ALA Council III - New Orleans
ALA New Orleans – Council III
Typical general business issues were taken care of at the beginning of the meeting.
Traditionally, memorials are read at the beginning of the last Council meeting and a moment of silence is observed for those we have lost. Those names are listed below:
Henriette D Avram
Ross Atkinson
Mary Jane Anderson
Lee Brawner
Carole C Callard
Israel David Fishman
John Iliff
Daniel T Lundy
John McGowan
A special tribute resolution was also put forward and the text is below:
Tribute Resolution Dedicated to the City of New Orleans and its citizens
Whereas, The City of New Orleans and environs are a cherished and vital link to America’s rich cultural past and a locus of present-day cultural and economic activity; and
Whereas, The City of New Orleans and environs has endured significant hardship in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and
Whereas, The citizens of New Orleans have worked tirelessly to rebuild the city they love; and
Whereas, The City and her citizens have been exceptionally welcoming and accommodating hosts to the American Library Association and the Association’s 2006 Annual Conference even as they strive to restore this glorious city; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the American Library Association salute and enthusiastically thank the City of New Orleans and its citizens for their myriad efforts that they have contributed to the success of the 2006 American Library Association Annual Conference; and be it
Resolved, This tribute be forwarded to the Mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin; the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau The Times-Picayune; and any others as deemed appropriate.
Elections were held for Council Committee on Committees – Stephen L Matthews, Barbara A Genco, Bernadine Abbott-Hoduski, Robert Randolph Newlen. Council Reps to the Planning and Budget Assembly – At Large: Bonnie L Kunzel, Katherine B Lehman, Theresa A Tobin; Chapter Councilors – Sandra M Barstow, Thomas Kevin Cherry.
Retiring Councilors and Executive Board members were recognized.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee made their report with the following resolutions:
Resolved: to amend ALA Bylaw Article III, Nominations and Elections, Section 2(a) to read as follows:
The ALA Nominating Committee shall report its nominations at the Midwinter Meeting of the Council. The final list of the candidates’ names shall be reported in American Libraries. Passed – voted yes.
The intent of this resolution was to get a final printed list of all candidates. This has been done piecemeal before now and until the ballot was sent, no one had a complete list at hand.
Resolved: to amend ALA Bylaw Article III, Nominations and Elections, Section 4 as follows:
Renumber Section 4(b) to Section 4(c)
Insert a new Section 4(b) to read as follows:
For every election of the Association, the Committee on Election shall establish a closing date for the membership list. Only members in good standing on that date shall receive a ballot and shall be entitled to vote. Passed – voted yes.
Other informational items were the listing of two committees that were approved at Mid-Winter. One article was deleted as no longer relevant because of changes made previously to the bylaws.
The Catholic Library Association had previously asked for affiliate status. In order to comply with ALA Bylaws, the CLA had to change some of their bylaws. They are in the process of doing this, but given their structure, this will not be completed until after Mid-Winter, so will be addressed at the 2007 annual meeting.
Some concern had been expressed that it was possible for candidates to misrepresent themselves in the biographical statements on the ballots. Oversight of this issue is given to the Committee on Election by the existing bylaws.
The review charge to the Election Committee was given to the Committee of Organizations.
Questions were asked about the proactive roles that ALA and Council committee chairs have assumed. This was determined to be within the current bylaws and no changes are recommended.
The Committee on Legislation had a large number of action items.
Resolved, that the American Library Association (ALA) urge Congress to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reprogram $2.5 million of the EPA FY 2007 budget to fund EPA Libraries; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA urge the EPA to restore funding to the EPA regional and laboratory libraries; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA urge the EPA to develop a responsible information and collections management strategy, and make it available for public comment, to ensure continued access for the public and other stakeholders to the collections and services of the EPA Libraries. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association (ALA) support S. 2695, the Federal Research Public Access Act of 2006, as introduced, in that it reflects ALA policy regarding access to Federal government information by providing for the long-term preservation of, and no fee public access to, government-sponsored, published research findings. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association (ALA) urges Congress to affirm that the federal libraries are inherently governmental and the position of librarian is essential; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA urges the United States Congress to hold oversight hearings investigating the ongoing destruction of federal libraries before they are lost beyond recovery; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA urges Congress to adequately fund federal libraries so that they will be able to employ federal librarians with subject expertise to provide research services. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association oppose the Deleting Online Predators Act as it is presently drafted; and, be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association affirm the importance of online social networks to library users of all ages for developing and using essential information literacy skills;
Resolved, that ALA ask library supporters to contact their representatives and senators to inform them about the important role “social networking sites” serve in civic participation, collaboration, etc. and about problems caused by mandatory blocking as proposed in H.R. 5319; and, be it further
Resolved, that ALA communicate this resolution to the United States Congress and to others, as appropriate. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association affirm the right of all library users to enjoy equal and equitable internet access free from commercial bias, whether provided in the library, or through remote access to library resources; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA reiterate its support for effective network neutrality legislation such as the Internet Freedom Preservation Act (S.2917) and the Network Neutrality Act of 2006 (H.R. 5273), and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA support the FCC’s codification of network neutrality principles, and be it further
Resolved, that ALA call upon library supporters to actively advocate for effective and enforceable network neutrality as telecommunications reform legislation proceeds in Congress. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that ALA adopt the position that any proposed legislation and related regulations must assure universal service funding support for current and more advanced telecommunications services in libraries and schools; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA support proposals that exempt all universal service programs from Anti-Deficiency Act accounting requirements; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA call upon all library supporters to advocate on behalf of the E-rate and universal service; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA communicate this resolution to the United States Congress and to others as appropriate. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association (ALA) congratulates Patrice (McDermott) in her new position as director of OpenTheGovernment.org; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA membership look forward to collaborating with Patrice on issues of mutual interest; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA membership extends its sincere appreciation for Patrice’s tireless efforts on behalf of the Association and library users around the world and wish her continued success. Passed by Acclamation. Patrice McDermott has been an ALA staffer in the Washington Office.
Therefore, be it resolved that the American Library Association endorse HR 676, “Expanded Medicare for all” a single payer health care program; and, be it further
Resolved that the American Library Association endorse S2772, “Health Partnership Act,” as a first step towards affordable quality health care for all; and, be it further
Resolved that the American Library Association work with affiliated organizations and among our own membership to build popular support for these bills; and, be it further
Resolved that the American Library Association send a copy of this resolution to the President, to all Senators and Representatives. Passed – voted yes.
Some additional information was presented. Information and potential ALA policies on Immigration issues will be presented at Mid-Winter. There is little policy in place on these issues and some aspects can impacts libraries and the public access to information. Federal budget information was presented as related to libraries. Some programs have proposed increases, others remain flat and some have cuts or have been eliminated. As the budget proceeds, additional information will be made available to us. Other information will be sent on copyright, privacy, telecommunications, etc. as it becomes available.
An LSTA Subcommittee will be established to begin work on this important legislation as it approaches reauthorization.
The Intellectual Freedom Committee presented the following resolutions for consideration:
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge all libraries to:
· Limited the degree to which personally identifiable information is collected, monitored, disclosed, and distributed; and
· Avoid creating unnecessary records; and
· Limit access to personally identifiable information to staff performing authorized functions; and
· Dispose of library usage records containing personally identifiable information unless they are needed for the efficient and lawful operation of the library, including, but not limited to data-related logs, digital records, vendor-collected data, and system backups; and
· Ensure that the library work with its organization’s information technology unit to ensure that library usage records processed or held by the IT unit are treated in accordance with library records policies; and
· Ensure that those records that must be retained are secures; and
· Avoid library practices and procedures that place personally identifiable information on public view; and
· Assure that vendor agreements guarantee library control of all data and records; and
· Conduct an annual privacy audit to ensure that information processing procedure meet privacy requirements by examining how information about library users and employees is collected, stored, shared, used, and destroyed; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge all libraries to adopt or update a privacy policy protecting users’ personally identifiable information, communicating to library users how their information is used, and explaining the limited circumstances under which personally identifiable information could be disclosed; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge members of the library community to advocate that records retention laws and regulations limit retention of library usage records containing personally identifiable information to the time needed for efficient operating of the Library. Passed – voted yes.
The following link will take you to the ALA Privacy Audit that they use for the organization: http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=otherpolicies&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=83791
These documents may be used as templates for a privacy audit at your institution.
Resolved, that the Intellectual Freedom Committee, Intellectual Freedom Round Table, and ALA Fostering Civic Engagement Member Interest Group collaborate with other ALA units toward a national conversation about privacy as an American value. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association strongly commend the stand of the Connecticut John Does – George Christian, Barbara Bailey, Peter Chase, and Janet Nocek – in their successful legal battle to defend the privacy of library user records; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association condemn the use of National Security Letters to demand any library records; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association reaffirm its opposition to sections of the USA Patriot Act that infringe on library patrons’ ability to access library services without privacy safeguards. Passed – voted yes.
The International Relations Committee reported that 350 Librarians from other countries at ALA-New Orleans. 30,000 books for children were given to libraries in Iraq. These books were purchased through publishers in Baghdad.
The Committee on Organizations and Council don’t always know if a committee is meeting or if other issues are arising that need oversight, such as members not attending meetings, etc. The action requested by Committee on Organizations is intended to be a brief report card type of report with a record of attendance and activity at conferences. These reports will be posted on the ALA website for general membership information and access.
That ALA committees be required to submit to Council an update of their activities within a month after each Midwinter or Annual Meeting. Passed – voted yes.
The following resolution was generated from the Chapter Councilors (those representing state associations).
Resolved, that the American Library Association commends the members of the library community in the hurricane-affected areas for their tireless efforts to maintain a level of service that few thought would be possible after such a massive disaster and to restore valued library services for the people they serve, and
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge conference attendees to take full advantage of this “teachable moment” to bear witness to the extent of the work that remains to be done here with their colleagues, employers, and communities at home, and
Resolved, that the ALA urges state chapters to contact and work with the ALA Chapter Relations office staff to aid Gulf-Coast Libraries through means such as the adopt-a-library program, and
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge librarians to establish or strengthen their relationships with their state and local emergency planning agencies and offer their libraries’ services in disaster preparation, response and recovery for the future,
And resolved, that this document be distributed as the ALA Executive Director deems as appropriate. Passed – voted yes.
It was reported that the Advocacy alert about S 2686 regarding net neutrality, universal service and E-rate was temporarily helpful, but no action has been taken as of this meeting. We need to remain vigilant.
Final attendance report for the conference:
9,047 advance registrations
3,080 on-site registrations
4,837 exhibitors
16,964 attendees compared to 19, 731 from Orlando which is used as the benchmark low conference. Considering the situation, it was felt this was a very good attendance.
Council III adjourned early!
Typical general business issues were taken care of at the beginning of the meeting.
Traditionally, memorials are read at the beginning of the last Council meeting and a moment of silence is observed for those we have lost. Those names are listed below:
Henriette D Avram
Ross Atkinson
Mary Jane Anderson
Lee Brawner
Carole C Callard
Israel David Fishman
John Iliff
Daniel T Lundy
John McGowan
A special tribute resolution was also put forward and the text is below:
Tribute Resolution Dedicated to the City of New Orleans and its citizens
Whereas, The City of New Orleans and environs are a cherished and vital link to America’s rich cultural past and a locus of present-day cultural and economic activity; and
Whereas, The City of New Orleans and environs has endured significant hardship in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and
Whereas, The citizens of New Orleans have worked tirelessly to rebuild the city they love; and
Whereas, The City and her citizens have been exceptionally welcoming and accommodating hosts to the American Library Association and the Association’s 2006 Annual Conference even as they strive to restore this glorious city; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the American Library Association salute and enthusiastically thank the City of New Orleans and its citizens for their myriad efforts that they have contributed to the success of the 2006 American Library Association Annual Conference; and be it
Resolved, This tribute be forwarded to the Mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin; the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau The Times-Picayune; and any others as deemed appropriate.
Elections were held for Council Committee on Committees – Stephen L Matthews, Barbara A Genco, Bernadine Abbott-Hoduski, Robert Randolph Newlen. Council Reps to the Planning and Budget Assembly – At Large: Bonnie L Kunzel, Katherine B Lehman, Theresa A Tobin; Chapter Councilors – Sandra M Barstow, Thomas Kevin Cherry.
Retiring Councilors and Executive Board members were recognized.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee made their report with the following resolutions:
Resolved: to amend ALA Bylaw Article III, Nominations and Elections, Section 2(a) to read as follows:
The ALA Nominating Committee shall report its nominations at the Midwinter Meeting of the Council. The final list of the candidates’ names shall be reported in American Libraries. Passed – voted yes.
The intent of this resolution was to get a final printed list of all candidates. This has been done piecemeal before now and until the ballot was sent, no one had a complete list at hand.
Resolved: to amend ALA Bylaw Article III, Nominations and Elections, Section 4 as follows:
Renumber Section 4(b) to Section 4(c)
Insert a new Section 4(b) to read as follows:
For every election of the Association, the Committee on Election shall establish a closing date for the membership list. Only members in good standing on that date shall receive a ballot and shall be entitled to vote. Passed – voted yes.
Other informational items were the listing of two committees that were approved at Mid-Winter. One article was deleted as no longer relevant because of changes made previously to the bylaws.
The Catholic Library Association had previously asked for affiliate status. In order to comply with ALA Bylaws, the CLA had to change some of their bylaws. They are in the process of doing this, but given their structure, this will not be completed until after Mid-Winter, so will be addressed at the 2007 annual meeting.
Some concern had been expressed that it was possible for candidates to misrepresent themselves in the biographical statements on the ballots. Oversight of this issue is given to the Committee on Election by the existing bylaws.
The review charge to the Election Committee was given to the Committee of Organizations.
Questions were asked about the proactive roles that ALA and Council committee chairs have assumed. This was determined to be within the current bylaws and no changes are recommended.
The Committee on Legislation had a large number of action items.
Resolved, that the American Library Association (ALA) urge Congress to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reprogram $2.5 million of the EPA FY 2007 budget to fund EPA Libraries; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA urge the EPA to restore funding to the EPA regional and laboratory libraries; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA urge the EPA to develop a responsible information and collections management strategy, and make it available for public comment, to ensure continued access for the public and other stakeholders to the collections and services of the EPA Libraries. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association (ALA) support S. 2695, the Federal Research Public Access Act of 2006, as introduced, in that it reflects ALA policy regarding access to Federal government information by providing for the long-term preservation of, and no fee public access to, government-sponsored, published research findings. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association (ALA) urges Congress to affirm that the federal libraries are inherently governmental and the position of librarian is essential; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA urges the United States Congress to hold oversight hearings investigating the ongoing destruction of federal libraries before they are lost beyond recovery; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA urges Congress to adequately fund federal libraries so that they will be able to employ federal librarians with subject expertise to provide research services. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association oppose the Deleting Online Predators Act as it is presently drafted; and, be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association affirm the importance of online social networks to library users of all ages for developing and using essential information literacy skills;
Resolved, that ALA ask library supporters to contact their representatives and senators to inform them about the important role “social networking sites” serve in civic participation, collaboration, etc. and about problems caused by mandatory blocking as proposed in H.R. 5319; and, be it further
Resolved, that ALA communicate this resolution to the United States Congress and to others, as appropriate. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association affirm the right of all library users to enjoy equal and equitable internet access free from commercial bias, whether provided in the library, or through remote access to library resources; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA reiterate its support for effective network neutrality legislation such as the Internet Freedom Preservation Act (S.2917) and the Network Neutrality Act of 2006 (H.R. 5273), and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA support the FCC’s codification of network neutrality principles, and be it further
Resolved, that ALA call upon library supporters to actively advocate for effective and enforceable network neutrality as telecommunications reform legislation proceeds in Congress. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that ALA adopt the position that any proposed legislation and related regulations must assure universal service funding support for current and more advanced telecommunications services in libraries and schools; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA support proposals that exempt all universal service programs from Anti-Deficiency Act accounting requirements; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA call upon all library supporters to advocate on behalf of the E-rate and universal service; and be it further
Resolved, that ALA communicate this resolution to the United States Congress and to others as appropriate. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association (ALA) congratulates Patrice (McDermott) in her new position as director of OpenTheGovernment.org; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA membership look forward to collaborating with Patrice on issues of mutual interest; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA membership extends its sincere appreciation for Patrice’s tireless efforts on behalf of the Association and library users around the world and wish her continued success. Passed by Acclamation. Patrice McDermott has been an ALA staffer in the Washington Office.
Therefore, be it resolved that the American Library Association endorse HR 676, “Expanded Medicare for all” a single payer health care program; and, be it further
Resolved that the American Library Association endorse S2772, “Health Partnership Act,” as a first step towards affordable quality health care for all; and, be it further
Resolved that the American Library Association work with affiliated organizations and among our own membership to build popular support for these bills; and, be it further
Resolved that the American Library Association send a copy of this resolution to the President, to all Senators and Representatives. Passed – voted yes.
Some additional information was presented. Information and potential ALA policies on Immigration issues will be presented at Mid-Winter. There is little policy in place on these issues and some aspects can impacts libraries and the public access to information. Federal budget information was presented as related to libraries. Some programs have proposed increases, others remain flat and some have cuts or have been eliminated. As the budget proceeds, additional information will be made available to us. Other information will be sent on copyright, privacy, telecommunications, etc. as it becomes available.
An LSTA Subcommittee will be established to begin work on this important legislation as it approaches reauthorization.
The Intellectual Freedom Committee presented the following resolutions for consideration:
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge all libraries to:
· Limited the degree to which personally identifiable information is collected, monitored, disclosed, and distributed; and
· Avoid creating unnecessary records; and
· Limit access to personally identifiable information to staff performing authorized functions; and
· Dispose of library usage records containing personally identifiable information unless they are needed for the efficient and lawful operation of the library, including, but not limited to data-related logs, digital records, vendor-collected data, and system backups; and
· Ensure that the library work with its organization’s information technology unit to ensure that library usage records processed or held by the IT unit are treated in accordance with library records policies; and
· Ensure that those records that must be retained are secures; and
· Avoid library practices and procedures that place personally identifiable information on public view; and
· Assure that vendor agreements guarantee library control of all data and records; and
· Conduct an annual privacy audit to ensure that information processing procedure meet privacy requirements by examining how information about library users and employees is collected, stored, shared, used, and destroyed; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge all libraries to adopt or update a privacy policy protecting users’ personally identifiable information, communicating to library users how their information is used, and explaining the limited circumstances under which personally identifiable information could be disclosed; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge members of the library community to advocate that records retention laws and regulations limit retention of library usage records containing personally identifiable information to the time needed for efficient operating of the Library. Passed – voted yes.
The following link will take you to the ALA Privacy Audit that they use for the organization: http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=otherpolicies&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=83791
These documents may be used as templates for a privacy audit at your institution.
Resolved, that the Intellectual Freedom Committee, Intellectual Freedom Round Table, and ALA Fostering Civic Engagement Member Interest Group collaborate with other ALA units toward a national conversation about privacy as an American value. Passed – voted yes.
Resolved, that the American Library Association strongly commend the stand of the Connecticut John Does – George Christian, Barbara Bailey, Peter Chase, and Janet Nocek – in their successful legal battle to defend the privacy of library user records; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association condemn the use of National Security Letters to demand any library records; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association reaffirm its opposition to sections of the USA Patriot Act that infringe on library patrons’ ability to access library services without privacy safeguards. Passed – voted yes.
The International Relations Committee reported that 350 Librarians from other countries at ALA-New Orleans. 30,000 books for children were given to libraries in Iraq. These books were purchased through publishers in Baghdad.
The Committee on Organizations and Council don’t always know if a committee is meeting or if other issues are arising that need oversight, such as members not attending meetings, etc. The action requested by Committee on Organizations is intended to be a brief report card type of report with a record of attendance and activity at conferences. These reports will be posted on the ALA website for general membership information and access.
That ALA committees be required to submit to Council an update of their activities within a month after each Midwinter or Annual Meeting. Passed – voted yes.
The following resolution was generated from the Chapter Councilors (those representing state associations).
Resolved, that the American Library Association commends the members of the library community in the hurricane-affected areas for their tireless efforts to maintain a level of service that few thought would be possible after such a massive disaster and to restore valued library services for the people they serve, and
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge conference attendees to take full advantage of this “teachable moment” to bear witness to the extent of the work that remains to be done here with their colleagues, employers, and communities at home, and
Resolved, that the ALA urges state chapters to contact and work with the ALA Chapter Relations office staff to aid Gulf-Coast Libraries through means such as the adopt-a-library program, and
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge librarians to establish or strengthen their relationships with their state and local emergency planning agencies and offer their libraries’ services in disaster preparation, response and recovery for the future,
And resolved, that this document be distributed as the ALA Executive Director deems as appropriate. Passed – voted yes.
It was reported that the Advocacy alert about S 2686 regarding net neutrality, universal service and E-rate was temporarily helpful, but no action has been taken as of this meeting. We need to remain vigilant.
Final attendance report for the conference:
9,047 advance registrations
3,080 on-site registrations
4,837 exhibitors
16,964 attendees compared to 19, 731 from Orlando which is used as the benchmark low conference. Considering the situation, it was felt this was a very good attendance.
Council III adjourned early!