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
Friday, October 3, 2008
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.
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