedule
· To enrich the variety and quality of programs at the Annual Conference.
Proposals can be submitted by a single ALA personal member or by any group of ALA members who do not serve together on a committee or board within ALA. Proposals can address any topic of interest to ALA members. Proposals must be original; they cannot replicate a program previously presented at an ALA Annual Conference, Midwinter Meeting or national divisional conference. Proposals previously submitted to a committee, board or task force in ALA, one of its divisions or one of its round tables, cannot be resubmitted
Proposals will be judged on:
Relevance of the program’s topic to ALA members and the profession at large
Timelines
Knowledge of proposed speaker(s) on the topic
Originality – i.e., the degree to which the proposed program looks at a topic in a new and fresh way or treats a topic that has not received as much attention as it deserves, either because it is very new or due to some other factor
Proposals can address ALA’s key action areas:
Diversity
Equitable Access to Information and Library Services
Education and Lifelong Learning
Intellectual Freedom
Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession
Literacy
Organizational Excellence or other areas.
A jury will select up to 10 programs to take place during the conference. The jury will be made up of members of the student ALA chapters at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UCLA as well as several members of Jim Rettig’s presidential initiatives advisory committee.
Each selected program will be listed in the program book for the 2009 ALA Annual Conference and will be noted as being part of the Grassroots Program Track as a juried program. You are also welcome to publicize your program by whatever means you would like, but please indicate that it is part of the “Grassroots Program Track.”
Each program will be allotted a $500 budget to cover speaker costs or other expenditures.
Additional information and a submission form can be found at
http://tinyurl.com/6ntadq
Deadline for submission is Feb. 6, 2009.
Don Wood
Program Officer
Chapter Relations Office
American Libraries Association
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60466
dwood@ala.org
1-800-545-2433, ext. 2429
Friday, November 14, 2008
Nominate A Colleague or Library for a PLA Award
Submit an Award Application online by December 15!
PLA Awards honor excellence in public library service by recognizing libraries and individuals whose service to the community is extraordinary. Don't wait until the last minute to apply for a PLA Award! Many awards include cash prizes and are highly competitive.
The deadline for applications is Monday, December 15. All applications must be submitted online prior to the deadline in order to be considered. Apply Online: http://tinyurl.com/5mz8eg
PLA Service Awards:
Advancement of Literacy Award honors a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation, or similar group for a significant contribution to the advancement of literacy. Sponsored by Library Journal.
Allie Beth Martin Award of $3,000 honors a public librarian who has extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books and library materials and the distinguished ability to share that knowledge. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
Charlie Robinson Award of $1,000 honors a public library director who, over a period of seven years, was a risk-taker, innovator, and change agent in a public library. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
Ebsco Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award of $1,000 recognizes a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program or a special program of significant accomplishment. Sponsored by EBSCO Information Services.
Gordon M. Conable Award of $1,500 honors a public library staff member, library trustee, or public library that has demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights. Sponsored by LSSI.
Highsmith Library Innovation Award of $2,000 recognizes a public library for achievement in planning and implementing a creative community service program. Sponsored by Highsmith.
Polaris Innovation in Technology John Iliff Award of $1,000 and a bouquet of roses for the workplace recognizes the contributions of a library worker, librarian, or library that has used technology and innovative thinking as a tool to improve services to public library users. Sponsored by Polaris.
PLA Grant Opportunities:
Baker & Taylor Entertatinment Audio Music/Video Product Award Grant of $2,500 in audio/music-video products for a proposal that outlines the purpose, benefits, and plan for initiating or expanding a circulating audio music/video collection. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
Demco New Leaders Travel Grant of up to $1,500, serves to enhance the professional development and improve the expertise of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities. Sponsored by DEMCO.
Visit the Awards Section of the PLA website http://tinyurl.com/6q9daj for full descriptions, application information, and to apply.
Deadline for applications is December 15!
PLA Awards honor excellence in public library service by recognizing libraries and individuals whose service to the community is extraordinary. Don't wait until the last minute to apply for a PLA Award! Many awards include cash prizes and are highly competitive.
The deadline for applications is Monday, December 15. All applications must be submitted online prior to the deadline in order to be considered. Apply Online: http://tinyurl.com/5mz8eg
PLA Service Awards:
Advancement of Literacy Award honors a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation, or similar group for a significant contribution to the advancement of literacy. Sponsored by Library Journal.
Allie Beth Martin Award of $3,000 honors a public librarian who has extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books and library materials and the distinguished ability to share that knowledge. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
Charlie Robinson Award of $1,000 honors a public library director who, over a period of seven years, was a risk-taker, innovator, and change agent in a public library. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
Ebsco Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award of $1,000 recognizes a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program or a special program of significant accomplishment. Sponsored by EBSCO Information Services.
Gordon M. Conable Award of $1,500 honors a public library staff member, library trustee, or public library that has demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights. Sponsored by LSSI.
Highsmith Library Innovation Award of $2,000 recognizes a public library for achievement in planning and implementing a creative community service program. Sponsored by Highsmith.
Polaris Innovation in Technology John Iliff Award of $1,000 and a bouquet of roses for the workplace recognizes the contributions of a library worker, librarian, or library that has used technology and innovative thinking as a tool to improve services to public library users. Sponsored by Polaris.
PLA Grant Opportunities:
Baker & Taylor Entertatinment Audio Music/Video Product Award Grant of $2,500 in audio/music-video products for a proposal that outlines the purpose, benefits, and plan for initiating or expanding a circulating audio music/video collection. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
Demco New Leaders Travel Grant of up to $1,500, serves to enhance the professional development and improve the expertise of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities. Sponsored by DEMCO.
Visit the Awards Section of the PLA website http://tinyurl.com/6q9daj for full descriptions, application information, and to apply.
Deadline for applications is December 15!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Need Help with Going to ALA Annual - Read on!
Are you looking for funds to help pay for your trip to ALA Annual
2009 in Chicago? Apply by December 15, 2008 for the Shirley Olofson Memorial Award and you may receive a $1000 check to help defray the cost of attendance!
Applicants must:
1. Be a member of ALA and NMRT
2. Be active in the library profession
3. Show promise or activity in the area of professional development 4. Have valid financial need 5. Have attended no more than five ALA annual conferences
To apply, please visit:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/awolofson/Shirley_Olofson_Award.cfm
***************************************************
Sara
Sara Holder
Education Liaison Librarian
McGill University
(514)398-2763
2009 in Chicago? Apply by December 15, 2008 for the Shirley Olofson Memorial Award and you may receive a $1000 check to help defray the cost of attendance!
Applicants must:
1. Be a member of ALA and NMRT
2. Be active in the library profession
3. Show promise or activity in the area of professional development 4. Have valid financial need 5. Have attended no more than five ALA annual conferences
To apply, please visit:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/awolofson/Shirley_Olofson_Award.cfm
***************************************************
Sara
Sara Holder
Education Liaison Librarian
McGill University
(514)398-2763
Monday, November 10, 2008
YALSA's MAE Award for Best Literature Programs for Teens
This award honors a YALSA member for developing an outstanding reading or literature program for young adults. Winners receive $500 and an additional $500 for their libraries. Applications for the MAE Award, along with all of YALSA’s grants and awards, are due to the YALSA office by Dec. 1.
The MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust.
Edwards was a well-known and innovative young adult services librarian at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Md., for more than 30 years. Her trust has supported many initiatives from YALSA, including the Alex Awards for adult books with teen appeal and all five rounds of the Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults project.
Criteria
-The purpose of the reading or literature program must be to bring young adults and books together and to encourage the development of life-long reading habits.
-The program must be specifically designed for and targeted at reaching young adults.
-All or part of the program must have taken place in the twelve months preceding the award deadline date of December 1.
- The applicant must work directly with young adults and be a personal member of the Young Adult Library Services Association.
-Nonwinning entries may be resubmitted in subsequent years if the program is current and ongoing and if a new application that updates the documentation is submitted.
Guidelines
1. All entries must include the application form (PDF) provided by the Young Adult Library Services Association.
2. All applicants must be current personal members of ALA/YALSA at the time the application is submitted.
3. Entries should be models of clarity and completeness.
4. The application should be e-mailed to Nichole Gilbert at ngilbert@ala.org. Questions can be directed to Nichole at 1.800.545.2433 x 4387.
5. Applications must be received no later than December 1 of the current year.
Contact:
Monique A. le Conge
Director of Library & Cultural Services
and 2008 California Library Association President
Richmond Public Library
325 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
ph (510) 620-6555
fx (510) 620-6850
monique_leconge@ci.richmond.ca.us
Friday, October 24, 2008
National Medal for Museum and Library Service Award
Nominate your favorite museum or library for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service (formerly the National Award) for their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. The medal includes a $10,000 award to each recipient and an awards ceremony in Washington, DC. Deadline for 2009: February 15, 2009. Read more
The Value of Libraries
ALA is putting together an effort to publicize the value of libraries during these hard times, including national op-eds, requests for additional federal funding, and resources for libraries to help get attention of the media, public, and local government.
Here are some links to some good articles.
http://tinyurl.com/56py9v
http://tinyurl.com/6nwnts
http://tinyurl.com/6owz4p
Links are all working as of today!
Here are some links to some good articles.
http://tinyurl.com/56py9v
http://tinyurl.com/6nwnts
http://tinyurl.com/6owz4p
Links are all working as of today!
American Libraries Online Current Issue Now Available to ALL
Our weekly e-newsletter, American Libraries Direct, is now available to anyone who wants to sign up for it, not just ALA members. The sign-up form, as well as the FAQ, is at http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/aldirect/aldirect.cfm and login is no longer required to view the current issue of the American Libraries print magazine online (in PDF format), or to view the archives, which date back to the January 2003 issue. Go directly to http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/alonlineebrary/alonlineebrary.cfm . First-time viewers will need to install the ebrary reader to view issues. To download, go to http://site.ebrary.com/lib/ala/Download . Firefox 3 users installing the reader for the first time will need a workaround, http://www.ebrary.com/kb/users/ff3install.jsp , to make the ebrary reader work with their browser.
Friday, October 3, 2008
ALA Midwinter Preconferences
What an opportunity to attend ALA in our own state! Midwinter Conference is January 23-27th and registration is now available. If you just want to attend a preconference or the exhibits, you can! The Colorado Association of Libraries is sponsoring their own preconference and it's going to be a good one. Here's the blurb:
"The Transformational Powers of the Library: Ensuring the Future of Your Library.
Colorado Association of Libraries"
Friday, January 23, 2009, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Information about public library funding is presented based on research from the latest OCLC report, From Awareness to Funding. The research shows that people who experience the library as a transformational force in their lives are more likely to support tax increases to fund libraries. Listen to a panel that will highlight ways in which they are working to position their organizations as transformational and leave with some creative take-aways on aligning your advocacy and marketing efforts from Barnhart Communications.
Speakers: Cathy De Rosa, Global Vice President of Marketing, OCLC; Jenny Johnson, Executive Director of Marketing and Branding, OCLC; Jamie LaRue, Director, Douglas County Libraries; Janine Reid Director, High Plains Library District; Barnhart Communications.
Tickets: Advance: ALA Member, $100; Non-Member, $125; Student, $75.
Event Code: CO1
If you want to sign up for this or one of the 17 other preconferences being offered, here's a link to check them out: http://tinyurl.com/3ku8qz
"The Transformational Powers of the Library: Ensuring the Future of Your Library.
Colorado Association of Libraries"
Friday, January 23, 2009, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Information about public library funding is presented based on research from the latest OCLC report, From Awareness to Funding. The research shows that people who experience the library as a transformational force in their lives are more likely to support tax increases to fund libraries. Listen to a panel that will highlight ways in which they are working to position their organizations as transformational and leave with some creative take-aways on aligning your advocacy and marketing efforts from Barnhart Communications.
Speakers: Cathy De Rosa, Global Vice President of Marketing, OCLC; Jenny Johnson, Executive Director of Marketing and Branding, OCLC; Jamie LaRue, Director, Douglas County Libraries; Janine Reid Director, High Plains Library District; Barnhart Communications.
Tickets: Advance: ALA Member, $100; Non-Member, $125; Student, $75.
Event Code: CO1
If you want to sign up for this or one of the 17 other preconferences being offered, here's a link to check them out: http://tinyurl.com/3ku8qz
2008 Culturally Responsive Library Services Survey Deadline
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 17, 2008
The ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS), the American Indian Library Association (AILA), and the National Institutes of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums are seeking information on multicultural services offered by all types of libraries.
The purposes of this survey are:
1) To identify the current status of culturally responsive services in libraries;
2) To identify and study issues and challenges confronting the development of culturally appropriate services to diverse audiences;
3) To collect and disseminate information on successful programs
4) To make recommendations on possible courses of action to facilitate increased multicultural library services.
This survey is intended to be a quick assessment of services, and so your IMMEDIATE response is appreciated.
The deadline for responses is October 17, 2008, so PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. The questions are designed for easy responses. Entries received after December 17th will not be calculated. The resulting data will be posted mid-December 2008 at www.ala.org/olos.
Here is the link to the survey: http://www.esurveyspro.com/Survey.aspx?id=a0f00830-0872-425f-ad5e-1684213cf3e2
It will also be available as a direct link from the OLOS home page at www.ala.org/olos
The ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS), the American Indian Library Association (AILA), and the National Institutes of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums are seeking information on multicultural services offered by all types of libraries.
The purposes of this survey are:
1) To identify the current status of culturally responsive services in libraries;
2) To identify and study issues and challenges confronting the development of culturally appropriate services to diverse audiences;
3) To collect and disseminate information on successful programs
4) To make recommendations on possible courses of action to facilitate increased multicultural library services.
This survey is intended to be a quick assessment of services, and so your IMMEDIATE response is appreciated.
The deadline for responses is October 17, 2008, so PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. The questions are designed for easy responses. Entries received after December 17th will not be calculated. The resulting data will be posted mid-December 2008 at www.ala.org/olos.
Here is the link to the survey: http://www.esurveyspro.com/Survey.aspx?id=a0f00830-0872-425f-ad5e-1684213cf3e2
It will also be available as a direct link from the OLOS home page at www.ala.org/olos
ALA President Jim Rettig has announced initiatives: one in particular allows members to be more green by participating an ALA-wide virtual poster session.
The first of two poster sessions will debut this fall called “Community Central” - to share your experiences of making your library vital in your community.
The following details are from Rettig's Web page on these issues.
To be considered for inclusion in the poster session, please send a proposal in the form of a summary of your library’s efforts, making sure to address the following points:
1. Question or problem (need not be stated as hypotheses)
2. Environmental context of the question or problem (such as public libraries, academic libraries)
3. Organizational context of the question or problem (internal services, outreach, community analysis, etc.)
4. Approaches to address the question or problem (i.e., the specific ways the library and its staff have addressed the kinds of programs and activities mentioned in the Community Central description)
5. Outcomes (details on the effects of the approaches, including data, testimonials or other evidence of community involvement)
The summary must be no longer than three pages, double-spaced (one or more photos or images may be included as part of the three pages).
The deadline for submitting proposals is Nov. 15. Approximately 25 submissions will be selected and will be available for viewing during January 2009.
Send the proposals via e-mail to Dr. John M. Budd at BuddJ@missouri.edu
The first of two poster sessions will debut this fall called “Community Central” - to share your experiences of making your library vital in your community.
The following details are from Rettig's Web page on these issues.
To be considered for inclusion in the poster session, please send a proposal in the form of a summary of your library’s efforts, making sure to address the following points:
1. Question or problem (need not be stated as hypotheses)
2. Environmental context of the question or problem (such as public libraries, academic libraries)
3. Organizational context of the question or problem (internal services, outreach, community analysis, etc.)
4. Approaches to address the question or problem (i.e., the specific ways the library and its staff have addressed the kinds of programs and activities mentioned in the Community Central description)
5. Outcomes (details on the effects of the approaches, including data, testimonials or other evidence of community involvement)
The summary must be no longer than three pages, double-spaced (one or more photos or images may be included as part of the three pages).
The deadline for submitting proposals is Nov. 15. Approximately 25 submissions will be selected and will be available for viewing during January 2009.
Send the proposals via e-mail to Dr. John M. Budd at BuddJ@missouri.edu
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Public Library Survey - Please Participate!
A national survey of public library funding and technology access was mailed to public libraries in early September 2008. The survey, part of the Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study, is funded by the American Library Association and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and conducted by researchers from Florida State University's Information Use Management and Policy Institute and the University of Maryland’s Center for Library Innovation.
Findings from the study provide public libraries, state library agencies, the American Library Association, policymakers, and others with extremely important data regarding public library computer and Internet access issues, what it takes to sustain public access computer and Internet services in your library, and the impacts of such public access services on the communities your library serves.
Information from the most recent report was used in Congressional testimony over the last week and in media outreach around the country. More information on this and previous studies dating back to 1994 is available at http://www.ala.org/plinternetfunding. Additional survey findings are available at http://www.ii.fsu.edu/plinternet.
The 2008-2009 Web-based survey may be accessed at
http://www.plinternetsurvey.org/. It has a total of 21 questions that will take you about 40 minutes to complete. PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY BY NOVEMBER 7, 2008.
Many thanks for participating in the survey. If you have any questions, or need further assistance, please e-mail support@plinternetsurvey.org.
Findings from the study provide public libraries, state library agencies, the American Library Association, policymakers, and others with extremely important data regarding public library computer and Internet access issues, what it takes to sustain public access computer and Internet services in your library, and the impacts of such public access services on the communities your library serves.
Information from the most recent report was used in Congressional testimony over the last week and in media outreach around the country. More information on this and previous studies dating back to 1994 is available at http://www.ala.org/plinternetfunding. Additional survey findings are available at http://www.ii.fsu.edu/plinternet.
The 2008-2009 Web-based survey may be accessed at
http://www.plinternetsurvey.org/. It has a total of 21 questions that will take you about 40 minutes to complete. PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY BY NOVEMBER 7, 2008.
Many thanks for participating in the survey. If you have any questions, or need further assistance, please e-mail support@plinternetsurvey.org.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Election Year - Long Post
Election Year
It’s everywhere. We are in the midst of an exciting and interesting election year. But, that means I must remind you to avoid any action that could give the impression that the American Library Association — rather than you as an individual private citizen — is engaging in “political speech” (”the support of or opposition to a candidate for public office”) or that ALA resources are being used for that purpose. ALA, because of its particular tax exempt status, is expressly, absolutely prohibited by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code from engaging in “political speech.”
What do I mean by that? “ALA resources” would include any use of ALA titles (like councilor, chair of…, president of...); ALA discussion lists, blogs or wikis (including those of ALA divisions, round tables and other groups that are part of ALA); stationery; publications or websites; headquarters or conference meeting rooms; or, staff time. And, what kinds of activities might be included in “political speech”? The law is broad — and the threshold for “political speech” is relatively low. “Political speech” includes activities such as soliciting or making campaign contributions, providing a forum for a candidate (in print or at a conference, for instance), expressing “support for or opposition to” a candidate or political party — even if that candidate is a librarian, even if that candidate is a member.
Finally, “political speech” happens within an election year — which starts January 1 of the year in which the election will be held. That’s why members often say to me, “but we had him/her speak just a few years ago.” True. Not this year, though.
The absolute prohibition on “political speech” by associations like ALA is serious — and the “zero tolerance” enforcement policy of the IRS has been upheld by the courts. It is important that the law be observed. It is also important, though, to understand that “political speech” is different from “lobbying,” which seeks to influence legislation or regulation. Even during an election year, ALA continues to lobby for legislation and regulation that will benefit libraries and the public. For instance, during recent months, you have received requests from the ALA Washington Office to contact legislators regarding appropriations, legislation in support of school libraries and other issues. There are regulations and limitations on lobbying by organizations like ALA, of course — and ALA works within the applicable laws.
Many ALA members may not be comfortable with these rules, may see them as infringements on their personal free speech. I understand that. ALA’s intent is not to limit what any individual may do personally in the public arena — but to be clear that the resources of an organization like ALA, an association tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, may not be used for that purpose. The consequence is revocation of tax exempt status. There are no “intermediate” or “warning” consequences.
Judith Krug, the long-time director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, points out that the law imposes many restrictions on speech — and these laws are one example. We — ALA staff and members — are required to comply with these laws until such time as Congress may choose to change them. In doing so, we protect the interests of the American Library Association and its members, present and future, and ALA’s ability to advocate aggressively on behalf of libraries and the public.
Want more details? Over the past several years, a number of background documents have been developed to guide ALA leaders and staff through a complex legal environment. Four such documents are available here (PDFs): ALA Legal Framework, Election Year Rules, Election Year Rules - Additional Notes, and Lobbying and ALA: Fact Sheet.
It’s everywhere. We are in the midst of an exciting and interesting election year. But, that means I must remind you to avoid any action that could give the impression that the American Library Association — rather than you as an individual private citizen — is engaging in “political speech” (”the support of or opposition to a candidate for public office”) or that ALA resources are being used for that purpose. ALA, because of its particular tax exempt status, is expressly, absolutely prohibited by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code from engaging in “political speech.”
What do I mean by that? “ALA resources” would include any use of ALA titles (like councilor, chair of…, president of...); ALA discussion lists, blogs or wikis (including those of ALA divisions, round tables and other groups that are part of ALA); stationery; publications or websites; headquarters or conference meeting rooms; or, staff time. And, what kinds of activities might be included in “political speech”? The law is broad — and the threshold for “political speech” is relatively low. “Political speech” includes activities such as soliciting or making campaign contributions, providing a forum for a candidate (in print or at a conference, for instance), expressing “support for or opposition to” a candidate or political party — even if that candidate is a librarian, even if that candidate is a member.
Finally, “political speech” happens within an election year — which starts January 1 of the year in which the election will be held. That’s why members often say to me, “but we had him/her speak just a few years ago.” True. Not this year, though.
The absolute prohibition on “political speech” by associations like ALA is serious — and the “zero tolerance” enforcement policy of the IRS has been upheld by the courts. It is important that the law be observed. It is also important, though, to understand that “political speech” is different from “lobbying,” which seeks to influence legislation or regulation. Even during an election year, ALA continues to lobby for legislation and regulation that will benefit libraries and the public. For instance, during recent months, you have received requests from the ALA Washington Office to contact legislators regarding appropriations, legislation in support of school libraries and other issues. There are regulations and limitations on lobbying by organizations like ALA, of course — and ALA works within the applicable laws.
Many ALA members may not be comfortable with these rules, may see them as infringements on their personal free speech. I understand that. ALA’s intent is not to limit what any individual may do personally in the public arena — but to be clear that the resources of an organization like ALA, an association tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, may not be used for that purpose. The consequence is revocation of tax exempt status. There are no “intermediate” or “warning” consequences.
Judith Krug, the long-time director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, points out that the law imposes many restrictions on speech — and these laws are one example. We — ALA staff and members — are required to comply with these laws until such time as Congress may choose to change them. In doing so, we protect the interests of the American Library Association and its members, present and future, and ALA’s ability to advocate aggressively on behalf of libraries and the public.
Want more details? Over the past several years, a number of background documents have been developed to guide ALA leaders and staff through a complex legal environment. Four such documents are available here (PDFs): ALA Legal Framework, Election Year Rules, Election Year Rules - Additional Notes, and Lobbying and ALA: Fact Sheet.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Best Small Library in America Award
Postmark deadline: November 3, 2008
Library Journal's annual award for the Best Small Library in America, cosponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was founded to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of these libraries. Now in its fifth year, the award honors the public library that most profoundly demonstrates outstanding service to populations of 25,000 or less (see attached for complete eligibility and submissions requirements).
The winning library will receive a $15,000 cash award, a feature story in the February 1, 2009, Library Journal, membership and conference costs for two library representatives to attend the Public Library Association Biannual Conference in 2010 in Portland, OR, and a gala reception at the conference. Starting with the 2009 award year, two finalist libraries will be awarded with membership and conference costs for two library representatives to attend the PLA conference and the gala reception in 2010, and they will be given special mention in Library Journal.
Library Journal's annual award for the Best Small Library in America, cosponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was founded to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of these libraries. Now in its fifth year, the award honors the public library that most profoundly demonstrates outstanding service to populations of 25,000 or less (see attached for complete eligibility and submissions requirements).
The winning library will receive a $15,000 cash award, a feature story in the February 1, 2009, Library Journal, membership and conference costs for two library representatives to attend the Public Library Association Biannual Conference in 2010 in Portland, OR, and a gala reception at the conference. Starting with the 2009 award year, two finalist libraries will be awarded with membership and conference costs for two library representatives to attend the PLA conference and the gala reception in 2010, and they will be given special mention in Library Journal.
I Love My Librarian Award
Carnegie Corporation of New York has awarded the American Library Association $489,000 to support the new Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award. Administered by the ALA's Public Information Office and Campaign for America's Libraries, the award will launch this year and will continue annually through 2013. The award encourages library users to recognize the accomplishments of librarians in public, school, college, community college and university libraries for their efforts to improve the lives of people in their community. Nominations for public librarians run from August 15 through October 1. Nominations for school and academic librarians begin September 2 and continue through October 15."In our democratic society, the library stands for hope, for learning, for progress, for literacy, for self-improvement and for civic engagement. The library is a symbol of opportunity, citizenship, equality, freedom of speech and freedom of thought, and hence, is a symbol for democracy itself," said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York."We're thrilled to be working with the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the American Library Association to honor librarians who play such a vital role in our communities," said Scott Heekin-Canedy, president of The New York Times. "What began as a local Times initiative in New York City seven years ago has grown to a national awards program and now we are proud to be co-presenting the award with the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the ALA.This award will continue to raise awareness of the valuable contributions of today's librarians and the ways they make a difference in people's lives and their communities, schools and campuses," said ALA President Jim Rettig. Up to 10 librarians in public, school and academic libraries will be selected each year and each will be honored at a ceremony and reception in New York at The Times Center, hosted by The New York Times. Each winner also will receive a $5,000 cash award, a plaque and a $500 travel stipend to attend the awards reception. In addition, a plaque will be given to each award winner's library. Nominees will be judged by a selection committee based on quality of service to library users, demonstrated knowledge of the library and its resources and commitment shown in helping library users. Each nominee must be a librarian with a master's degree from a program accredited by the ALA in library and information studies or a master's degree with a specialty in school library media from an educational unit accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Nominees must be currently working in the United States in a public library, a library at an accredited two- or four-year college or university or at an accredited K-12 school.For more information, visit www.ilovelibraries.org/ilovemylibrarian.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Bundled (and therefore less expensive) Registration Coming!
And just to get a bit of a jump on things, the bundled registration for the 2009 Midwinter Meeting and 2009 Summer Conference will be open September 1 - 30.
Go to http://www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/midwinter/2009/home.cfm
for more information.
Go to http://www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/midwinter/2009/home.cfm
for more information.
ALA Anaheim - A few More Photos
Couldn't leave out CAL's infamous leader, Martin Garnar, as well as a bunch of the State Library Crew, who came to the celebration in droves. Thanks all!
ALA Anaheim - Fun Times
I can hardly believe it's already been a month since annual. Annual was packed with lots of Council business, but we also managed to have some fun. Here are some photos of some of the folks who were able to make it to the Colorado get-together at the Council suite. Hope to see you in January in Denver. That will be here before we know it!
Picturing America
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), in cooperation with the ALA Public Programs Office, is now accepting applications for the second round of Picturing America. Online applications will be accepted through Oct. 31 at http://picturingamerica.neh.org.
Picturing America is a free educational resource that helps teach American history and culture by bringing some of our nation's greatest works of art directly to classrooms and libraries. At no cost, recipients will receive a set of high-quality reproductions of 40 pieces of great American art (each approximately 24 inches by 36 inches) and an illustrated teachers resource book with information about the artists and artwork and lesson ideas for all grade levels to facilitate the use of the reproductions in core subject areas. Delivery of these materials is scheduled for spring 2009. Additional educational resources are also available through the Picturing America Web site, http://picturingamerica.neh.gov. Resources to support public library programming will be added in the spring.
Picturing America is a free educational resource that helps teach American history and culture by bringing some of our nation's greatest works of art directly to classrooms and libraries. At no cost, recipients will receive a set of high-quality reproductions of 40 pieces of great American art (each approximately 24 inches by 36 inches) and an illustrated teachers resource book with information about the artists and artwork and lesson ideas for all grade levels to facilitate the use of the reproductions in core subject areas. Delivery of these materials is scheduled for spring 2009. Additional educational resources are also available through the Picturing America Web site, http://picturingamerica.neh.gov. Resources to support public library programming will be added in the spring.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Council III
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee brought forward some changes in the bylaws that were all passed. Included in the changes was the acceptance of the Association for Rural and Small Libraries and the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services as affiliates. The Intellectual Freedom Committee reported on the changes proposed to the newest edition of the IFC Manual. IFC submitted six revised policies including, "Access to Library Resources and Services Regardless of Sex, Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation," "Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program," "Diversity in Collection Development," "Evaluating Library Collections," "Expurgation of Library Materials," "Free Access to Libraries for Minors." The International Relations Commitee made their report to Council and brought forth a resolution entitled, "Iraq Replacement Resolution," which passed. This is a replacement resolution for the one passed during Midwinter 2008 due to some inaccuracies in some of the whereas clauses. The Committee on Organization brought forth a revision in the composition of the committee, which was passed. The Committee on Legislation reported that they wanted representation from all the divisions and roundtables on the Legislative Assembly. Three resolutions were brought forward: A Resolution in Support of the National Agricultural Library, which was passed; a Resolution on the E-Governnment Reauthorization Act of 2007 (S. 2321) which urges Congress to re-emphasize it's commitment to support the role of libraries in the delivery of E-Government services; Resolution in Support of Preservation and Access to the Audio Heritage of the United States which resolves that ALA urge Members of the US Congress to charge the US Copyright Office to conduct a study on the desirability of bringing sound recordings before 2/15/72 under federal jurisdiction. All passed. A Resolution Adopting the Definitions of Digital Preservation and the Revised Preservation Policy for the ALA, which passed. Lastly, a Resolution on Expanding Council Transparency was brought forth. This Resolution asked for the Executive Director of ALA to explore methods of making Council proceedings more transparent to the ALA membership and report back to Council during midwinter. This also passed. The photo is of Jennifer Kutzik and me at a Council meeting. Jennifer is the LSSIRT (Library Support Staff Interests Roundtable) representative to Council and a long-time employee at CSU.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
ALA Council I
Council I included the following business:
(1) Midwinter Minutes approved (available on the ALA website.)
(2) Nominations for the Committee on Commitees and the 2008-09 Planning and Budget Assembly.
(3) Report from the Resolutions Committee.
(4) Report from ALA Executive Director including the Implementatin Report of the 2008 ALA Midwinter Meeting Council Actions
(5)The ALA Treasurer's Report.
(1) Midwinter Minutes approved (available on the ALA website.)
(2) Nominations for the Committee on Commitees and the 2008-09 Planning and Budget Assembly.
(3) Report from the Resolutions Committee.
(4) Report from ALA Executive Director including the Implementatin Report of the 2008 ALA Midwinter Meeting Council Actions
(5)The ALA Treasurer's Report.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
ALA Annual Conference Council 2
In Council 2 a number of motions for change in the ALA Policy Manual were presented and passed. The FY 09 budgetary ceiling was approved. A Resolution to support funding for cataloging and bibliographic control at the Library of Congress was presented and a motion was made to refer this to the Committee on Legislation, which was defeated. Opinions were strong in favor of making this forward in an expedient manner and not deferring. In the end, this resolution passed. The next Resolution introduced concerned ALA Policy Opposing Sweatshop Labor. Councilors questioned the definition of sweatshop and also whether or not this would be applied to the vendors at conferences. This resolution was passed.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Emerging Leaders Program Application Process
2009 Emerging Leaders Application Process Now Open The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting applications for the 2009 class of Emerging Leaders. Applications can be found at http://cs.ala.org/hrdr/emergingleaders/
The deadline to apply is July 31.
The program is designed to enable more than 100 new librarians to get on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership. Participants are given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, network with peers and get an inside look into ALA structure and activities.
An ALA division, round table, ethnic affiliate, state chapter or AASL Affiliate will sponsor approximately one-third of the selected applicants. Each sponsor will contribute $1000 towards expenses ($500 for each conference). To be sponsored, apply directly to your division, chapter or round table on the application. A list of sponsoring units is included as part of the online application. You can also check with your state association and/or state chapter to find out how to apply for their sponsorship.
Sponsorship is not required for participation in the program. In order to be eligible for participation in the program, those selected must meet the following criteria:
Be under 35 years of age or be a new librarian of any age with fewer than 5 years post-MLS experience, and Have a recent MLS degree from an ALA or NCATE accredited program or be in an MLS program currently, and Be able to attend both ALA conferences and work virtually in between each, Be prepared to commit to serve on an ALA, Division, Chapter or Round Table committee, taskforce or workgroup upon completion of program, and Be an ALA member or join upon selection if not already a member.
Program information will be available and updated at: wikis.ala.org/emergingleaders. For questions or more information regarding the program, contact Beatrice Calvin at bcalvin@ala.org.
The deadline to apply is July 31.
The program is designed to enable more than 100 new librarians to get on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership. Participants are given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, network with peers and get an inside look into ALA structure and activities.
An ALA division, round table, ethnic affiliate, state chapter or AASL Affiliate will sponsor approximately one-third of the selected applicants. Each sponsor will contribute $1000 towards expenses ($500 for each conference). To be sponsored, apply directly to your division, chapter or round table on the application. A list of sponsoring units is included as part of the online application. You can also check with your state association and/or state chapter to find out how to apply for their sponsorship.
Sponsorship is not required for participation in the program. In order to be eligible for participation in the program, those selected must meet the following criteria:
Be under 35 years of age or be a new librarian of any age with fewer than 5 years post-MLS experience, and Have a recent MLS degree from an ALA or NCATE accredited program or be in an MLS program currently, and Be able to attend both ALA conferences and work virtually in between each, Be prepared to commit to serve on an ALA, Division, Chapter or Round Table committee, taskforce or workgroup upon completion of program, and Be an ALA member or join upon selection if not already a member.
Program information will be available and updated at: wikis.ala.org/emergingleaders. For questions or more information regarding the program, contact Beatrice Calvin at bcalvin@ala.org.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
National Library Legislative Day
A team of 11 Coloradoans visited the capital to lobby for libraries on May 13-14 for National Library Legislative Day. We were able to meet with representatives from the offices of all our legislators and personally with both Senator Ken Salazar and Representative John Salazar. Pictured here from left to right are Camila Alire, incoming ALA President, Carolyn Coulter and Dee Vazquez from Pikes Peak Library District, Stevan Strain (Board member) and Rochelle Logan from Douglas County Libraries, Senator Ken Salazar, Gene Hainer, Colorado State Library Director, Shelley Walchak, Colorado Chapter Councilor, Jody Howard, incoming CAL President, John Wilkinson, City of Aspen Mayor and Library Board member, Elena Rosenfeld, High Plains Library District, and Paul Mascarenas, Adams State College. (Nancy Bolt is missing from this photo.) Please contact me if you have any interest in getting involved in lobbying for libraries in your districts.
ALA 2009 Nominating Committee seeks candidates for 2009 election
The American Library Association (ALA) 2009 Nominating Committee is soliciting nominees to run on the 2009 spring ballot for the offices of ALA President-elect and Councilor-at-large.
The Nominating Committee will select two candidates to run for President-elect and no fewer than 50 candidates for the 33 at-large Council seats to be filled in the 2009 spring election.
The President-elect will serve a three-year term: as President-elect in 2009-2010, as President in 2010-2011 and as Immediate Past President in 2011-2012.
The Councilors-at-large will serve three-year terms, beginning after the 2009 ALA Annual Conference and ending at the adjournment of the 2012 Annual Conference.
The ALA President and Councilors also serve in corresponding roles in the ALA-Allied Professional Association [ALA-APA]. Individuals considering ALA-APA office are encouraged to consult with their employer regarding any restrictions regarding lobbying activities or service on the governing body of a 501(c)6 organization.
ALA members who wish to make nominations should submit the following information: nominee name; present position; institution; address; telephone; fax; and e-mail address. All potential nominees must complete the Potential Candidate Biographical Form available at https://cs.ala.org/potentialcandidates . The database will be available June 2, 2008. Nominations and forms must be received no later than Sept. 1, 2008. Self-nominations are encouraged.
Nominations also may be sent to any member of the 2009 Nominating Committee. Committee members are: Susan S. DiMattia, chair, consultant, DiMattia Associates, Stamford, Conn., sdimattia@optonline.net; Rose T. Dawson, acting director, Alexandria (Va.) Library, rdawson@alexandria.lib.va.us; Timothy P. Grimes, manager, Community Relations and Marketing, Ann Arbor (Mich.) District Library, grimest@aadl.org; Susan Hildreth, state librarian, California State Library, Sacramento, Calif., shhildreth@comcast.net; Corinne M. Hill, collection development manager, Denton (Texas) Public Library; cmhill@cityofdenton.com; Pamela Spencer Holley, writer, consultant, Hallwood, Va., pamsholley@aol.com; Jo Ellen Priest Misakian, interim dean/School of Education, Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, Cailf., jmisakian@fresno.edu; Daniel O. O'Connor, professor, Rutgers University School of Communication Information & Library Studies, New Brunswick, N.J.; oconnor@scils.rutgers.edu ; and Thomas C. Wilson, associate dean, Library Technology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, tcwilson@ua.edu.
The Nominating Committee will select two candidates to run for President-elect and no fewer than 50 candidates for the 33 at-large Council seats to be filled in the 2009 spring election.
The President-elect will serve a three-year term: as President-elect in 2009-2010, as President in 2010-2011 and as Immediate Past President in 2011-2012.
The Councilors-at-large will serve three-year terms, beginning after the 2009 ALA Annual Conference and ending at the adjournment of the 2012 Annual Conference.
The ALA President and Councilors also serve in corresponding roles in the ALA-Allied Professional Association [ALA-APA]. Individuals considering ALA-APA office are encouraged to consult with their employer regarding any restrictions regarding lobbying activities or service on the governing body of a 501(c)6 organization.
ALA members who wish to make nominations should submit the following information: nominee name; present position; institution; address; telephone; fax; and e-mail address. All potential nominees must complete the Potential Candidate Biographical Form available at https://cs.ala.org/potentialcandidates . The database will be available June 2, 2008. Nominations and forms must be received no later than Sept. 1, 2008. Self-nominations are encouraged.
Nominations also may be sent to any member of the 2009 Nominating Committee. Committee members are: Susan S. DiMattia, chair, consultant, DiMattia Associates, Stamford, Conn., sdimattia@optonline.net; Rose T. Dawson, acting director, Alexandria (Va.) Library, rdawson@alexandria.lib.va.us; Timothy P. Grimes, manager, Community Relations and Marketing, Ann Arbor (Mich.) District Library, grimest@aadl.org; Susan Hildreth, state librarian, California State Library, Sacramento, Calif., shhildreth@comcast.net; Corinne M. Hill, collection development manager, Denton (Texas) Public Library; cmhill@cityofdenton.com; Pamela Spencer Holley, writer, consultant, Hallwood, Va., pamsholley@aol.com; Jo Ellen Priest Misakian, interim dean/School of Education, Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, Cailf., jmisakian@fresno.edu; Daniel O. O'Connor, professor, Rutgers University School of Communication Information & Library Studies, New Brunswick, N.J.; oconnor@scils.rutgers.edu ; and Thomas C. Wilson, associate dean, Library Technology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, tcwilson@ua.edu.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Help Create a Cultural Communities Fund
ALA is currently in the final stages of raising funds for a matching grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This grant would be used by the ALA Public Programs Office (PPO) to create the Cultural Communities Fund, which would be the nation's first and only endowment to support libraries in establishing and expanding cultural programs. This would allow the PPO to have a dependable source of support for their initiatives. In the past 5 years, the PPO has provided more than $6 million in direct support to libraries across the country, including libraries in Colorado Springs (Regis University), Littleton (Chatfield HS), and Mancos (Mancos Public Library). As a state, we have already benefitted from their work, and now is our chance to secure this support for the future.
According to the terms of the NEH grant, ALA must meet a goal of $1.4 million in pledges and contributions by July 31st, 2008. They have already raised over $1 million, but need an additional $310,000 to make the goal. On behalf of ALA, I'm asking you to make a donation or pledge today. Pledges may be paid through December 31st, 2008, so if your wallet's light right now, you can still support this worthy cause by signing up now and paying later. You could even consider donating your stimulus check -- what better way to use this windfall than to support libraries! For every three dollars raised by ALA, the NEH will contribute another dollar, so we can maximize our dollars if we meet this deadline.
Unlike other pledge drives, ALA can't give you a coffee mug, and librarians already have enough tote bags (I have 12 in my office alone). However, with your support, ALA's Cultural Community Fund will be giving back to libraries for years to come. To read more about this initiative, and to pledge online, please visit http://www.ala.org/ccf.
According to the terms of the NEH grant, ALA must meet a goal of $1.4 million in pledges and contributions by July 31st, 2008. They have already raised over $1 million, but need an additional $310,000 to make the goal. On behalf of ALA, I'm asking you to make a donation or pledge today. Pledges may be paid through December 31st, 2008, so if your wallet's light right now, you can still support this worthy cause by signing up now and paying later. You could even consider donating your stimulus check -- what better way to use this windfall than to support libraries! For every three dollars raised by ALA, the NEH will contribute another dollar, so we can maximize our dollars if we meet this deadline.
Unlike other pledge drives, ALA can't give you a coffee mug, and librarians already have enough tote bags (I have 12 in my office alone). However, with your support, ALA's Cultural Community Fund will be giving back to libraries for years to come. To read more about this initiative, and to pledge online, please visit http://www.ala.org/ccf.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Last Call for ALA Advanced Registration
This Friday, May 16 is the deadline for the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim (June 26-July 2)
If you haven't registered yet, make sure you don't miss out on the advanced registration rates
http://www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/annual/2008a/home.cfm
If you haven't registered yet, make sure you don't miss out on the advanced registration rates
http://www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/annual/2008a/home.cfm
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Colorado Candidates are Elected to ALA
Congratulations to Camila Alire on being elected to be ALA President!
Other Colorado Candidates elected include:
Nancy Allen, Councilor-at-Large
Brenda Bailey-Hainer, Vice-Chair/Chair Elect ASCLA
Liz Bishoff, Vice-Chair/Chair Elect ASCLA Interlibrary Cooperation and Networking Section
Merinda McLure, ACRL, IS, Secretary
Paula Miller, Vice-Chairperson, Chairperson Elect, LAMA, Fundraising and Financial Dev.
Kathy Knox, PLA, Library Development Cluster Steering Committee
Diana Reese, ASLCA, LSSPS Rep to ASCLA Board
Laura Summers, AASL, ELMSS Chair-Elect
Diane Walden, ASCLA, LSSPS, Library Service to Prisons Forum
Shelley Walchak, CLENE Board
Other Colorado Candidates elected include:
Nancy Allen, Councilor-at-Large
Brenda Bailey-Hainer, Vice-Chair/Chair Elect ASCLA
Liz Bishoff, Vice-Chair/Chair Elect ASCLA Interlibrary Cooperation and Networking Section
Merinda McLure, ACRL, IS, Secretary
Paula Miller, Vice-Chairperson, Chairperson Elect, LAMA, Fundraising and Financial Dev.
Kathy Knox, PLA, Library Development Cluster Steering Committee
Diana Reese, ASLCA, LSSPS Rep to ASCLA Board
Laura Summers, AASL, ELMSS Chair-Elect
Diane Walden, ASCLA, LSSPS, Library Service to Prisons Forum
Shelley Walchak, CLENE Board
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
ebrary Honors National Library Week
One year, complimentary Access to Library Science E-books !
In support of National Library Week, April 13 to 19, 2008, ebrary®, a leading provider of e-content services and technology, today announced that it will provide librarians as well as students and faculty in library science and related programs with complimentary access to its Library Center for one year.
Subsidized by ebrary, the Library Center includes more than 85 full-text e-books covering topics such as digital library development, general collection development, and the history of libraries and librarianship, as well as illustrated guides from the Library of Congress. Contributing publishers include Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Idea Group, Inc., Greenwood Publishing Group, Library of Congress, and MIT Press.
To receive complimentary access, students, faculty, and librarians may register at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=iLchAc260S528_2botn4tcig_3d_3d.
“ebrary is dedicated to serving the needs of the library community, including the next generation of librarians,” said Christopher Warnock, CEO of ebrary. “We are pleased to participate in National Library Week by providing access to a selection of relevant e-books that we hope will provide additional knowledge that students, faculty, and librarians can use today as well as in the future.”
In support of National Library Week, April 13 to 19, 2008, ebrary®, a leading provider of e-content services and technology, today announced that it will provide librarians as well as students and faculty in library science and related programs with complimentary access to its Library Center for one year.
Subsidized by ebrary, the Library Center includes more than 85 full-text e-books covering topics such as digital library development, general collection development, and the history of libraries and librarianship, as well as illustrated guides from the Library of Congress. Contributing publishers include Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Idea Group, Inc., Greenwood Publishing Group, Library of Congress, and MIT Press.
To receive complimentary access, students, faculty, and librarians may register at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=iLchAc260S528_2botn4tcig_3d_3d.
“ebrary is dedicated to serving the needs of the library community, including the next generation of librarians,” said Christopher Warnock, CEO of ebrary. “We are pleased to participate in National Library Week by providing access to a selection of relevant e-books that we hope will provide additional knowledge that students, faculty, and librarians can use today as well as in the future.”
Outreach Toolkit for the Truth About Cancer
American Library Association is pleased to announce that it is working with WGBH Boston on the upcoming national outreach campaign for the film The Truth About Cancer, which will premiere on PBS April 16th at 9 p.m. (check local listings). The 90-minute documentary film, followed by a 30-minute expert panel, will be the launching pad for events and projects across the country focused on creating community conversations around cancer survivorship.
ALA and WGBH encourage libraries to reach out to their local PBS stations to collaborate with them on events surrounding this film. In addition, we hope libraries will reach out to WGBH’s national outreach partners on this project including the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, Lance Armstrong Foundation, YMCA of the USA and the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups. These collaborations will provide an excellent opportunity for libraries to develop new—or strengthen existing—community partnerships, while offering a valuable service to their communities.
To assist in these outreach efforts WGBH will offer extensive online resources, including downloadable handouts are available on www.pbs.org/takeonestep. In addition, we are making available a limited number of free Outreach Toolkits including two event posters and a DVD Screener that will include 30 minutes of the film and the full expert panel to libraries that request them.
To order your Outreach Toolkit, please go to: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/request.html
ALA and WGBH encourage libraries to reach out to their local PBS stations to collaborate with them on events surrounding this film. In addition, we hope libraries will reach out to WGBH’s national outreach partners on this project including the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, Lance Armstrong Foundation, YMCA of the USA and the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups. These collaborations will provide an excellent opportunity for libraries to develop new—or strengthen existing—community partnerships, while offering a valuable service to their communities.
To assist in these outreach efforts WGBH will offer extensive online resources, including downloadable handouts are available on www.pbs.org/takeonestep. In addition, we are making available a limited number of free Outreach Toolkits including two event posters and a DVD Screener that will include 30 minutes of the film and the full expert panel to libraries that request them.
To order your Outreach Toolkit, please go to: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/request.html
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
ACRL To Host Online Section 108 Chat
The ALA Washington Office has followed developments in Section 108 for several years. Below is a notice from the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) for one important venue to learn more and discuss the implications of the recently released Section 108 Report:
http://section108.gov/
Join us Tuesday, April 29, 2008 (11 a.m. Pacific 12:00 p.m. Mountain 1:00 p.m. Central 2:00 p.m. Eastern), to discuss the recently released Section 108 Study Group Report, an independent report sponsored by the U.S. Copyright Office and the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program of the Library of Congress. ACRL OnPoint is a live series of informal monthly chat sessions that provide the opportunity to connect with colleagues and experts to discuss an issue of the day in academic and research librarianship.
Conveners: Becky Albitz, electronic resources and copyright librarian at Penn State and ACRL Copyright Committee chair; and Jim Neal, vice president for information services and university librarian at Columbia University and a member of the Section 108 Study Group.
Copyright continues to be a core interest of the higher education and academic library communities. Discuss the implications of the recommendations and findings of the Section 108 Study Group Report, released March 31, on copyright exceptions and limitations for libraries and archives. Discuss the advocacy and educational roles and responsibilities of librarians as changes to Section 108 are considered.
How does your library:
become a knowledgeable resource for your community of accurate and current information about copyright?
document the impact of changes in the copyright laws on the ability to serve users?
advocate through the political process for the public interest, as legislation arises?
Suggested background reading:
The Section 108 Study Group Report: http://section108.gov/
Ala Washington Office Section 108 Web site: http://tinyurl.com/5ssgro
“Section 108 Study Group Releases Long-Awaitied Report," LJ Academic Newswire,
April 1, 2008: http://tinyurl.com/56ldg3
NOTE: All ACRL OnPoint chats are free and open to the public. Sessions are unmoderated, 30 to 45 minutes long, and take place in a Meebo chat room. All chat sessions begin at 1 p.m. (CDT). While no registration is necessary to participate, ACRL recommends creating a quick and easy Meebo account for the best experience while participating in ACRL OnPoint discussions. Full details are available on the ACRL Web site: http://tinyurl.com/5vq5ch
http://section108.gov/
Join us Tuesday, April 29, 2008 (11 a.m. Pacific 12:00 p.m. Mountain 1:00 p.m. Central 2:00 p.m. Eastern), to discuss the recently released Section 108 Study Group Report, an independent report sponsored by the U.S. Copyright Office and the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program of the Library of Congress. ACRL OnPoint is a live series of informal monthly chat sessions that provide the opportunity to connect with colleagues and experts to discuss an issue of the day in academic and research librarianship.
Conveners: Becky Albitz, electronic resources and copyright librarian at Penn State and ACRL Copyright Committee chair; and Jim Neal, vice president for information services and university librarian at Columbia University and a member of the Section 108 Study Group.
Copyright continues to be a core interest of the higher education and academic library communities. Discuss the implications of the recommendations and findings of the Section 108 Study Group Report, released March 31, on copyright exceptions and limitations for libraries and archives. Discuss the advocacy and educational roles and responsibilities of librarians as changes to Section 108 are considered.
How does your library:
become a knowledgeable resource for your community of accurate and current information about copyright?
document the impact of changes in the copyright laws on the ability to serve users?
advocate through the political process for the public interest, as legislation arises?
Suggested background reading:
The Section 108 Study Group Report: http://section108.gov/
Ala Washington Office Section 108 Web site: http://tinyurl.com/5ssgro
“Section 108 Study Group Releases Long-Awaitied Report," LJ Academic Newswire,
April 1, 2008: http://tinyurl.com/56ldg3
NOTE: All ACRL OnPoint chats are free and open to the public. Sessions are unmoderated, 30 to 45 minutes long, and take place in a Meebo chat room. All chat sessions begin at 1 p.m. (CDT). While no registration is necessary to participate, ACRL recommends creating a quick and easy Meebo account for the best experience while participating in ACRL OnPoint discussions. Full details are available on the ACRL Web site: http://tinyurl.com/5vq5ch
Monday, April 7, 2008
National Library Week and the IRS!
National Library Week is just around the corner (April 13-19)… and so is tax time! To mark these occasions, along with National Small Business Week, view an ALA podcast with the IRS’ own Kathy Petronchak, who tells listeners all about the important relationship between libraries and the IRS, the Tax Forms Outlet Program, and, in her role as SB/SE Commissioner, the strong relationship between the library and small business communities.
Key Links:
www.irs.gov/smallbiz
www.ala.org/ala/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm
www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com
Program Length9 minutes, 57 seconds
To listen to the podcast, go to:
www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=430
Send any feedback or questions you have to: podcast@alawash.org.
About the Music:The music in the District Dispatch Podcast is “Night Walk (Passeio Noturno),” mixed by Prof. m.Stereo and available on ccMixter. The music is used under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 license.
Key Links:
www.irs.gov/smallbiz
www.ala.org/ala/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm
www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com
Program Length9 minutes, 57 seconds
To listen to the podcast, go to:
www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=430
Send any feedback or questions you have to: podcast@alawash.org.
About the Music:The music in the District Dispatch Podcast is “Night Walk (Passeio Noturno),” mixed by Prof. m.Stereo and available on ccMixter. The music is used under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 license.
National Library Week is coming soon!
ALA’s National Library Week website has resources for promoting you library including press releases, Julie Andrew’s videos, etc. Please go to:
www.ala.org/ala/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.htm
As part of National Library Week, National Library Workers Day (April 15, 2008) is for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers:
www.ala-apa.org/about/nlwd.html
www.ala.org/ala/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.htm
As part of National Library Week, National Library Workers Day (April 15, 2008) is for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers:
www.ala-apa.org/about/nlwd.html
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Attention New ALA Annual Attendees
The New Members Round Table (NMRT) Mentoring Committee is pleased to announce that they are accepting applications for their Conference Mentoring Program for the ALA Annual Conference in June!
Attending your first ALA Conference?
Overwhelmed by all the programs and events available at Annual?
Sign up for a Conference Mentor today!
The Conference Mentoring Program is open to all ALA members and is designed to connect a first time conference attendee with a 'seasoned professional' who can help them navigate the ALA Annual Conference.
If you are on your way to becoming a librarian, or are new to the profession, this program is for you!
Read about one of our NMRT Conference Mentoring success stories:
http://louisville.edu/~tlholt02/nmrt/Footnotes/august2004/genX.htm
Interested in having a Conference Mentor? For the guidelines and an online application form please visit http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/comm/mentoringcommittee.htm
The application deadline is May 1, 2008.
Applicants will be matched with a Conference Mentor in May and communicate via email or telephone prior to the conference and then meet
during the conference.
If you have questions, please contact the NMRT Mentoring Committee at nmrt_mentoring@yahoo.com Please feel free to share this invitation with your colleagues.
Please note that this mentoring program is not structured to provide career guidance, it is focused on issues related to the ALA Annual Conference. NMRT also offers a Career Mentoring program that will begin taking applications at the end of the summer. Please watch your email for an announcement regarding Career Mentoring later this year.
Thank you,
Veronica L. C. Stevenson-Moudamane
NMRT Mentoring Committee, Co-Chair
http://www.ala.org/nmrt
Attending your first ALA Conference?
Overwhelmed by all the programs and events available at Annual?
Sign up for a Conference Mentor today!
The Conference Mentoring Program is open to all ALA members and is designed to connect a first time conference attendee with a 'seasoned professional' who can help them navigate the ALA Annual Conference.
If you are on your way to becoming a librarian, or are new to the profession, this program is for you!
Read about one of our NMRT Conference Mentoring success stories:
http://louisville.edu/~tlholt02/nmrt/Footnotes/august2004/genX.htm
Interested in having a Conference Mentor? For the guidelines and an online application form please visit http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/comm/mentoringcommittee.htm
The application deadline is May 1, 2008.
Applicants will be matched with a Conference Mentor in May and communicate via email or telephone prior to the conference and then meet
during the conference.
If you have questions, please contact the NMRT Mentoring Committee at nmrt_mentoring@yahoo.com Please feel free to share this invitation with your colleagues.
Please note that this mentoring program is not structured to provide career guidance, it is focused on issues related to the ALA Annual Conference. NMRT also offers a Career Mentoring program that will begin taking applications at the end of the summer. Please watch your email for an announcement regarding Career Mentoring later this year.
Thank you,
Veronica L. C. Stevenson-Moudamane
NMRT Mentoring Committee, Co-Chair
http://www.ala.org/nmrt
Friday, March 28, 2008
Colorado Candidates for ALA positions
Please vote for Colorado Candidates in ALA! Voting is open until April 24th. Mailing of the ballot or the online voting instructions started on March 17 and will be completed March 24. If you have not received your ballot by March 31, 2008, please call ALA Membership and Customer Service at 800-545-2433 (press 5) or send an e-mail to membership@ala.org. They will confirm your voting eligibility and send you a ballot.
Camila Alire
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Nancy H. Allen
COUNCILORS-AT-LARGE
Pam Sandlian Smith
COUNCILORS-AT-LARGE
Hainer, Eugene (GENE)
AASL - PRESIDENT-ELECT
Howard, Jody K.
AASL - DIRECTOR-ELECT REGION IX
Summers, Laura L.
AASL_ELMSS ELMSS Chair-ELECt
McLure, Merinda
ACRL_IS - SECRETARY
Kellsey, Charlene
ACRL_WESS - MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Hall-Ellis, Sylvia D.
ALCTS_CCS - CHAIR (2008-2009)
Bailey-Hainer, Brenda K.
ASCLA. - VICE-CHAIR/CHAIR-ELECT
Bishoff, Liz (Lizbeth)
ASCLA_ICANS - VICE-CHAIR/CHAIR-ELECT
Reese, Diana
ASCLA_LSSPS - LSSPS REP TO ASCLA BOARD
Walden, Diane
ASCLA_LSSPS - Library Service to Prisoners ForumVICE-CHAIR/CHAIR-ELECT
Miller, Paula
LAMA_FRFDS - VICE-CHAIRPERSON/CHAIRPERSON-ELECT
Knox, Kathy
PLA. - LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER
Walchak, Shelley
CLENE - BOARD
Hager, Samantha
GODORT - STATE AND LOCAL DOCUMENTS TASK FORCE – SECRETARY
Sweeney, Stephen V.
IFRT - SECRETARY
Camila Alire
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Nancy H. Allen
COUNCILORS-AT-LARGE
Pam Sandlian Smith
COUNCILORS-AT-LARGE
Hainer, Eugene (GENE)
AASL - PRESIDENT-ELECT
Howard, Jody K.
AASL - DIRECTOR-ELECT REGION IX
Summers, Laura L.
AASL_ELMSS ELMSS Chair-ELECt
McLure, Merinda
ACRL_IS - SECRETARY
Kellsey, Charlene
ACRL_WESS - MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Hall-Ellis, Sylvia D.
ALCTS_CCS - CHAIR (2008-2009)
Bailey-Hainer, Brenda K.
ASCLA. - VICE-CHAIR/CHAIR-ELECT
Bishoff, Liz (Lizbeth)
ASCLA_ICANS - VICE-CHAIR/CHAIR-ELECT
Reese, Diana
ASCLA_LSSPS - LSSPS REP TO ASCLA BOARD
Walden, Diane
ASCLA_LSSPS - Library Service to Prisoners ForumVICE-CHAIR/CHAIR-ELECT
Miller, Paula
LAMA_FRFDS - VICE-CHAIRPERSON/CHAIRPERSON-ELECT
Knox, Kathy
PLA. - LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER
Walchak, Shelley
CLENE - BOARD
Hager, Samantha
GODORT - STATE AND LOCAL DOCUMENTS TASK FORCE – SECRETARY
Sweeney, Stephen V.
IFRT - SECRETARY
Thursday, March 27, 2008
EPA's Report to Congress on Libraries
EPA’s Report to Congress on Libraries
Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency submitted its report to Congress on the state of the EPA National Library Network. The main points in the report are:
The five libraries that were closed will be reopened on or before September 30, 2008; Region 5 in Chicago, Region 6 in Dallas, Region 7 in Kansas City, the EPA Headquarters Repository and the Chemical Library in Washington, DC.
All libraries will have a librarian, appropriate staff, reference and book collections, electronic services, intelibrary loan and public access.
The Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC) has formed an advisory board that is working with EPA staff, advising on strategic direction library procedures.
$1 million in appropriations will be used to reestablish libraries, collections and equipment, and for a needs assessment.
The EPA has said that it will continue to be in contact with affected stakeholders as the library plans are finalized. The Headquarters Repository and the Chemical Library in Washington, DC, will be jointly managed by the Office of Environmental Information and the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS).
Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency submitted its report to Congress on the state of the EPA National Library Network. The main points in the report are:
The five libraries that were closed will be reopened on or before September 30, 2008; Region 5 in Chicago, Region 6 in Dallas, Region 7 in Kansas City, the EPA Headquarters Repository and the Chemical Library in Washington, DC.
All libraries will have a librarian, appropriate staff, reference and book collections, electronic services, intelibrary loan and public access.
The Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC) has formed an advisory board that is working with EPA staff, advising on strategic direction library procedures.
$1 million in appropriations will be used to reestablish libraries, collections and equipment, and for a needs assessment.
The EPA has said that it will continue to be in contact with affected stakeholders as the library plans are finalized. The Headquarters Repository and the Chemical Library in Washington, DC, will be jointly managed by the Office of Environmental Information and the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS).
Graduate Library Science Education Programs
Here is some information taken from the Colorado State Library page on Graduate Library Education. http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/slinstate.htm
Contact these institutions directly for information on their scholarships and financial aid.
Approved Programs for Library Media Endorsement in Colorado
University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center
School of Education & Human Development
Campus Box 106
P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364
Contact: Laura L. Summers, Ph.D., School Library Program Manager
(303) 556-4911
Fax (303) 556-4479 E-mail: laura.summers@cudenver.edu
UCD Website: www.cudenver.edu
This program prepares candidates for either teacher librarian or school librarian endorsement. Teacher librarian candidates will achieve an MA in Education through the Information and Learning Technologies program.
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO 80639
Contact: Dr. Kay Persichitti
McKee Hall 513
(970) 351-2913
Fax (970) 351-1622
UNC Information at www.unco.edu/coe/edtech/ orLinda Lohr, Ed.D.Assistant Professor of Educational TechnologyUniversity of Northern ColoradoGreeley, Colorado 80639 Voice: 970-351-2513Fax: 970-351-1622McKee Hall 501linda.lohr@unco.edu
Approved Programs for Library Media Endorsement in Colorado and Master of Library Science (MLS) Colorado
Emporia State University / Emporia of the Rockies
School of Library and Information Management
Lowry Campus Building #849
Health Education Center
1070 Yosemite
Denver, CO 80230
Contact:
Kelly Visnak
Director, Colorado Distance Education
School of Library and Information Management (SLIM)
303-981-0238
E-mail: kvisnak@emporia.edu
Information can be found at slim.emporia.edu/. Emporia State University Program takes approx. 2 yrs, 8 months to complete. Meets in Denver 16 weekends per year, 14 hrs per weekend, three weeks between class sessions.
University of Denver Library and Information Science Program
College of Education
2135 East Wesley Avenue
Denver, CO 80208
Contact:
Deb Grealy, Director
E-mail: dgrealy@du.edu
Information at: http://www.du.edu/LIS/
The University of Denver Library and Information Science Programs, was granted ALA Accreditation status in June 2004. The program offers a Master's Degree and Certification Programs, including an approved School Library Media Endorsement program. Classes are offered evenings and weekends. For more information call (303) 871-2747 or visit http://www.du.edu/LIS.
Contact these institutions directly for information on their scholarships and financial aid.
Approved Programs for Library Media Endorsement in Colorado
University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center
School of Education & Human Development
Campus Box 106
P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364
Contact: Laura L. Summers, Ph.D., School Library Program Manager
(303) 556-4911
Fax (303) 556-4479 E-mail: laura.summers@cudenver.edu
UCD Website: www.cudenver.edu
This program prepares candidates for either teacher librarian or school librarian endorsement. Teacher librarian candidates will achieve an MA in Education through the Information and Learning Technologies program.
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO 80639
Contact: Dr. Kay Persichitti
McKee Hall 513
(970) 351-2913
Fax (970) 351-1622
UNC Information at www.unco.edu/coe/edtech/ orLinda Lohr, Ed.D.Assistant Professor of Educational TechnologyUniversity of Northern ColoradoGreeley, Colorado 80639 Voice: 970-351-2513Fax: 970-351-1622McKee Hall 501linda.lohr@unco.edu
Approved Programs for Library Media Endorsement in Colorado and Master of Library Science (MLS) Colorado
Emporia State University / Emporia of the Rockies
School of Library and Information Management
Lowry Campus Building #849
Health Education Center
1070 Yosemite
Denver, CO 80230
Contact:
Kelly Visnak
Director, Colorado Distance Education
School of Library and Information Management (SLIM)
303-981-0238
E-mail: kvisnak@emporia.edu
Information can be found at slim.emporia.edu/. Emporia State University Program takes approx. 2 yrs, 8 months to complete. Meets in Denver 16 weekends per year, 14 hrs per weekend, three weeks between class sessions.
University of Denver Library and Information Science Program
College of Education
2135 East Wesley Avenue
Denver, CO 80208
Contact:
Deb Grealy, Director
E-mail: dgrealy@du.edu
Information at: http://www.du.edu/LIS/
The University of Denver Library and Information Science Programs, was granted ALA Accreditation status in June 2004. The program offers a Master's Degree and Certification Programs, including an approved School Library Media Endorsement program. Classes are offered evenings and weekends. For more information call (303) 871-2747 or visit http://www.du.edu/LIS.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Information from the ALA Public Programs Office
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the ALA Public Programs Office (PPO) are now accepting applications for two new traveling exhibitions.
Pride and Passion: The African American Baseball Experience
Based on a permanent exhibition at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, “Pride and Passion” tells the story of black baseball players in the U.S. over the past century and a half. Baseball is one of America’s central institutions, and it has long reflected the complicated and painful history of race in the United States. Through a cultural timeline of American history which will be part of the “Pride and Passion” exhibit, visitors will be able to place the African American baseball story into the larger context of American history. Application information can found at http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/SGL_PrideAndPassion.html
John Adams UnboundThis traveling exhibition is made possible by a grant from the NEH to the Boston Public Library. “John Adams Unbound” explores Adams’s personal library – a collection of 3,500 books willed by Adams to the people of Massachusetts and deposited in the Boston Public Library in 1894. Through photo-reproductions of these annotated volumes, viewers will witness one of our Founding Fathers wrestling with intellectual and political ideas at every stage in his long life – as a boy, university student, Boston lawyer, revolutionary, diplomat, President and citizen of the early American republic. Application information can found at http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/SGL_JohnAdams.html.
Librarians applying to host either of these exhibitions in their public, academic or special library must first register their institution at Grants.gov. All applications must be completed by April 4, 2008. For more information, visit www.ala.org/publicprograms.
Now accepting applications for Picturing America℠
In order to enhance the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture, Picturing America℠ brings some of the nation’s greatest works of art into school classrooms and public libraries. Successful applicants will receive a set of forty high-quality reproductions of American masterpieces, a teachers’ resource book and additional educational resources available at http://PicturingAmerica.neh.gov.
Applications are now being accepted for Picturing America, a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities, conducted in cooperation with the American Library Association. Applications may be submitted online at http://picturingamerica.ala.org through April 15, 2008.
Public, private, parochial, and charter schools and home school consortia (K-12), as well as public library systems and school districts, are invited to apply. Awards will be announced in May 2008 and distributed in September 2008 for display during the 2008-2009 school year and beyond. For more information about Picturing America, including a list of the artwork featured, grant guidelines, and the online application, visit http://picturingamerica.ala.org.
Grants available for “Let’s Talk About It: Love & Forgiveness”
The Public Programs Office, in collaboration with the Fetzer Institute’s Campaign for Love & Forgiveness, is now accepting applications for Let’s Talk About It: Love & Forgiveness, a theme-based reading and discussion program. Complete application information, including program guidelines and reading lists, can be found at www.ala.org/letstalk.
Let’s Talk About It: Love and Forgiveness will follow the well-established ALA reading and discussion series format “Let’s Talk About It,” using classic and contemporary literature to explore stimulating and relevant themes, including: Love and Forgiveness in the Presence of the Enemy; Love and Forgiveness in the Light of Death; and Love, Forgiveness and Wisdom. Thirty public libraries will be selected to each receive $2,500 program grants and supporting program materials. Applications are due July 15, 2008, and selected libraries will be announced in August 2008.
****************
ALA Public Programs Office
www.ala.org/publicprograms
Pride and Passion: The African American Baseball Experience
Based on a permanent exhibition at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, “Pride and Passion” tells the story of black baseball players in the U.S. over the past century and a half. Baseball is one of America’s central institutions, and it has long reflected the complicated and painful history of race in the United States. Through a cultural timeline of American history which will be part of the “Pride and Passion” exhibit, visitors will be able to place the African American baseball story into the larger context of American history. Application information can found at http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/SGL_PrideAndPassion.html
John Adams UnboundThis traveling exhibition is made possible by a grant from the NEH to the Boston Public Library. “John Adams Unbound” explores Adams’s personal library – a collection of 3,500 books willed by Adams to the people of Massachusetts and deposited in the Boston Public Library in 1894. Through photo-reproductions of these annotated volumes, viewers will witness one of our Founding Fathers wrestling with intellectual and political ideas at every stage in his long life – as a boy, university student, Boston lawyer, revolutionary, diplomat, President and citizen of the early American republic. Application information can found at http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/SGL_JohnAdams.html.
Librarians applying to host either of these exhibitions in their public, academic or special library must first register their institution at Grants.gov. All applications must be completed by April 4, 2008. For more information, visit www.ala.org/publicprograms.
Now accepting applications for Picturing America℠
In order to enhance the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture, Picturing America℠ brings some of the nation’s greatest works of art into school classrooms and public libraries. Successful applicants will receive a set of forty high-quality reproductions of American masterpieces, a teachers’ resource book and additional educational resources available at http://PicturingAmerica.neh.gov.
Applications are now being accepted for Picturing America, a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities, conducted in cooperation with the American Library Association. Applications may be submitted online at http://picturingamerica.ala.org through April 15, 2008.
Public, private, parochial, and charter schools and home school consortia (K-12), as well as public library systems and school districts, are invited to apply. Awards will be announced in May 2008 and distributed in September 2008 for display during the 2008-2009 school year and beyond. For more information about Picturing America, including a list of the artwork featured, grant guidelines, and the online application, visit http://picturingamerica.ala.org.
Grants available for “Let’s Talk About It: Love & Forgiveness”
The Public Programs Office, in collaboration with the Fetzer Institute’s Campaign for Love & Forgiveness, is now accepting applications for Let’s Talk About It: Love & Forgiveness, a theme-based reading and discussion program. Complete application information, including program guidelines and reading lists, can be found at www.ala.org/letstalk.
Let’s Talk About It: Love and Forgiveness will follow the well-established ALA reading and discussion series format “Let’s Talk About It,” using classic and contemporary literature to explore stimulating and relevant themes, including: Love and Forgiveness in the Presence of the Enemy; Love and Forgiveness in the Light of Death; and Love, Forgiveness and Wisdom. Thirty public libraries will be selected to each receive $2,500 program grants and supporting program materials. Applications are due July 15, 2008, and selected libraries will be announced in August 2008.
****************
ALA Public Programs Office
www.ala.org/publicprograms
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
ALA Annual Conference - Early Bird deadline on Friday March 7
ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim Early Bird Deadline This Friday, March 7
Sign up by Friday to get the best discount on ALA's Annual Conference in Anaheim, California
http://www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/annual/2008a/home.htm
Soak up the sun, and the Southern California Culture this June 26-July 2 while connecting with, and learning from
colleagues and experts from across country, and around the world.
In addition to great programs, speakers include Sally Ride, Diahann Carroll, Dean Koontz, Jamie Lee Curtis.
Spend a day volunteering for 'Libraries Build Communities'
Southern California Librarians invite you to Anaheim
http://alfocus.ala.org/videos/welcome-anaheim-ala-annual-conference-2008-preview
Sign up by Friday to get the best discount on ALA's Annual Conference in Anaheim, California
http://www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/annual/2008a/home.htm
Soak up the sun, and the Southern California Culture this June 26-July 2 while connecting with, and learning from
colleagues and experts from across country, and around the world.
In addition to great programs, speakers include Sally Ride, Diahann Carroll, Dean Koontz, Jamie Lee Curtis.
Spend a day volunteering for 'Libraries Build Communities'
Southern California Librarians invite you to Anaheim
http://alfocus.ala.org/videos/welcome-anaheim-ala-annual-conference-2008-preview
Friday, February 29, 2008
Being an Advocate
To help ALA advocates “speak up” about the library message, the ALA Washington Office is offering a series of new resources in the coming months, including webinars, podcasts, online classes and materials to make your federal grassroots lobbying experience as easy and painless as possible. Join us for our first “Speaking Up!” webinar on Thursday March 6th at 4:00pm eastern. You can learn more and register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/442300631.
Why get involved?
Well, did you know that the ALA Washington Office monitors or actively lobbies for hundreds of bills that could impact the day-to-day work of all types of libraries around the country?
Or how about this: as of Feb. 18th, 2008 over 275 bills mentioning the word "library" have been introduced in this session of the U.S.
Congress?
Or, perhaps most important, that the most common question in any Member of Congress' office is, "how does this impact my district?"
Your ALA Washington Office is comprised of experienced professionals who understand the legislative process as well as the potential impact of proposed bills on the library community. They know the difference between a conference committee and a markup, a Suspension bill and a Senator, or a concurrent resolution and a special order.
But with all their knowledge, they often lack one important ingredient for success, the answer to the most important question of all, "how do proposed federal policies impact individual congressional districts and states?"
In fact, that question can best be answered by you: the individual members of ALA. We need your stories, your local expertise and your active participation to influence federal policy.
At the same time, we understand that the modern librarian plays a number of
roles: business person, advisor, community developer-even baby sitter!
Believe
it or not, learning the ins and outs of effective advocacy will make each and every one of these roles easier to manage. Whether you have five minutes, one hour or three days to devote to advocacy, you'll see its positive impact in all the work you do.
The good news is that the ALA Washington Office stands ready to assist.
Following are the top 10 things you can do to be an effective grassroots advocate – if we can help you implement any of these ideas, let us know!
1. Sign up for Library Legislative Day (more information at:
www.ala.org/nlld
2. If you can't come to DC, sign up for Virtual Library Legislative Day (more information at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/washevents/nlld/virtuallibrarylegislativeday/vlld.cfm)
Before Library Legislative Day, participate in one of our webinars (or download the recording after):
March 6th: Advocacy and the Modern Librarian: ALA Resources and Events to Help YOU Go Forth and Advocate (register at
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/442300631)
April 16th: Preparing for Leg Day: Whether In DC or At Home, You too can be an Effective Advocate
4. Goto our online action center at http://www.capwiz.com/ala and respond to an action alert. It takes FIVE minutes!
If you aren't sure how, attend our March 6th session or download the post-session recording.
5. Take our online advocacy class at http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/gettinginvolved/onlineadvocacy/OnlineAdvocacy.cfm
6. If you haven't already, join FLLAN, the Federal Library Legislative and Advocacy Network. More information at http://www.ala.org/fllan
7. Sign up to receive notices from the District Dispatch or ALAWON Newsletter at http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/washnews/news.cfm.
If you prefer podcasts, have no fear-there will be plenty of them coming your way!
8. Join us after Legislative Day for more webinars on topics ranging from Building Long Term Relationships with Elected Officials to Creating Local Advocacy Campaigns to Arranging Library Tours and Visits.
9. Identify opportunities for your library to get involved in the elections-from President to your local city council there will likely be some changes. Wouldn't it be great to have library friendly folks in office? Get started by encouraging friends, trustees and board members to register to vote at www.rockthevote.org
10. Check out the resources and materials at ALA's own "Advocacy Institute." More information at http://www.ala.org/ala/issues/issuesadvocacy.htm
Why you? Only you can help Members of Congress understand that the crazy things they do in Washington,DC, directly and sometimes negatively impact local libraries.
Why now? Changes in the makeup of the U.S. Congress offer both opportunities and challenges for libraries. We will reap the benefits of opportunities (and minimize the challenges) if we all speak up-not tomorrow, not next week, not next year but now.
So what are you waiting for-get out there and advocate for libraries! You'll be glad you did.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS EMAIL WIDELY.
Why get involved?
Well, did you know that the ALA Washington Office monitors or actively lobbies for hundreds of bills that could impact the day-to-day work of all types of libraries around the country?
Or how about this: as of Feb. 18th, 2008 over 275 bills mentioning the word "library" have been introduced in this session of the U.S.
Congress?
Or, perhaps most important, that the most common question in any Member of Congress' office is, "how does this impact my district?"
Your ALA Washington Office is comprised of experienced professionals who understand the legislative process as well as the potential impact of proposed bills on the library community. They know the difference between a conference committee and a markup, a Suspension bill and a Senator, or a concurrent resolution and a special order.
But with all their knowledge, they often lack one important ingredient for success, the answer to the most important question of all, "how do proposed federal policies impact individual congressional districts and states?"
In fact, that question can best be answered by you: the individual members of ALA. We need your stories, your local expertise and your active participation to influence federal policy.
At the same time, we understand that the modern librarian plays a number of
roles: business person, advisor, community developer-even baby sitter!
Believe
it or not, learning the ins and outs of effective advocacy will make each and every one of these roles easier to manage. Whether you have five minutes, one hour or three days to devote to advocacy, you'll see its positive impact in all the work you do.
The good news is that the ALA Washington Office stands ready to assist.
Following are the top 10 things you can do to be an effective grassroots advocate – if we can help you implement any of these ideas, let us know!
1. Sign up for Library Legislative Day (more information at:
www.ala.org/nlld
2. If you can't come to DC, sign up for Virtual Library Legislative Day (more information at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/washevents/nlld/virtuallibrarylegislativeday/vlld.cfm)
Before Library Legislative Day, participate in one of our webinars (or download the recording after):
March 6th: Advocacy and the Modern Librarian: ALA Resources and Events to Help YOU Go Forth and Advocate (register at
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/442300631)
April 16th: Preparing for Leg Day: Whether In DC or At Home, You too can be an Effective Advocate
4. Goto our online action center at http://www.capwiz.com/ala and respond to an action alert. It takes FIVE minutes!
If you aren't sure how, attend our March 6th session or download the post-session recording.
5. Take our online advocacy class at http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/gettinginvolved/onlineadvocacy/OnlineAdvocacy.cfm
6. If you haven't already, join FLLAN, the Federal Library Legislative and Advocacy Network. More information at http://www.ala.org/fllan
7. Sign up to receive notices from the District Dispatch or ALAWON Newsletter at http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/washnews/news.cfm.
If you prefer podcasts, have no fear-there will be plenty of them coming your way!
8. Join us after Legislative Day for more webinars on topics ranging from Building Long Term Relationships with Elected Officials to Creating Local Advocacy Campaigns to Arranging Library Tours and Visits.
9. Identify opportunities for your library to get involved in the elections-from President to your local city council there will likely be some changes. Wouldn't it be great to have library friendly folks in office? Get started by encouraging friends, trustees and board members to register to vote at www.rockthevote.org
10. Check out the resources and materials at ALA's own "Advocacy Institute." More information at http://www.ala.org/ala/issues/issuesadvocacy.htm
Why you? Only you can help Members of Congress understand that the crazy things they do in Washington,DC, directly and sometimes negatively impact local libraries.
Why now? Changes in the makeup of the U.S. Congress offer both opportunities and challenges for libraries. We will reap the benefits of opportunities (and minimize the challenges) if we all speak up-not tomorrow, not next week, not next year but now.
So what are you waiting for-get out there and advocate for libraries! You'll be glad you did.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS EMAIL WIDELY.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Host Sunshine Week Webcast @ your library
For the past several years, ALA has participated in a national Sunshine Week dialogue and webcast on access to government information, organized byOpenTheGovernment.org. This year’s webcast - Government Secrecy: CensoringYour Right to Know – will take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 1:00 -2:30pm (EDT), and features a panel on privacy in the Executive Branch and a panel on how citizens can find the information they need.
To view this post in its entirety, please follow the link below: http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=379
To view this post in its entirety, please follow the link below: http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=379
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
National Library Legislative Day
Interested in speaking up for libraries? Why not go the extra mile for libraries and participate in National Library Legislative Day ?
What is National Library Legislative Day?
NLLD is a two-day event, held in Washington, DC, during which people who care about libraries participate in advocacy and issue training sessions, interact with Capitol Hill insiders, and visit with their Senators and Representatives to ask them to pass legislation that supports libraries.
When is National Library Legislative Day?
National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) 2008 is approaching fast; it’s May 13 and 14! (There’s also a pre-conference entitled, “Introduction to National Library Legislative Day: Why Your Participation Is Important; What to Do and How to Do it”)
Who to Contact if You Want More Information or Want to Get Involved?
Please contact:
Shelley Walchak, Colorado Chapter Councilor
swalchak@gmail.com 970-375-2510
There is financial support available for attendees.
What is National Library Legislative Day?
NLLD is a two-day event, held in Washington, DC, during which people who care about libraries participate in advocacy and issue training sessions, interact with Capitol Hill insiders, and visit with their Senators and Representatives to ask them to pass legislation that supports libraries.
When is National Library Legislative Day?
National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) 2008 is approaching fast; it’s May 13 and 14! (There’s also a pre-conference entitled, “Introduction to National Library Legislative Day: Why Your Participation Is Important; What to Do and How to Do it”)
Who to Contact if You Want More Information or Want to Get Involved?
Please contact:
Shelley Walchak, Colorado Chapter Councilor
swalchak@gmail.com 970-375-2510
There is financial support available for attendees.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
2008 Financial Assistance for Library Studies
Need additional financial assistance? The 2008 Financial Assistance for Library and Information Studies Directory is an annual directory of awards from state library agencies, national and state library associations, local libraries, academic institutions and foundations that give some form of financial assistance for undergraduate and/or graduate education programs in library and information studies. The directory is available online at http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=Scholarships&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=167618.For information on Scholarships available through ALA, visit www.ala.org/scholarships or call the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse at (800) 545-2433, ext. 4279.
PLA Virtual Conference - March 27-28
The Public Library Association will hold its first-ever Virtual Conference March 27-28 during the association's 12th National Conference in Minneapolis. The Virtual Conference will provide public librarians and public library workers who can't make the trip an opportunity to participate in all the excitement surrounding a PLA Conference.The Virtual Conference will include many familiar elements of the live conference, including high-quality educational programming, poster sessions and networking opportunities with colleagues. Each day will feature five live programs - the same programs available to in-person conference attendees. In addition, it will feature special events, such as "A Conversation with Nancy Pearl," an interactive question-and-answer session with the living model for the librarian action figure, and "Inside the Author's Studio," a daily chat with well-known authors.Registration for the Virtual Conference is now open. Individuals who register to attend PLA 2008 in Minneapolis will automatically receive access to the Virtual Conference as part of their registration. Register for the PLA 2008 Virtual Conference at www.placonference.org.
Celebrate Teen Tech Week - March 2 - 8
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), has given grant money to two Coloradoans to help during their celebration of Teen Tech Week:
Gigi Yang, Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library, Broomfield, Colo.
Julie Richards, Eagle Valley Library District, Gypsum, Colo.
For more information on Teen Tech Week, please visit:
"Let's Talk About It" Grant Program
The ALA Public Programs Office, in collaboration with the Fetzer Institute's Campaign for Love & Forgiveness, is now accepting applications for "Let's Talk About It: Love & Forgiveness," a theme-based reading and discussion program. Complete application information, including program guidelines and reading lists, can be found at www.ala.org/letstalk. The deadline for applications is July 15.
"Let's Talk About It: Love and Forgiveness" will follow the well-established ALA reading and discussion series format "Let's Talk About It," using classic and contemporary literature to explore stimulating and relevant themes. Project themes and books were chosen by national project scholar Betty Sue Flowers, Ph.D., director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum and former Kelleher professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin.
Following a competitive application process, 30 public libraries will be selected to receive:
* A grant of $2,500, to be used to support program costs and scholar honoraria.
* Program materials, which include introductory literature and essays on each of the themes, selections for additional reading and template promotional materials.
* Training for the library project director at a national workshop, where they will hear from the project scholar, expert librarians and organizers and receive a program planning guide, materials and ideas.
Successful applicants will be notified of their status by the end of August. For more information on "Let's Talk About It: Love & Forgiveness," visit www.ala.org/letstalk or www.loveandforgive.org.
**********************************
ALA Public Programs Office
www.ala.org/publicprograms
publicprograms@ala.org
800/545-2433, extension 5045
"Let's Talk About It: Love and Forgiveness" will follow the well-established ALA reading and discussion series format "Let's Talk About It," using classic and contemporary literature to explore stimulating and relevant themes. Project themes and books were chosen by national project scholar Betty Sue Flowers, Ph.D., director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum and former Kelleher professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin.
Following a competitive application process, 30 public libraries will be selected to receive:
* A grant of $2,500, to be used to support program costs and scholar honoraria.
* Program materials, which include introductory literature and essays on each of the themes, selections for additional reading and template promotional materials.
* Training for the library project director at a national workshop, where they will hear from the project scholar, expert librarians and organizers and receive a program planning guide, materials and ideas.
Successful applicants will be notified of their status by the end of August. For more information on "Let's Talk About It: Love & Forgiveness," visit www.ala.org/letstalk or www.loveandforgive.org.
**********************************
ALA Public Programs Office
www.ala.org/publicprograms
publicprograms@ala.org
800/545-2433, extension 5045
Saturday, February 2, 2008
ACRL Explores the Future of Academic Libraries
ACRL's 2007 environmental scan explores the current atmosphere in the world of academic and research libraries, along with trends that will define the future of the profession and the research environment. The report is available online (PDF file).
Newbery and Caldecott
In case you missed it!
Newbery and Caldecott winners Laura Amy Schlitz, librarian at the Park School in Baltimore and author of Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village, and Brian Selznick, illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, are the 2008 winners of the John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott Medals.
Newbery and Caldecott winners Laura Amy Schlitz, librarian at the Park School in Baltimore and author of Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village, and Brian Selznick, illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, are the 2008 winners of the John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott Medals.
Post Conference Info From Midwinter 2008
From ALA Direct...
"Now that we’re all recovering from Midwinter 2008, hopefully we’re also building an archive of materials from the event. We’ve started a page on the wiki for Handouts, Podcasts, and other Post Midwinter Information where you can post handouts, presentations, notes, minutes, and whatever else your committee, unit, group, etc. distributed during your meetings."
For More information:
http://discuss.ala.org/marginalia/2008/01/16/post-conference-info-from-midwinter-2008/
"Now that we’re all recovering from Midwinter 2008, hopefully we’re also building an archive of materials from the event. We’ve started a page on the wiki for Handouts, Podcasts, and other Post Midwinter Information where you can post handouts, presentations, notes, minutes, and whatever else your committee, unit, group, etc. distributed during your meetings."
For More information:
http://discuss.ala.org/marginalia/2008/01/16/post-conference-info-from-midwinter-2008/
Congrats to Joan Light-Kraft at Montrose Library!
YALSA named the winners of BWI/YALSA Collection Development Grant including Joan Light-Kraft of the Montrose Regional Library District of Montrose, Colo. This grant is administered by the Young Adult Library Services Association, the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association (ALA). Joan receives a grant of $1,000, donated by BWI, for collection development. The grant is awarded to YALSA members who represent a public library and work directly with young adults ages 12-18.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Grassroots Effort in Spokane to Support School Libraries
There is a story in American Libraries about a grassroots effort in Washington State to support school libraries. It's a"grassroots movement launched last spring by three Spokane women whose determination to strengthen school libraries statewide began by combating their school board's decision to close part of a $10.8-million deficit by halving the hours of the 10 full-time K-8 teacher-librarians still employed by Washington's second-largest district." The women contacted the AASL staff who have been assisting them with information. This is the kind of vital support from parents that needs to happen. These parents get it! They understand that libraries are important and that our children need school libraries and library media specialists. I urge all of you to read the article.
http://tinyurl.com/ysshmb
http://tinyurl.com/ysshmb
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Council III
Three new members of the executive board were elected - a school, academic, and public librarian. They will serve a three year term starting at Annual Conference in June.
The treasurer, Rodney Hersberger gave his report, and he highlighted 4 of the programmatic priorities this year, which include (1) school library advocacy statistics inititative. (2) Diversity (3) advocacy for rural and for tribal libraries. (4) State/Chapter online network - provides 25 chapters with capwiz an online program that allows ala and the chapters to work together and mobilize grassroots support.
COO reported and introduced three motions.
(1) Establish a Council committee to work with the Advocacy office
(2) Have the president-elect report to council some demographics on the make-up of the committee on committees
(3)Restrain candidates from participating on a committee or board that could advance or appear to advance his or her candidacy.
The committee has also inititiated two groups: one on Library Assessment and and one on Gaming.
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee put forth a resolution that ALA accept the Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials as an affiliate, which passed. The second resolution that passed indicates that ALA accept the On-Line Audiovisual Catalogers as an affiliate. The third resolution called for an amendment to the constitution, which would allow the executive board to be charged with appointing a new officer should the elected officer not be able to serve. The fourth resolution that passed changed the constitution so that all officers and elected members of the board shall serve until the adjournment of Annual Conference.
The Intellectual Freedom committee had no action items. Trends that were reported included:
(1) NSL - 43 states have confirmed that.
(2) Censorship and Book Challenges - Alms for Jihad - an example of "libel" tourism. Settlement was out of court. The press called on libraries to pull their copies of this title. OIF put out the call that we have no obligation to do this, and most academic libraries did not do this.
(3) The Golden Compass. It reared its ugly head because of the movie. The Catholic League protested this. There was a large increase in the censorship of this book. ALA President made a timely and strong response and prevented a lot from happening.
(4)The Use of Obscenity Laws to censor literature. Teachers can be charged in court for providing "obscene" literature to their children. Parents are going to legal outlets to get charges against the teacher, and the teacher will lose their job.
(5)A Festschrigt to honor Gordon M. Conable.
New Projects
(1) They are planning a national conference on privacy as an American value.
(2)A revision of the Intellectual Freedom Manual
(3) Banned Books week was a huge success. OIF has moved into Web 2.0 through Faceback, MySpace and Flickr.
(4)The Intellectual Freedom Manual is putting together a three part series that address intellectual freedom.
(5) Lawyers for Libraries has been very successful. Over 400 lawyers trained. Colorado held this workshop in November as a pre-conference at CAL.
Committee on Legislation asked Council to pass six resolutions including one to commending the FBI "whistleblower," Bassem Youssef, for exposing abuses in the use of exigent national security letters. They were all supported. Others included a resolution to have accessible workstations available at conferences (voted for); a Resolution to end the violence in Kenya (abstained); a Resolution on the Confiscation of Iraqi Documents (voted for.)
This is the conclusion of my second Mid-winter conference, and it is truly an honor to be a part of ALA. I would encourage you to be a member and get involved. Please contact me if I can be of assistance.
The treasurer, Rodney Hersberger gave his report, and he highlighted 4 of the programmatic priorities this year, which include (1) school library advocacy statistics inititative. (2) Diversity (3) advocacy for rural and for tribal libraries. (4) State/Chapter online network - provides 25 chapters with capwiz an online program that allows ala and the chapters to work together and mobilize grassroots support.
COO reported and introduced three motions.
(1) Establish a Council committee to work with the Advocacy office
(2) Have the president-elect report to council some demographics on the make-up of the committee on committees
(3)Restrain candidates from participating on a committee or board that could advance or appear to advance his or her candidacy.
The committee has also inititiated two groups: one on Library Assessment and and one on Gaming.
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee put forth a resolution that ALA accept the Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials as an affiliate, which passed. The second resolution that passed indicates that ALA accept the On-Line Audiovisual Catalogers as an affiliate. The third resolution called for an amendment to the constitution, which would allow the executive board to be charged with appointing a new officer should the elected officer not be able to serve. The fourth resolution that passed changed the constitution so that all officers and elected members of the board shall serve until the adjournment of Annual Conference.
The Intellectual Freedom committee had no action items. Trends that were reported included:
(1) NSL - 43 states have confirmed that.
(2) Censorship and Book Challenges - Alms for Jihad - an example of "libel" tourism. Settlement was out of court. The press called on libraries to pull their copies of this title. OIF put out the call that we have no obligation to do this, and most academic libraries did not do this.
(3) The Golden Compass. It reared its ugly head because of the movie. The Catholic League protested this. There was a large increase in the censorship of this book. ALA President made a timely and strong response and prevented a lot from happening.
(4)The Use of Obscenity Laws to censor literature. Teachers can be charged in court for providing "obscene" literature to their children. Parents are going to legal outlets to get charges against the teacher, and the teacher will lose their job.
(5)A Festschrigt to honor Gordon M. Conable.
New Projects
(1) They are planning a national conference on privacy as an American value.
(2)A revision of the Intellectual Freedom Manual
(3) Banned Books week was a huge success. OIF has moved into Web 2.0 through Faceback, MySpace and Flickr.
(4)The Intellectual Freedom Manual is putting together a three part series that address intellectual freedom.
(5) Lawyers for Libraries has been very successful. Over 400 lawyers trained. Colorado held this workshop in November as a pre-conference at CAL.
Committee on Legislation asked Council to pass six resolutions including one to commending the FBI "whistleblower," Bassem Youssef, for exposing abuses in the use of exigent national security letters. They were all supported. Others included a resolution to have accessible workstations available at conferences (voted for); a Resolution to end the violence in Kenya (abstained); a Resolution on the Confiscation of Iraqi Documents (voted for.)
This is the conclusion of my second Mid-winter conference, and it is truly an honor to be a part of ALA. I would encourage you to be a member and get involved. Please contact me if I can be of assistance.
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