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June 27, 2007

ALA Council III Washington

ALA Council III Washington

Memorials and Tributes are passed by consent.  They were:

Memorials:
Frank Iacono
Barbara Gittings
Kurt Vonnegut
Ridley R Kessler

Tributes and Testimonials:
ALCTS 50th Anniversary
Saundra Williams Hughes
George Eberhart
LAMA 50th Anniversary
New Members Round Table 75th Anniversary

Report from the Committee on Organization

To revise the composition of the Chapter relations Committee to include the following requirement:

To be eligible to be a member of the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC), an individual must be an ALA member who is also a member of an ALA Chapter or divisional affiliates.  Names of individuals being considered for CRC should be forwarded to the Director of the Chapter Relations Office, who will check to see if the individual is a member of an ALA Chapter of AASL Affiliate.

Passed.  I voted yes.

To recommend that Council adopt the following report and action item on E-participation:

ALA should expand electronic participation as soon as possible.  The best way to enable e-participation is to proceed from the following assumptions: that it is proven; that it is in use; that it is more democratizing in many circumstances; and that policy and procedure should reflect and encourage common and effective practices.

Therefore, ALA Council directs:

1.      That ALA and its units work to implement e-participation tools.
2.      That ALA Council direct Loriene Roy to establish a formal task force charged with examining existing documents and developing recommendations to adapt association policy so as to help ALA move forward with effective e-participation practices.
3.      That the Task Force complete its charge by Midwinter 2009.

Passed.  I voted yes.

Report from Consitutions and Bylaws Committee

Catholic Library Association application for ALA affiliate Status

Resolved, that ALA affiliate with the Catholic Library Association.

Previous problems that caused issues between the CLA and ALA have been resolved and the committee recommends the affiliation.

Passed.  I voted yes.

Resolved to delete the last sentence in Article III, Section 1(c), which reads “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be determined by lot,” and create a new subsection, Article III, Section 3(d) to read “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be randomized.”

The way the original bylaw was written the randomness of names was only for the council list and not all lists of candidates’ names.  This changes that to include all lists of candidates.

Passed.  I voted yes.

Revision of Article VIII, Section 2(a) and Article VIII, Section 2(b) as follows:

Article VIII, Section 2(a) iii be revised to read “The standing committees shall include administration, general and advisory committees.”

Article VIII, Section 2(b) iii be revised to read “There shall be such other committees as Council may establish.”

Passed.  I voted yes.

Report from International Relations Committee

Report from the Intellectual Freedom Committee

Resolved, that the ALA condemn the use of National Security Letters to obtain library records; and, be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to pursue legislative reforms in order to provide adequate protection for each library user’s Constitutional right to be free from unwarranted and unjustified government surveillance, including judicial oversight of National Security Letters (NSLs) requiring a showing of individualized suspicion and demonstrating a factual connection between the individual whose records are sought by the FBI and an actual investigation; elimination of the automatic and permanent imposition of a nondisclosure or “gag” order whenever an NSL is served on an individual or institution; allowing recipients of NSLs to receive meaningful judicial review of a challenge to their NSL without deferring to the government’s claims; increased oversight by Congress and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice over NSLs and FBI activities that implicate the First Amendment; and providing for the management, handling, dissemination and destruction of personally identifiable information obtained through NSLs; and, be it further Resolved, that the ALA Communicate this resolution to the Office of he President and office of the Vice President, Congress, ALA members, and state chapters; and that ALA urge its members, state chapters, and all library advocates to ask Congress to restore civil liberties and correct the abuse and misuse of National Security Letters.

Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.

Action items that have policy implications and to be placed in the policy manual are:

Support of Immigrant Rights

ALA strongly supports the protection of each person’s civil liberties, regardless of that individual’s nationality, residency, or status; and that ALA opposes any legislation that infringes on the rights of anyone in the USA or its territories, citizens or otherwise, to use library resources, programs, and services on national, state, and local levels.
Passed.  I voted yes.

The Role of Libraries in Providing E-government and Emergency Services

The ALA urges governments at all levels to acknowledge and support the essential role local libraries play in providing e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and to include libraries in relevant legislative or other policy actions.  The ALA also encourages continued research documenting library needs and capacity to provide effective e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and help libraries develop best practices and train staff to deliver these essential services.

Passed.  I voted yes.

Resolutions:

Accessible Digitization Projects Resolution

Resolved, that the ALA strongly encourage all libraries and other entities engaging in digitization projects to adopt Section 508 regulations to ensure that they are creating versions of materials that are accessible to persons using screen-reader or other assistive technologies; and, be it further Resolved, that ALA forward this resolution to other agencies and organizations that help libraries digitize their materials and that design access software, such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services and state library agencies, and to companies that work with libraries doing digitization project.

Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.

Resolution on representation

Resolved that the Committee on Organization be requested to develop and propose improvements to the processes of selecting committee members and to the communications protocol with successful and unsuccessful committee candidates; and that the Committee on Organization be requested to report such improvements to the ALA Council of the 2008 Midwinter meeting.

Passed. I voted yes.

Announcements:

21,466 registrants and 7,169 exhibitors for a total of 28,635; the largest ALA conference in history.

ALA Council III Washington

Memorials and Tributes are passed by consent.  They were:

Memorials:
Frank Iacono
Barbara Gittings
Kurt Vonnegut
Ridley R Kessler

Tributes and Testimonials:
ALCTS 50th Anniversary
Saundra Williams Hughes
George Eberhart
LAMA 50th Anniversary
New Members Round Table 75th Anniversary

Report from the Committee on Organization

To revise the composition of the Chapter relations Committee to include the following requirement:

To be eligible to be a member of the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC), an individual must be an ALA member who is also a member of an ALA Chapter or divisional affiliates.  Names of individuals being considered for CRC should be forwarded to the Director of the Chapter Relations Office, who will check to see if the individual is a member of an ALA Chapter of AASL Affiliate.

Passed.  I voted yes.

To recommend that Council adopt the following report and action item on E-participation:

ALA should expand electronic participation as soon as possible.  The best way to enable e-participation is to proceed from the following assumptions: that it is proven; that it is in use; that it is more democratizing in many circumstances; and that policy and procedure should reflect and encourage common and effective practices.

Therefore, ALA Council directs:

4.      That ALA and its units work to implement e-participation tools.
5.      That ALA Council direct Loriene Roy to establish a formal task force charged with examining existing documents and developing recommendations to adapt association policy so as to help ALA move forward with effective e-participation practices.
6.      That the Task Force complete its charge by Midwinter 2009.

Passed.  I voted yes.

Report from Consitutions and Bylaws Committee

Catholic Library Association application for ALA affiliate Status

Resolved, that ALA affiliate with the Catholic Library Association.

Previous problems that caused issues between the CLA and ALA have been resolved and the committee recommends the affiliation.

Passed.  I voted yes.

Resolved to delete the last sentence in Article III, Section 1(c), which reads “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be determined by lot,” and create a new subsection, Article III, Section 3(d) to read “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be randomized.”

The way the original bylaw was written the randomness of names was only for the council list and not all lists of candidates’ names.  This changes that to include all lists of candidates.

Passed.  I voted yes.

Revision of Article VIII, Section 2(a) and Article VIII, Section 2(b) as follows:

Article VIII, Section 2(a) iii be revised to read “The standing committees shall include administration, general and advisory committees.”

Article VIII, Section 2(b) iii be revised to read “There shall be such other committees as Council may establish.”

Passed.  I voted yes.

Report from International Relations Committee

Report from the Intellectual Freedom Committee

Resolved, that the ALA condemn the use of National Security Letters to obtain library records; and, be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to pursue legislative reforms in order to provide adequate protection for each library user’s Constitutional right to be free from unwarranted and unjustified government surveillance, including judicial oversight of National Security Letters (NSLs) requiring a showing of individualized suspicion and demonstrating a factual connection between the individual whose records are sought by the FBI and an actual investigation; elimination of the automatic and permanent imposition of a nondisclosure or “gag” order whenever an NSL is served on an individual or institution; allowing recipients of NSLs to receive meaningful judicial review of a challenge to their NSL without deferring to the government’s claims; increased oversight by Congress and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice over NSLs and FBI activities that implicate the First Amendment; and providing for the management, handling, dissemination and destruction of personally identifiable information obtained through NSLs; and, be it further Resolved, that the ALA Communicate this resolution to the Office of he President and office of the Vice President, Congress, ALA members, and state chapters; and that ALA urge its members, state chapters, and all library advocates to ask Congress to restore civil liberties and correct the abuse and misuse of National Security Letters.

Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.

Action items that have policy implications and to be placed in the policy manual are:

Support of Immigrant Rights

ALA strongly supports the protection of each person’s civil liberties, regardless of that individual’s nationality, residency, or status; and that ALA opposes any legislation that infringes on the rights of anyone in the USA or its territories, citizens or otherwise, to use library resources, programs, and services on national, state, and local levels.
Passed.  I voted yes.

The Role of Libraries in Providing E-government and Emergency Services

The ALA urges governments at all levels to acknowledge and support the essential role local libraries play in providing e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and to include libraries in relevant legislative or other policy actions.  The ALA also encourages continued research documenting library needs and capacity to provide effective e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and help libraries develop best practices and train staff to deliver these essential services.

Passed.  I voted yes.

Resolutions:

Accessible Digitization Projects Resolution

Resolved, that the ALA strongly encourage all libraries and other entities engaging in digitization projects to adopt Section 508 regulations to ensure that they are creating versions of materials that are accessible to persons using screen-reader or other assistive technologies; and, be it further Resolved, that ALA forward this resolution to other agencies and organizations that help libraries digitize their materials and that design access software, such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services and state library agencies, and to companies that work with libraries doing digitization project.

Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.

Resolution on representation

Resolved that the Committee on Organization be requested to develop and propose improvements to the processes of selecting committee members and to the communications protocol with successful and unsuccessful committee candidates; and that the Committee on Organization be requested to report such improvements to the ALA Council of the 2008 Midwinter meeting.

Passed. I voted yes.

Announcements:

21,466 registrants and 7,169 exhibitors for a total of 28,635; the largest ALA conference in history.

ALA Council III Washington
Memorials and Tributes are passed by consent.  They were:
Memorials:
Frank Iacono
Barbara Gittings
Kurt Vonnegut
Ridley R Kessler
Tributes and Testimonials:
ALCTS 50th Anniversary
Saundra Williams Hughes
George Eberhart
LAMA 50th Anniversary
New Members Round Table 75th Anniversary
Report from the Committee on Organization
To revise the composition of the Chapter relations Committee to include the following requirement:
To be eligible to be a member of the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC), an individual must be an ALA member who is also a member of an ALA Chapter or divisional affiliates.  Names of individuals being considered for CRC should be forwarded to the Director of the Chapter Relations Office, who will check to see if the individual is a member of an ALA Chapter of AASL Affiliate.
Passed.  I voted yes.
To recommend that Council adopt the following report and action item on E-participation:
ALA should expand electronic participation as soon as possible.  The best way to enable e-participation is to proceed from the following assumptions: that it is proven; that it is in use; that it is more democratizing in many circumstances; and that policy and procedure should reflect and encourage common and effective practices.
Therefore, ALA Council directs:
1.      That ALA and its units work to implement e-participation tools.
2.      That ALA Council direct Loriene Roy to establish a formal task force charged with examining existing documents and developing recommendations to adapt association policy so as to help ALA move forward with effective e-participation practices.
3.      That the Task Force complete its charge by Midwinter 2009.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Report from Consitutions and Bylaws Committee
Catholic Library Association application for ALA affiliate Status
Resolved, that ALA affiliate with the Catholic Library Association.
Previous problems that caused issues between the CLA and ALA have been resolved and the committee recommends the affiliation.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Resolved to delete the last sentence in Article III, Section 1(c), which reads “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be determined by lot,” and create a new subsection, Article III, Section 3(d) to read “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be randomized.”
The way the original bylaw was written the randomness of names was only for the council list and not all lists of candidates’ names.  This changes that to include all lists of candidates.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Revision of Article VIII, Section 2(a) and Article VIII, Section 2(b) as follows:
Article VIII, Section 2(a) iii be revised to read “The standing committees shall include administration, general and advisory committees.”
Article VIII, Section 2(b) iii be revised to read “There shall be such other committees as Council may establish.”
Passed.  I voted yes.
Report from International Relations Committee
Report from the Intellectual Freedom Committee
Resolved, that the ALA condemn the use of National Security Letters to obtain library records; and, be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to pursue legislative reforms in order to provide adequate protection for each library user’s Constitutional right to be free from unwarranted and unjustified government surveillance, including judicial oversight of National Security Letters (NSLs) requiring a showing of individualized suspicion and demonstrating a factual connection between the individual whose records are sought by the FBI and an actual investigation; elimination of the automatic and permanent imposition of a nondisclosure or “gag” order whenever an NSL is served on an individual or institution; allowing recipients of NSLs to receive meaningful judicial review of a challenge to their NSL without deferring to the government’s claims; increased oversight by Congress and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice over NSLs and FBI activities that implicate the First Amendment; and providing for the management, handling, dissemination and destruction of personally identifiable information obtained through NSLs; and, be it further Resolved, that the ALA Communicate this resolution to the Office of he President and office of the Vice President, Congress, ALA members, and state chapters; and that ALA urge its members, state chapters, and all library advocates to ask Congress to restore civil liberties and correct the abuse and misuse of National Security Letters.
Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.
Action items that have policy implications and to be placed in the policy manual are:
Support of Immigrant Rights
ALA strongly supports the protection of each person’s civil liberties, regardless of that individual’s nationality, residency, or status; and that ALA opposes any legislation that infringes on the rights of anyone in the USA or its territories, citizens or otherwise, to use library resources, programs, and services on national, state, and local levels.
Passed.  I voted yes.
The Role of Libraries in Providing E-government and Emergency Services
The ALA urges governments at all levels to acknowledge and support the essential role local libraries play in providing e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and to include libraries in relevant legislative or other policy actions.  The ALA also encourages continued research documenting library needs and capacity to provide effective e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and help libraries develop best practices and train staff to deliver these essential services.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Resolutions:
Accessible Digitization Projects Resolution
Resolved, that the ALA strongly encourage all libraries and other entities engaging in digitization projects to adopt Section 508 regulations to ensure that they are creating versions of materials that are accessible to persons using screen-reader or other assistive technologies; and, be it further Resolved, that ALA forward this resolution to other agencies and organizations that help libraries digitize their materials and that design access software, such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services and state library agencies, and to companies that work with libraries doing digitization project.
Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.
Resolution on representation
Resolved that the Committee on Organization be requested to develop and propose improvements to the processes of selecting committee members and to the communications protocol with successful and unsuccessful committee candidates; and that the Committee on Organization be requested to report such improvements to the ALA Council of the 2008 Midwinter meeting.
Passed. I voted yes.
Announcements:
21,466 registrants and 7,169 exhibitors for a total of 28,635; the largest ALA conference in history.
ALA Council III Washington
Memorials and Tributes are passed by consent.  They were:
Memorials:
Frank Iacono
Barbara Gittings
Kurt Vonnegut
Ridley R Kessler
Tributes and Testimonials:
ALCTS 50th Anniversary
Saundra Williams Hughes
George Eberhart
LAMA 50th Anniversary
New Members Round Table 75th Anniversary
Report from the Committee on Organization
To revise the composition of the Chapter relations Committee to include the following requirement:
To be eligible to be a member of the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC), an individual must be an ALA member who is also a member of an ALA Chapter or divisional affiliates.  Names of individuals being considered for CRC should be forwarded to the Director of the Chapter Relations Office, who will check to see if the individual is a member of an ALA Chapter of AASL Affiliate.
Passed.  I voted yes.
To recommend that Council adopt the following report and action item on E-participation:
ALA should expand electronic participation as soon as possible.  The best way to enable e-participation is to proceed from the following assumptions: that it is proven; that it is in use; that it is more democratizing in many circumstances; and that policy and procedure should reflect and encourage common and effective practices.
Therefore, ALA Council directs:
4.      That ALA and its units work to implement e-participation tools.
5.      That ALA Council direct Loriene Roy to establish a formal task force charged with examining existing documents and developing recommendations to adapt association policy so as to help ALA move forward with effective e-participation practices.
6.      That the Task Force complete its charge by Midwinter 2009.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Report from Consitutions and Bylaws Committee
Catholic Library Association application for ALA affiliate Status
Resolved, that ALA affiliate with the Catholic Library Association.
Previous problems that caused issues between the CLA and ALA have been resolved and the committee recommends the affiliation.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Resolved to delete the last sentence in Article III, Section 1(c), which reads “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be determined by lot,” and create a new subsection, Article III, Section 3(d) to read “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be randomized.”
The way the original bylaw was written the randomness of names was only for the council list and not all lists of candidates’ names.  This changes that to include all lists of candidates.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Revision of Article VIII, Section 2(a) and Article VIII, Section 2(b) as follows:
Article VIII, Section 2(a) iii be revised to read “The standing committees shall include administration, general and advisory committees.”
Article VIII, Section 2(b) iii be revised to read “There shall be such other committees as Council may establish.”
Passed.  I voted yes.
Report from International Relations Committee
Report from the Intellectual Freedom Committee
Resolved, that the ALA condemn the use of National Security Letters to obtain library records; and, be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to pursue legislative reforms in order to provide adequate protection for each library user’s Constitutional right to be free from unwarranted and unjustified government surveillance, including judicial oversight of National Security Letters (NSLs) requiring a showing of individualized suspicion and demonstrating a factual connection between the individual whose records are sought by the FBI and an actual investigation; elimination of the automatic and permanent imposition of a nondisclosure or “gag” order whenever an NSL is served on an individual or institution; allowing recipients of NSLs to receive meaningful judicial review of a challenge to their NSL without deferring to the government’s claims; increased oversight by Congress and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice over NSLs and FBI activities that implicate the First Amendment; and providing for the management, handling, dissemination and destruction of personally identifiable information obtained through NSLs; and, be it further Resolved, that the ALA Communicate this resolution to the Office of he President and office of the Vice President, Congress, ALA members, and state chapters; and that ALA urge its members, state chapters, and all library advocates to ask Congress to restore civil liberties and correct the abuse and misuse of National Security Letters.
Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.
Action items that have policy implications and to be placed in the policy manual are:
Support of Immigrant Rights
ALA strongly supports the protection of each person’s civil liberties, regardless of that individual’s nationality, residency, or status; and that ALA opposes any legislation that infringes on the rights of anyone in the USA or its territories, citizens or otherwise, to use library resources, programs, and services on national, state, and local levels.
Passed.  I voted yes.
The Role of Libraries in Providing E-government and Emergency Services
The ALA urges governments at all levels to acknowledge and support the essential role local libraries play in providing e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and to include libraries in relevant legislative or other policy actions.  The ALA also encourages continued research documenting library needs and capacity to provide effective e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and help libraries develop best practices and train staff to deliver these essential services.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Resolutions:
Accessible Digitization Projects Resolution
Resolved, that the ALA strongly encourage all libraries and other entities engaging in digitization projects to adopt Section 508 regulations to ensure that they are creating versions of materials that are accessible to persons using screen-reader or other assistive technologies; and, be it further Resolved, that ALA forward this resolution to other agencies and organizations that help libraries digitize their materials and that design access software, such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services and state library agencies, and to companies that work with libraries doing digitization project.
Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.
Resolution on representation
Resolved that the Committee on Organization be requested to develop and propose improvements to the processes of selecting committee members and to the communications protocol with successful and unsuccessful committee candidates; and that the Committee on Organization be requested to report such improvements to the ALA Council of the 2008 Midwinter meeting.
Passed. I voted yes.
Announcements:
21,466 registrants and 7,169 exhibitors for a total of 28,635; the largest ALA conference in history.

ALA Council III Washington
Memorials and Tributes are passed by consent.  They were:
Memorials:
Frank Iacono
Barbara Gittings
Kurt Vonnegut
Ridley R Kessler
Tributes and Testimonials:
ALCTS 50th Anniversary
Saundra Williams Hughes
George Eberhart
LAMA 50th Anniversary
New Members Round Table 75th Anniversary
Report from the Committee on Organization
To revise the composition of the Chapter relations Committee to include the following requirement:
To be eligible to be a member of the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC), an individual must be an ALA member who is also a member of an ALA Chapter or divisional affiliates.  Names of individuals being considered for CRC should be forwarded to the Director of the Chapter Relations Office, who will check to see if the individual is a member of an ALA Chapter of AASL Affiliate.
Passed.  I voted yes.
To recommend that Council adopt the following report and action item on E-participation:
ALA should expand electronic participation as soon as possible.  The best way to enable e-participation is to proceed from the following assumptions: that it is proven; that it is in use; that it is more democratizing in many circumstances; and that policy and procedure should reflect and encourage common and effective practices.
Therefore, ALA Council directs:
1.      That ALA and its units work to implement e-participation tools.
2.      That ALA Council direct Loriene Roy to establish a formal task force charged with examining existing documents and developing recommendations to adapt association policy so as to help ALA move forward with effective e-participation practices.
3.      That the Task Force complete its charge by Midwinter 2009.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Report from Consitutions and Bylaws Committee
Catholic Library Association application for ALA affiliate Status
Resolved, that ALA affiliate with the Catholic Library Association.
Previous problems that caused issues between the CLA and ALA have been resolved and the committee recommends the affiliation.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Resolved to delete the last sentence in Article III, Section 1(c), which reads “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be determined by lot,” and create a new subsection, Article III, Section 3(d) to read “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be randomized.”
The way the original bylaw was written the randomness of names was only for the council list and not all lists of candidates’ names.  This changes that to include all lists of candidates.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Revision of Article VIII, Section 2(a) and Article VIII, Section 2(b) as follows:
Article VIII, Section 2(a) iii be revised to read “The standing committees shall include administration, general and advisory committees.”
Article VIII, Section 2(b) iii be revised to read “There shall be such other committees as Council may establish.”
Passed.  I voted yes.
Report from International Relations Committee
Report from the Intellectual Freedom Committee
Resolved, that the ALA condemn the use of National Security Letters to obtain library records; and, be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to pursue legislative reforms in order to provide adequate protection for each library user’s Constitutional right to be free from unwarranted and unjustified government surveillance, including judicial oversight of National Security Letters (NSLs) requiring a showing of individualized suspicion and demonstrating a factual connection between the individual whose records are sought by the FBI and an actual investigation; elimination of the automatic and permanent imposition of a nondisclosure or “gag” order whenever an NSL is served on an individual or institution; allowing recipients of NSLs to receive meaningful judicial review of a challenge to their NSL without deferring to the government’s claims; increased oversight by Congress and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice over NSLs and FBI activities that implicate the First Amendment; and providing for the management, handling, dissemination and destruction of personally identifiable information obtained through NSLs; and, be it further Resolved, that the ALA Communicate this resolution to the Office of he President and office of the Vice President, Congress, ALA members, and state chapters; and that ALA urge its members, state chapters, and all library advocates to ask Congress to restore civil liberties and correct the abuse and misuse of National Security Letters.
Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.
Action items that have policy implications and to be placed in the policy manual are:
Support of Immigrant Rights
ALA strongly supports the protection of each person’s civil liberties, regardless of that individual’s nationality, residency, or status; and that ALA opposes any legislation that infringes on the rights of anyone in the USA or its territories, citizens or otherwise, to use library resources, programs, and services on national, state, and local levels.
Passed.  I voted yes.
The Role of Libraries in Providing E-government and Emergency Services
The ALA urges governments at all levels to acknowledge and support the essential role local libraries play in providing e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and to include libraries in relevant legislative or other policy actions.  The ALA also encourages continued research documenting library needs and capacity to provide effective e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and help libraries develop best practices and train staff to deliver these essential services.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Resolutions:
Accessible Digitization Projects Resolution
Resolved, that the ALA strongly encourage all libraries and other entities engaging in digitization projects to adopt Section 508 regulations to ensure that they are creating versions of materials that are accessible to persons using screen-reader or other assistive technologies; and, be it further Resolved, that ALA forward this resolution to other agencies and organizations that help libraries digitize their materials and that design access software, such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services and state library agencies, and to companies that work with libraries doing digitization project.
Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.
Resolution on representation
Resolved that the Committee on Organization be requested to develop and propose improvements to the processes of selecting committee members and to the communications protocol with successful and unsuccessful committee candidates; and that the Committee on Organization be requested to report such improvements to the ALA Council of the 2008 Midwinter meeting.
Passed. I voted yes.
Announcements:
21,466 registrants and 7,169 exhibitors for a total of 28,635; the largest ALA conference in history.
ALA Council III Washington
Memorials and Tributes are passed by consent.  They were:
Memorials:
Frank Iacono
Barbara Gittings
Kurt Vonnegut
Ridley R Kessler
Tributes and Testimonials:
ALCTS 50th Anniversary
Saundra Williams Hughes
George Eberhart
LAMA 50th Anniversary
New Members Round Table 75th Anniversary
Report from the Committee on Organization
To revise the composition of the Chapter relations Committee to include the following requirement:
To be eligible to be a member of the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC), an individual must be an ALA member who is also a member of an ALA Chapter or divisional affiliates.  Names of individuals being considered for CRC should be forwarded to the Director of the Chapter Relations Office, who will check to see if the individual is a member of an ALA Chapter of AASL Affiliate.
Passed.  I voted yes.
To recommend that Council adopt the following report and action item on E-participation:
ALA should expand electronic participation as soon as possible.  The best way to enable e-participation is to proceed from the following assumptions: that it is proven; that it is in use; that it is more democratizing in many circumstances; and that policy and procedure should reflect and encourage common and effective practices.
Therefore, ALA Council directs:
4.      That ALA and its units work to implement e-participation tools.
5.      That ALA Council direct Loriene Roy to establish a formal task force charged with examining existing documents and developing recommendations to adapt association policy so as to help ALA move forward with effective e-participation practices.
6.      That the Task Force complete its charge by Midwinter 2009.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Report from Consitutions and Bylaws Committee
Catholic Library Association application for ALA affiliate Status
Resolved, that ALA affiliate with the Catholic Library Association.
Previous problems that caused issues between the CLA and ALA have been resolved and the committee recommends the affiliation.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Resolved to delete the last sentence in Article III, Section 1(c), which reads “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be determined by lot,” and create a new subsection, Article III, Section 3(d) to read “The position of candidates on the ballot shall be randomized.”
The way the original bylaw was written the randomness of names was only for the council list and not all lists of candidates’ names.  This changes that to include all lists of candidates.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Revision of Article VIII, Section 2(a) and Article VIII, Section 2(b) as follows:
Article VIII, Section 2(a) iii be revised to read “The standing committees shall include administration, general and advisory committees.”
Article VIII, Section 2(b) iii be revised to read “There shall be such other committees as Council may establish.”
Passed.  I voted yes.
Report from International Relations Committee
Report from the Intellectual Freedom Committee
Resolved, that the ALA condemn the use of National Security Letters to obtain library records; and, be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to pursue legislative reforms in order to provide adequate protection for each library user’s Constitutional right to be free from unwarranted and unjustified government surveillance, including judicial oversight of National Security Letters (NSLs) requiring a showing of individualized suspicion and demonstrating a factual connection between the individual whose records are sought by the FBI and an actual investigation; elimination of the automatic and permanent imposition of a nondisclosure or “gag” order whenever an NSL is served on an individual or institution; allowing recipients of NSLs to receive meaningful judicial review of a challenge to their NSL without deferring to the government’s claims; increased oversight by Congress and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice over NSLs and FBI activities that implicate the First Amendment; and providing for the management, handling, dissemination and destruction of personally identifiable information obtained through NSLs; and, be it further Resolved, that the ALA Communicate this resolution to the Office of he President and office of the Vice President, Congress, ALA members, and state chapters; and that ALA urge its members, state chapters, and all library advocates to ask Congress to restore civil liberties and correct the abuse and misuse of National Security Letters.
Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.
Action items that have policy implications and to be placed in the policy manual are:
Support of Immigrant Rights
ALA strongly supports the protection of each person’s civil liberties, regardless of that individual’s nationality, residency, or status; and that ALA opposes any legislation that infringes on the rights of anyone in the USA or its territories, citizens or otherwise, to use library resources, programs, and services on national, state, and local levels.
Passed.  I voted yes.
The Role of Libraries in Providing E-government and Emergency Services
The ALA urges governments at all levels to acknowledge and support the essential role local libraries play in providing e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and to include libraries in relevant legislative or other policy actions.  The ALA also encourages continued research documenting library needs and capacity to provide effective e-government and emergency response/recovery services, and help libraries develop best practices and train staff to deliver these essential services.
Passed.  I voted yes.
Resolutions:
Accessible Digitization Projects Resolution
Resolved, that the ALA strongly encourage all libraries and other entities engaging in digitization projects to adopt Section 508 regulations to ensure that they are creating versions of materials that are accessible to persons using screen-reader or other assistive technologies; and, be it further Resolved, that ALA forward this resolution to other agencies and organizations that help libraries digitize their materials and that design access software, such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services and state library agencies, and to companies that work with libraries doing digitization project.
Passed unanimously.  I voted yes.
Resolution on representation
Resolved that the Committee on Organization be requested to develop and propose improvements to the processes of selecting committee members and to the communications protocol with successful and unsuccessful committee candidates; and that the Committee on Organization be requested to report such improvements to the ALA Council of the 2008 Midwinter meeting.
Passed. I voted yes.
Announcements:
21,466 registrants and 7,169 exhibitors for a total of 28,635; the largest ALA conference in history.

 

 

 

 

Posted by Rob at 10:46 AM |

June 26, 2007

Principles for Digital Content

Principles for Digital Content

 

1.     Values
1.      Digital collections are as important to libraries as all other types of collections.  The policies of the Association apply fully to digital collections, including values such as intellectual freedom, commitment to access, respect for confidentiality and privacy, freedom of information, service for the public good, and professionalism.
2.      Digital content mujst be given the same consideration as other library materials when conducting collection development, organization and cataloging of works, reference services, and preservation.
3.      Digital content must be provided in various and alternative ways to meet the unique needs and circumstances of all people.
4.      Equitable access to digital library materials is ensured through maximum accessibility, ubiquity, sustainability, and barrier-free access.

 

2.      Intellectual Property Rights
  1. Access to and use of digital content that is protected by copyright should be provided in a fair and equitable manner, balancing the rights and privileges of users, creators, and owners.
  2. Rights management policies and procedures must promote the advancement and sharing of knowledge, innovation, and creativity.
  3. Sustainable Collections
1.      A library’s digital collections and associated activities must be sustainable.
2.      Sustainability requires secure and ongoing funding, technology solutions that are appropriate to the longevity of the cultural record, and long-term management capabilities.
  1. Collaboration
1.      Collaboration enables the building of collections that support research, scholarship and information needs of diverse communities.
2.      Collaboration will require strong organizational support and promotion by library and cultural heritage practitioners, their institutions, and their associations.
  1. Advocacy
1.      A library’s digital programs and associated activities require ongoing communication for its success.
2.      The library and cultural heritage communities must reach out to the public, to government, and to funding institutions with a clear and compelling message regarding the role of digital libraries and collections.

 

  1. International Scope
1.      Digital collections increasingly serve an international audience and are part of a global information infrastructure that is not limited by geography.
2.      The library and cultural heritage communities must understand the origination of materials in digital collections, respect the ownership of these materials, and be attentive to issues surrounding cultural asset exploitation and repatriation.
3.      Digital collections and services must be developed with goals of technical and social interoperability in the international information sphere.

 

  1. Continuous learning
1.      Digital collections are developed and sustained by an educated workforce.
2.      Members of the library and cultural heritage professions must engage in ongoing learning.  They must explore new technology, work with new partners, and reach new audiences.
  1. Preservation
1.      Digital resources must receive appropriate preservation.
2.      Preservation activities require the development of standards, best practices, and sustainable funding models to support long-term commitment to digital resources.
  1. Importance of Standards
1.      Digital collections must be built upon standards and best practices that maximize their usefulness.
2.      Such standards and best practices must serve the broadest community of users, including those with disabilities, support sustainable access and use over time, and provide user functionality that promotes the core library values  (http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/corevaluesstatement/corevalues.htm).
3.      Preference should be given to open standards and non-proprietary technologies that support long-term sustainability.

 

Posted by Rob at 11:46 AM | | Comments (0)

ALA Council II Washington

ALA Council II Washington

 

Report from Committee on Legislation

 

Resolved, the American Library Association urge Congress to restore full funding for National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) to complete its activities.  
Passed.  I voted yes.

 

Resolved, that the American Library Association urge Congress to reaffirm its commitment to vital Government Printing Office and Federal Depository Library Program services and collections and to sustain critical functions associated with print and electronic government information, such as GPO Access and Future digital System; and, be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association urge Congress to fund fully the United States Government Printing Office appropriation for FY 2008 at the $182 million requested by the Public Printer.
Passed.  I voted yes.

 

Resolved, that the American Library Association call upon the Congress to fund the $19.1 million needed for the first year of the National Library Service’s multi-year digitization project to convert to up-to-date digital technology, thereby improve Talking Books services to people with visual or physical disability. 

 

Amendment:  Resolved that AL encourages NLS to consider using the most cost effective adaptive technology to convert its talking books collections. 
Amendment failed.  I voted against it.

 

Amendment to remove the whereas clause # 9 relating to veterans need for the service.
Amendment failed.  I voted against it.

 

Resolution passed.  I voted for it.

 

Resolved, that the ALA urge the passage of the SKILLS Act with provisions to be included in any reauthorization of “No child left behind”  The provisions are (1) to include school library media specialists who meet the criteria established by the state educational agency as highly qualified in NCLB, (2) to require school districts, to the extent feasible, to ensure that every school within the district employs at least one highly qualified school library media specialists; (3) to allow state and local professional development funds (Title II) to be used to assist in recruiting and training highly qualified school library media specialists: and be it
Resolved, that the ALA communicate [this resolution] to the United States Congress, and the President of the United States.

 

Passed unanimously.  I voted for it.

 

Resolved that the American Library Association adopts this declaration, Principles for Digital Content.  I will blog these principles on another post. 

 

Passed.  I voted for it.

 

Resolved that the ALA congratulates Frederick Weingarten (Rick) on his retirement; and be it further resolved that the Association is delighted to continue work with Rick as he consults with OITP on ongoing research projects; and be it further resolved that the ALA membership extends it sincere appreciation for Rick’s tireless efforts on behalf of the Association and library users around the world and wishes him continued success.

 

Passed.  I voted for it.

 

Resolved, that the membership of the ALA wish Miriam Nisbest the best of luck in her new position as Director of the Information Society Division at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and be it further resolved, that the ALA look forward to continued collaboration with Miriam Nisbet in her new role at UNESCO; and be it further resolved, that the ALA membership extend its sincere appreciation for Miriam Nisbet’s tireless efforts on behalf of the Association.

 

Passed.  I voted for it.

 

Move that the ALA letter about shared regional depositories not be distributed outside the association.

 

Motion to move to Council III.  Motion failed.  I voted against it.

 

Motion passed.  I voted for the motion.

 

The membership committee moves that Section 7.4.10 (Membership Meetings) of the Policy Manual be amended by adding text:
From the current wording:

 

Agenda of Membership Meetings shall provide priority to discussion of membership resolutions.

 

To the proposed wording:

 

Agendas of Membership Meetings shall provide priority to discussion of membership resolutions for the second half of the meeting.
This passed.  I voted for it.

 

A report was given from the Committee on Professional Ethics.  The Code of Ethics will be 70 years old in 2009.  It was determined through discussions at three conferences that the Code did not need vast revision, but will need some revisions of language.  Drafts for these revisions will be distributed prior to the 2008 Midwinter where hearings will be conducted. 

 

There is a need for ethics education, and methods to provide this education will be pursued.

 

The Freedom to Read Foundation report was given by John Berry.   Additional information can be found at the Freedom to Read Foundation website.

 

Treasurer’s Report.  Terri Switzer, Treasurer gave a comprehensive report.  Some highlights are:
  1. Office for Library Advocacy is being formed.
  2. Emerging Leaders is planned to become a standard part of the association.

 

 

FY 2008 Budgetary Ceiling $60,530,585.  This was passed.  I voted for it.

 

Announcements.  Attendance as of Monday 21,109 registrants and 7,119 exhibitors for a total of 28,28 total, about 1,000 more than Chicago.

Posted by Rob at 11:45 AM | | Comments (0)

June 25, 2007

ALA-APA Council

ALA-APA Council

 

Treasurer Report – ALA-APA is projecting a total net revenue of $30,069 for the year.  This will leave the association with ending net assets of $67,257 which does not include the loan from ALA of $235,061.  The business plan for 2008 includes payment of interest and principal payments on the loan as projected.

 

The budgetary ceiling was proposed at $323,914 and was passed. I voted yes. 

 

We voted on a change to the charge for the ALA-APA Committee on Organization.  It was defeated.  I voted for this change.

 

We voted on a requirement that ALA-APA committees submit an update to council on their activities within a month after each Midwinter or Annual Meeting.  It was approved.  I voted in favor of this.

 

We were updated on the status of the Certification process.  It is going well and the numbers are increasing.

 

Announcements from Keith Michael Fiels

 

Registrations:  20,603 registrations and 7,003 exhibitors for a total of 27,606.  This is about 2,000 more than Chicago.

Posted by Rob at 10:25 AM | | Comments (0)

June 24, 2007

Council I Washington

Greetings from Washington, DC.  So far the weather has been particularly nice. 

 

I attended an Advocacy/Media Training on Friday which was quite good.
Ken Burns was the first speaker and presented some clips from his upcoming series on the Second World War.  It was his usual fine work and I encourage you to make sure you see this production.

 

David Baldacci, author, spoke and was very interesting and funny.  If you get a chance to hear him, I recommend it.  Even if you don’t read his books, you would enjoy his presentation.

 

Sunday started with our informational meeting.  This is a time for reports from committees and task forces.  I am always happy to share details on these reports with anyone who is interested.  The following were the reports heard:  Budget Analysis and Review Committee, Graduated Dues Structure Task Force, Endowment Trustees, President’s report, President-elect report and announcements from Keith Michael Fiels.

 

Attendance information as of Friday, June 22 was 18,709 registrants with 6,477 exhibitors for a total of 25,186.  Compared to the same date for the Chicago conference of 20,824 we are on a pace to break all previous attendance records.

 

Next was the ALA-APA information session.

 

ALA Council I

 

Candidate slates were presented for the Committee on Committees, Planning and Budget Assembly.

 

Keith Michael Fiels presented his report.  The new ALA website is planned to be released in the fall.  They are doing usability testing and plan to have ongoing usability during the life of the site.  Special work is being done to make sure that the site is accessible to those with disabilities.  After dues increases it is expected that dues revenues drop.  That has not been experienced to date.  Everyone is encouraged to make sure that the public are aware of ilovelibraries.org the new ALA website for the public.

 

At Midwinter-Seattle we had a brainstorming session on “Creating a Buzz about Council” which attempted to address obstacles to serving on Council.  Some topics were brought forward for additional discussion:

 

1.      Investigate the feasibility of meeting registration waiver or discount registration for Councilors.
2.      Recognize employers who consistently provide a high level of support for their employee’s participation in ALA governance.
3.      Investigate the feasibility of reducing the length of governance activities at ALA meetings.
4.      Market the benefits of participation in ALA governance to targeted ALA members, including NMRT, Emerging Leaders, Spectrum Scholars and committee interns, and to members of ALA chapters.
5.      Communicate the effectiveness of Council to ALA members by:
a.    Establishing a regular column about Council in American Libraries,
b.    Providing more in-depth coverage of Council in AL Direct, and
c.     Enhancing the governance section of the ALA web page, including creating a Council blog and wiki.
6.      Restructure the orientation and mentoring of newly-elected Councilors to maximize their effectiveness as ALA leaders.
7.      Restructure the reception for newly-elected Councilors at Midwinter to create an opportunity for councilors to “meet and greet” ALA members and to establish personal contacts with potential Council candidates.

 

This discussion will continue.

 

 

Attendance information:

 

19,971 attendees
6,875 exhibitors

 

Total  26,846  which is about 3,000 over Chicago totals.

Posted by Rob at 11:15 AM | | Comments (0)

June 20, 2007

What's Happening ALA Conference 2007

Here is an excellent overview and data snapshot provided for Council.  I haven't had a chance to read all of it, but thought you might benefit.

 Rob Banks

ALA Councilor

WHAT’S HAPPENING?
2007 ALA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

 

 

KEY NUMBERS 

 

            Conference Advance Registration
As of June 8 (2 weeks prior to conference opening):
            13,852 had registered (not including exhibitor personnel)
                        Same time in 2006 (New Orleans) -- 8,498 were registered
                        Same time in 2005 (Chicago) –13,371
                        Same time in 2004 (Orlando) – 10,033

 

Notable Conference 2007 Facts:
·         Building on the success of the volunteer projects in New Orleans last year, 300 attendees have signed up to help school libraries, the DC Public Library, and community projects such as Habitat for Humanity and the Capitol Area Food Bank.
·         450 international librarians from 87 countries will be attending the ALA Annual Conference this year.  Please say “hello” and welcome our international guests to the conference.
·         On Tuesday, June 26, ALA is calling on all Annual attendees to go up to Capitol Hill and visit the offices of their Representatives and Senators during Library Day on the Hill.  Busloads of librarians and library supporters from across the country – all wearing the Library Day on the Hill t-shirt – will call attention to the value of today’s libraries, as well as the issues the library community is facing.  For all libraries – public, school and academic --  threats to funding, library closures and reduced hours are just a few of the battles at hand around the country.  As of June 19, over 900 had signed up for the event.
·         Over 2,600 attendees are self-identified first-timers at the ALA Annual Conference.   130 ALA Ambassadors – with significant experience in negotiating the ALA Annual Conference – have volunteered to contact first-timers before conference to welcome them.  To connect – Go to the Ambassador’s Desk in the ALA Registration area (Washington Convention Center, Street Level, East Registration Area) or the ALA Membership Pavilion (booth 2525) in the Exhibit Hall.
For more first-timers information see:
http://wikis.ala.org/annual2007/index.php/Events_for_New_Members_or_First-Timers

 

 

ALA Membership

 

As of May 31, 2007, ALA membership was 65,605.  This compares to 66,382 at the same point in 2006.  Total ALA membership includes the following:
            Personal Members – 61,806 (compared to 62,293 in 2006)
            Organizational Members – 3,537 (compared to 3,821 in 2006)
            Corporate Members – 262 (compared to 268 in 2006)

 

Division Membership – Comparisons
May 31, 2007 – May 31, 2006

 

AASL                          9.422                9,904
ACRL                         13,639               13,068
ALCTS                                    5,174                4,894
ALSC                           4,183                4,049
ALTA                          1,208                1,227
ASCLA                        1,026                   942
LAMA                         5,406                5,076
LITA                            4,281                4,061
PLA                             11,049               11,655
RUSA                          5,533                5,283
YALSA                        5,527                5,122

 

Round Table Memberships – Comparisons
May 31, 2007 – May 31, 2006

 

                   CLENE                                    512                   449

                        EMIERT                      666                   660
                        ERT                             444                   437
                        FAFLRT                      377                   362
                        GLBTRT                      951                   813
                        GODORT                   1,117                1,027     
                        IFRT                          1,905                 1,833
                          IRRT                           1,878             1,607
                        LHRT                          626                   578
                        LIRT                           1,813                 1,627
                        LRRT                         1,532                 1,219
                        LSSIRT                        853                   896
                        MAGERT                     428                   404
                        NMRT                        2,349               1,949
                        SORT                           233                   251
                        SRRT                         2,364                 2,081
                        VRT                             339                   288
                       

HOT TOPICS –

 

  • APPROPRIATIONS
On June 7, the House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over several library programs, recommended funding levels for FY2008. 
    • The Subcommittee’s recommendation included $215 million for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), down from the President’s request of $226.18 million.  The recommendation also included $167.5 million for the LSTA state grant program, $4 million under the $171.5 million the President requested.  The full $171.5 million is needed for full implementation of a 2003 law to provide a more equitable distribution of state formula grants.
    • The Subcommittee also provided $2 million to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for research and statistics.  IMLS requested $3.5 million --  $1 million to cover the responsibilities of the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS), which was eliminated in the President’s budget request and the Subcommittee’s and the Subcommittee’s mark up, and $2.5 million to fill the responsibilities IMLS is receiving from the Department of Education’s National Center for Educational Statistics.  IMLS will not be able to fill all of the research and statistics responsibilities without the full $3.5 million.
    • For the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program, the Subcommittee recommended level funding at $19,486,000.

 

·        No Child Left Behind
With No Child Left Behind (NCLB) reauthorization underway, the Washington Office (WO) is working to include school librarians in two ways: (1) in an amendment calling for a school library, headed by a state-certified school library media specialist, in every school as part of the “highly qualified” section of NCLB, and (2) strengthening the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program.

 

·        The OPEN Government Act
The OPEN Government Act (S.849) would strengthen the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) promoting government openness and accountability; however, Senate leaders have not been able to come to agreement on time and amendments in order to schedule the bill.  The bill had previously been put on hold (secretly for sometime) by Senator Kyl (R-AZ) due to Department of Justice concerns that sensitive information would be released; however, the original FOIA of 1966 already has rigorous exceptions (some argue too many) to protect national security.  S.849 has bipartisan support in the Senate, and the House passed a companion bill, the FOIA Amendments of 2007 (H.R. 1309) in March, by a substantial margin of 308 to 117.

 

Need more information? 

o        The Washington Office Update Session will be held Saturday, June 23, 8:00-10:30am, in the Washington Convention Center, Room 143B.  Among those featured will be Royce Lamberth, former Chief Judge on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Court, who will be speaking about how the highly secretive court works, and how it has changed since the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001.

 

o        Theresa Chmara, Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) Counsel, Jenner & Block, will provide an update on the status of litigation and non-litigation projects recently undertaken or monitored by the FTRF and provide practical information on how these court cases affect the daily operations of libraries on Sunday, June 24, 1:30-3:30pm, Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Chinese Room.

 

·        Digital Television (DTV) Transition
Have you heard? After February 17, 2009, your analog TV will no longer be able to receive a signal without a converter box, thanks to the digital television transition.  ALA is actively involved with a coalition that is working to educate the public on the upcoming signal switch.  This coalition is also publicizing the fact that analog TV owners can receive a coupon (after January 2008) from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that provides a discount on the converter.  There will be much more information to come on this issue, including a brochure available at ALA’s Membership Pavilion and a major publicity push beginning with Midwinter 2008.

 

  • National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
The NLS, a division of the Library of Congress, is in the process of switching the talking books format and associated playback equipment from 4-track cassette tapes (introduced in 1970, superseding vinyl records) to digital (USB) flash memory cartridges.  NLS estimates the cost of transition is $76.4 million over a 4-year period ($19.1 million in each of the next four years).  The House Committee on Appropriations has only recommended $7.5 million for the upcoming fiscal year.  The Appropriations Committee met and amended the subcommittee bill to give NLS $12.5 million of the $19.1 million requested for the new technology for Talking Books.  The full House is expected to pass the bill very soon.

 
  • E-Government
OITP has been working with the Information Institute at Florida State University for the past several years on public library connectivity research.  Among other things, they discovered that some public libraries have become de facto providers of e-government services in their communities.  As federal agencies have shifted resources to the Web and streamlined work processes, reference services have increasingly been pushed to public libraries.  Some federal agencies actually say “Go to your public library for more information.”

 

OITP sponsored a meeting, including the chair of GODORT and public librarians, with the Information Institute in December 2006 to explore the topic further. It seemed clear to the group meeting that public librarians are the right choice for the provision of these e-government services – but this work cannot go on without additional funding and recognition.

 

The Information Institute has submitted a grant proposal to IMLS to conduct additional research.  On the legislative front, this is on the ALA Committee on Legislation agenda.  On the policy front, the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy has been working with federal policy organizations to remind them that public libraries are the key to successful, user-centered e-government service provision.  W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) is meeting this week (“Toward More Transparent Government: E-government and the Web”) and the Washington Office is participating.  Those interested in this issue may also want to read the position paper on the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) website: http://www.itif.org/files/turbogov.pdf

 

Washington Office staff are working with various ALA member groups, including PLA and GODORT.  At Annual, the Committee on Legislation Government Information Subcommittee will meet with GODORT and PLA to discuss their role in the evolution of e-government service provision in public libraries. 

 

  • Public Access to Federally-Funded Research
The federal government spends over fifty billion dollars annually to fund a wide variety of research in health, scientific and other fields.  The present system of disseminating the results of publicly funded research is badly broken and severely limits access.  The public pays for the research and often the salary of the researcher as well.  Research articles are then published in peer-reviewed journals, which charge subscription fees or per-article access fees.  Giving enhanced access to non-classified publicly-funded research will advance research and all the benefits of research, from health care and pollution control to energy independence and public safety.  Wide, rapid, and easy access to the results of this research is essential for everyone who wishes to apply or build upon it – from researchers and students to health clinic workers and parents of children with genetic diseases.  Public access to federally funded research is a key priority on ACRL’s legislative agenda, and this year ALA and ACRL support changes in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Public Access Policy from voluntary to mandatory as part of the NIH appropriations process in the U.S. House of Representatives.  A mandatory NIH policy would require the deposit of final peer reviewed manuscripts in PubMed Central within 12 months of publication in a peer-reviewed journal (over 60,000 articles annually), respecting the role of publishers and the peer review process.  The NIH policy will be discussed at the following meetings:
·         ALA Committee on Legislation, Friday, June 22, 3:30-5:30pm, WCC Room 158A/B.
·         ALA Washington Office Update, Breakout Session III, Saturday, June 23, 10:30am-noon, WCC 159A
·         ALA Committee on Legislation, Intellectual Property Subcommittee, Saturday, June 23, 1:30-3:30pm, Renaissance Mayflower, Room 4.
·         ACRL Scholarly Communications Committee, Sunday, June 25, 8am-noon, Hilton Washington, Bancroft Room.
·         ACRL Government Relations Committee, Sunday, June 25, 2:30-4:30pm, Hilton Washington, Georgetown Room.
·         ALA Committee on Legislation, Monday, June 25, 1:30-4:30pm, WCC Room 140A

 

  • E-Rate
The Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) will report on the results of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded project “Improving Library E-Rate Participation” at the E-Rate Task Force Forum, Saturday, June 23, 2:00-4:00pm, Renaissance BR West A/B.  In addition to the project update, this program will focus on two key issues:  (1) a discussion of recent research on application denials and reductions hosted by E-rate expert Linda Schatz, and (2) a conversation about recent issues regarding technology planning, featuring John Noran from the Schools and Libraries division of USAC.

 

  • Employee Free Choice Act
At the 2006 Annual Conference, the ALA-APA Council adopted a resolution (APACD #8.2R) On Support for Freedom to Form Unions: The Employee Free Choice Act.  The Act is currently under consideration by the U.S. Senate, with a vote scheduled possibly as early as June 20.  For more information and an opportunity to discuss the issue:
o        ALA-APA Open Mike on Salaries in Libraries: Your Opinion Counts, Renaissance Mayflower, Room 14, Friday, June 22, 4:00-5:00pm.

 
  • English-Only Initiatives
The effect of English-only initiatives, policies and management practices on library services to children and young adults will be discussed by Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Judith Krug in a program sponsored by REFORMA, Sunday, June 24, 1:30-3:30pm, WCC 208A/B.
  • Disaster Preparedness
Recent disasters have highlighted the need for disaster preparedness. 
o        Disaster Preparedness for the School Library Media Specialist, Friday, June 22, 9:00am-noon, Madison Hotel, Dolly Madison Lower, sponsored by Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Fund, will focus on financial responsibilities, records, data storage, funding processes, psychological affects and time issues.  Presenters at the free preconference include school library media specialists Terry Young, Rebecca Brown and Nancy Teger, and FEMA representative Alan Aiches.
o        The Preservation and Reformatting Section (PARS) of ALCTS presents its forum on disaster recovery on Saturday, June 23, beginning at 4:00pm, WCC Room 142.

 

  • Copyright
The 2nd annual Copyright 101: Everything You Wanted to Know About Copyright But Were Afraid to Ask will be Monday, June 25, 1:30-3:30pm, Marriott Metro Center, Salon C.  The poster session format will enable attendees to drop by with specific questions – without having to stay for the entire session.  Topics include interlibrary loan, public domain, developing copyright resources for faculty, e-reserves, Section 108, international copyright, exclusive rights and limitations to copyright, fair use and how to retain author’s rights.

 

ON BOARD OR COUNCIL DOCKETS:

 

ALA Executive Board Meetings – 
Grand Hyatt Washington, Latrobe/Bullfinch Room

 

Friday, June 22 – 8:30am-noon
o        Graduated Dues Task Force Interim Report
o        Implementation of ALA Election Committee Recommendations
o        ILoveLibraries.org demonstration
Monday, June 25 – 1:30-4:30pm
o        Endowment Trustees Report
o        FY2008 Budget
o        Discussion regarding Resource Description & Access (RDA)
Wednesday, June 27 – 2:15-5:30pm*
o        Approval of conference sites: 2018, 2019
o        BARC report
[*Note:  This is the first meeting of the 2007-2008 ALA Executive Board.  The start time is tentative, depending on the time that ALA Council III ends.] 
 
ALA Council Meetings –
Washington Convention Center, Ballroom A

 
  • ALA Council/Executive Board/Membership Information Session
    Sunday, June 24, 9:00-10:00am
     
    ALA-APA Information Session
    Sunday, June 24, 10:00 - 10:30am


  • ALA Council I
    Sunday, June 24, 10:45 am - 12:15pm

 

  • ALA-APA Council
    Monday, June 25, 10:15 - 11:15am

 

  • ALA Council II
    Tuesday, June 26, 9:15am - 12:45pm

 

  • ALA Council III
    Wednesday, June 27, 8:00am - 12:30pm

 

Watch for resolutions to move forward over the coming days, including resolutions on funding for the National Library Service, NCLB, the Iraq War.  Council watchers:  Documents are available for pick-up on long tables at the back or side of the Council room just prior to sessions of the ALA or ALA-APA Council. 


 

ON DIVISION BOARD AGENDAS
  • The ALCTS Board of Directors will hold a strategic planning working session on Monday, June 25, WCC Room 209B, to launch the implementation phase of the action plan.
  • The ALSC Board of Directors will hear the report of the Award Eligibility Task Force and will discuss eligibility for ALSC literary awards of books and media published in other countries, e-books, and the like.   The Board meeting will be on Saturday, June 23, 2:00-5:30, WCC, Room 149A. [Note:  This item is near mid-agenda, arriving by 3pm should be safe.]
  • The PLA Board of Directors will continue their Midwinter “mega issue” discussion regarding how PLA can most efficiently and effectively use its volunteer workforce.  As a result of the initial discussion, the Board is undertaking a comprehensive review of the association’s governance and volunteer workforce structure.  The discussion will be facilitated by Paul Meyer, on Monday, June 25, noon-3:00pm, WWC, Room 140B.

 

Elsewhere at the Annual Conference:

 

            The Basics

 

  • Want to be Wireless? -- Here are the instructions from the WCC for logging into the wifi at the convention center which is available in the public spaces and meeting rooms:  “Your attendees will point their computers to the following SSID:  ALA2007.  There is no encryption on the wireless network and your attendees will simply need to open their browser to start the internet sessions. "

 
  • Badges – If you registered prior to May 18, you should have received your conference badge in the mail, along with any special event or meal tickets you purchased at time of registration.  Please note that a photo ID is required.

 

    • No Changes to your badge? – You can go directly to the Badge Holder Pickup counters in the registration area at the Washington Convention Center, Street Level, East Registration Area, to check in and receive your badge holder, conference guide book and exhibits guide. 
      • Thursday (6/21) – Friday (6/22) – 7:30am-6:00pm
      • Saturday (6/23) – Monday (6/25) – 7:30am-5:00pm
      • Tuesday (6/26) – 7:30am-2:00pm

 

Or, on Thursday (June 21) and Friday (June 22) only, you can complete your check-in at Satellite Check-In at the following hotels: Washington Hilton, Marriott Crystal City and Fairmont Hotel.
      • Thursday (6/21) – Friday (6/22) – 8:00am – 8:00pm

 

    • Changes or Corrections? – Corrections to your badge or ticketed events can be made at the Will Call counters in the registration area at the Washington Convention Center, Street Level, East Registration Area.  (If you received a “balance due” notice instead of a badge, please visit the Special Assistance counter in registration first.)

 

    • Badge Didn’t Arrive Before You Left for Conference? – Go to the Will Call counters in the registration area, Washington Convention Center, Street Level, East Registration Area.

 

    • Need to register? – Full, one-day and exhibits-only registration can be purchased at the registration counters, Washington Convention Center, Street Level, East Registration Area.
      • Thursday (6/21) – Friday (6/22) – 7:30am-6:00pm
      • Saturday (6/23) – Monday (6/25) – 7:30am-5:00pm
      • Tuesday (6/26) – 7:30am-2:00pm

 
    • Attending the Empowerment Conference? – Go to the Empowerment Conference registration booth, Washington Convention Center, Street Level, East Registration Area (next to the Invited Guests booth).
      • Thursday (6/21) – 1:00-6:00pm
      • Friday (6/22) – 7:30am-6:00pm
      • Saturday (6/23) – 7:30am-5:00pm

 

  • Can I Still Get Tickets for…..?
While you’re in the Registration Area, don’t forget those last-minute tickets to various special events.  Availability will vary, as will deadlines.    
·         The Newbery/Caldecott/Wilder Banquet – Yes, until noon Friday, in DC.
·         Spectrum 10th Anniversary Luncheon –  Yes, through Thursday, June 21 – with limited availability possible later.
·         Coretta Scott King Breakfast – Yes, through Sunday.

 

  • Getting to the Convention Center --  For directions on getting to the Washington Convention Center from airports, by Metro or MARC trains, as well as other useful convention center information (e.g. parking, business center services), see Conference Center 411:  http://wikis.ala.org/annual2007/index.php/Conference_Center_411

 

    • Need first aid in the Convention Center?  Dial 3333 from any house phone or 202-249-3333 from a cell phone.  The First Aid Station is located in Hall A just outside the exhibit hall.

 

  • Conference Buses
The Thomson Gale Shuttle Buses begin running on Friday morning.  For a complete list of routes and hours, see page 27 in the ALA Program Guide.  The hotel map follows, on page 28-29.

 

  • Membership Meetings-- Exercise your ALA membership rights.  Attend the ALA Membership Meetings, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom A:
ALA Membership I, Saturday, June 23, 4:00-5:00pm
ALA Membership II, Monday, June 25, 11:30am - 12:30pm


 

            At the Exhibits

·        The Stacks - 2007 ALA Annual Conference Exhibition

With over 1600 booths, The Stacks will be located in the exhibit halls in the Washington Convention Center.
Hours are:             
Saturday, June 23 - Monday, June 25, 9:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday, June 26, 9:00am - 3:00pm
·        Special Exhibit Floor Events
o        SupERTuesday Closing Reception: Don’t miss the SupERTuesday Closing Reception, with food and prizes, sponsored by Exhibits Round Table, your Exhibitors and ALA.  Fill out the SupERTuesday entry form in the ActionAd Booklet (received at Registration) or in the Tuesday edition of Cognotes and drop it in the free drawing boxes in the exhibit hall.  Drawings will be held on Tuesday, June 26 at 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm and the Grand Prize Drawing will be held at 2:30pm.You must be present to win. 

o       Meet the Authors: Your opportunity to meet and get autographs from favorite adult and children's authors and illustrators. The list of authors signings is available in your Conference Program.

o        The Library Product Spotlight will feature explanations and demonstrations of new products from ALA exhibitors that are designed to help improve your library.  The Library Product Spotlight presentations will take place on Monday June 25, 2007 in the Washington Theatre and the Lincoln Theatre, both located in Exhibit Hall C of the Washington Convention Center. The presentations will run from 10:00am to 1:10pm concurrently.
o        Poster Sessions: Poster sessions give librarians the opportunity to make peer-to-peer presentations on research, innovative programs and problem-solving ideas.  See your program for details.