« ALA Director's Report-Very Long | Main | Council I Washington »

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.
o        Silent Auction: Support ALA scholarships to deserving library school students by purchasing some of the great items up for bid at this year's ERT Silent Auction!
o        LIVE! @ your library Reading Stage:  In the Exhibition Hall Saturday, Sunday & Monday, 12:00 - 4:00 pm, take a break from a day of meetings and programs and stop by the LIVE! @ your library Reading Stage in the Exhibition Hall to enjoy readings from new and favorite authors and poets, learn how to develop author programs for your library, and find new recommendations for your patrons.  Each year, acclaimed and new writers grace the Reading Stage.  The LIVE! @ your library Reading Stage is presented by the ALA Public Programs Office.
ALA Store
See what’s new at the ALA Store, located beside Registration.  Get the newest books and posters, campaign materials for Banned Books Week and Teen Read Week, as well as conference souvenirs. 
            Anniversary Celebrations
                            
100 years
o        American Libraries—by now, you should have received a very special 100 year anniversary issue.
o        Celebrating the magazine's centennial, American Libraries presents Julie Andrews, a special program, Monday, June 25, 2007, 10:30am -12:00pm, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C.  An entertainment icon, Julie Andrews published her first children's book, Mandy, in 1971 and as Julie Andrews Edwards, she and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton recently published a series of books, including The Great American Mousical, from HarperCollins, where she has launched her own imprint, "The Julie Andrews Collection."  A longtime advocate for children and literacy, she works with UNICEF and Save the Children.  Sponsored by American Libraries Magazine and HarperCollins

50 Years
o        Association for Library Collections & Technical Services—ALCTS special anniversary events at the Annual Conference include:
§         Your ALCTS Experience: Open House, Friday, June 23, 7 to 9pm, Washington Convention Center, Room 151A.  See old friends, new faces and get new ideas.
§         ALCTS 50th Anniversary Forum, Monday, June 25, beginning at 8:00am in the Grand Ballroom South, Renaissance Hotel, immediately preceding the ALCTS President’s Program featuring Peter Morville.  The forum, will focus on “Digital Curation,” the subject of a recent conference at the University of North Carolina.  Learn what “Digital Curation” is and its impact on libraries.
§         ALCTS Exhibit Booth: Special Anniversary Events, Booth #4147
Look for booth event schedule.  Celebration events will take place in the ALCTS booth, where you will also find a schedule of book signings, author appearances, ALCTS award winners and ALCTS "all-stars."
o        Library Administration & Management Association

§         LAMA 50th Anniversary President’s Program, June 24, 1:30-3:30pm.  Frances Hesselbein, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Leader to Leader Institute, will be the featured speaker.  Mrs. Hesselbein was the Founding President of the Peter F. Drucker Foundation and was CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA, 1976-1990.  She is the author of Hesselbein on Leadership, and introduces Be, Know, Do:  Leadership the Army Way with General Eric K. Shinseki.  She is the co-editor of 21 books in 28 languages and  Editor-In-chief of the award-winning Leader to Leader journal.

o        Young Adult Library Services Association—YALSA special anniversary events at the Annual Conference include:
§         Anniversary Party, Friday, June 22, 10:00pm - 12:00am, Renaissance Washington, Ballroom West A/B, immediately following the Booklist Books for Youth Forum. This event is being co-hosted by more than 14 publishers.  Please note that the Forum will feature the original winner and honorees from the 2000 Printz Award.
§         YA Authors’ Breakfast has been sold out! Sunday, 8-10 am, Grand Ballroom North/Central, Washington Renaissance
§         A Day of YA Authors on the Live @ your library® stage: Monday, June 25, 12:00 noon - 4:00pm in the Exhibit Hall.  Pam Spencer Holley will emcee an afternoon featuring contemporary YA authors, including Cecil Castellucci, Nick Hornby, Patrick Jones, Barry Lyga, Carolyn Mackler, Catherine Murdock, Tiffany Trent and 2007 Printz Award winner, Gene Luen Yang.  For a schedule of times for each author presentation, visit the ALA Annual Conference Wiki.
§         Anniversary Bash in the Booth:  Sunday, June 24, 3:30 - 4:30pm in the Exhibit Hall at YALSA's Member Booth in the ALA Member Pavillion (#2525).  Join YALSA for some light refreshments, YALSA freebies and a book signing by author Simone Elkeles.  First 125 to attend get a free Elkeles book.
30 Years
The AASL Affiliate Assembly, a group of state leaders and delegates from all around the country, has been the incubator for AASL leadership since 1977.  An anniversary celebration will be hosted during the Affiliate Assembly I meeting.  Delegates from around the nation will celebrate on Friday, June 22, 8:00-10:00pm, at the Washington Convention Center.

25 Years
Let's Talk About It is a reading and book discussion program model for libraries launched on a nationwide level by ALA in 1982.  The program model involves reading a common series of books selected by a nationally known scholar, and discussing them in the context of a larger, overarching theme. Reading and discussion groups explore the theme through the lens of the humanities – by relating the readings to historical trends and events, other works of literature, philosophical and ethical considerations.  In the past 25 years, the model has been adopted – and adapted – by hundreds of libraries across the country.  Let's Talk About It has reached more than four million people around the United States.  (For a complete archive of past themes, see the LTAI archive: http://publicprograms.ala.org/ltai/) 

Conference programs celebrating this anniversary include:
o        Let's Talk About It: 25 Years of Reading and Discussion Programs, Monday, June 25, 1:30 - 3:30pm, Grand Hyatt Washington, Constitution C-D.  Learn about how you can leverage the popularity of this evergreen program in your library, as panelists discuss the establishment and evolution of the program model, favorite and new themes and books, funding opportunities and resources, lessons learned in implementing and adapting the program, and ideas for the future. 
o        Let’s Talk About It: 25th Anniversary Celebration, Monday, June 25, 4:00 – 6:00pm, Grand Hyatt Washington, Farragut/Lafayette.  Please join the ALA Public Programs Office to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the reading and discussion program Let’s Talk About It.

10 Years
Spectrum Scholarship Program— Established in 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program is ALA's national diversity and recruitment effort designed to address the specific issue of under-representation of critically needed ethnic librarians within the profession while serving as a model for ways to bring attention to larger diversity issues in the future. Since its inception, Spectrum has supported 415 students with scholarships totaling more than $2.5 million. Additionally, many library schools and professional associations have built on Spectrum’s efforts by providing matching funds and development opportunities for scholars.  Special Conference events include:
o        The "Big" Ticket Spectrum Scholar 10th Anniversary Luncheon, Sunday, June 24th, 11:00 am-1:00pm, Capital Hilton, Presidential Ballroom, Cost $55.  Join Spectrum scholars, Champions, and all who advocate for critically needed diversity in libraries at this reception to support Spectrum's future and honor its legacy at a moving and uplifting event you won't want to miss!  Featuring: keynote by world-renowned poet and educator Nikki Giovanni; remarks by Representative (AZ) Raúl M. Grijalva, and Spectrum Champions and Past ALA Presidents Carla Hayden and Betty Turock; performance by National Recording Artist, Librarian and Spectrum Scholar Tracy Wort; and hosted by San Diego County Library Director José Aponte.
o        The Original Wireless Connection: Involvement and networking within professional organizations, Saturday, June 23rd, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, Madison Hotel, Dolly Madison Lower.  Success and effectiveness in careers and within professional organizations may depend on one’s ability to schmooze in the right fashion and with the right people. Four established and highly respected leaders in librarianship and in diversity issues discuss why, when, how, and how not to network for optimal success in your career and in a way that will lead to contributions to the profession. Sponsored by the Spectrum Scholar Interest Group.
o        ALA/ProQuest Scholarship Bash, Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Hilton Washington International Ballroom……..remember this event benefits Spectrum.  The ALA/ProQuest Scholarship Bash has raised $350,000 for Spectrum Scholarships since its inception in 2000.
o        10 Years Later - Where Are They Now? Spectrum Scholars Shining in the Field, Sunday, June 24th, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, Capital Hilton, Congressional.  In the ten years since the award began, Spectrum Scholars have gone on to excel in an array of positions as varied as the scholars’ backgrounds. Spectrum Scholars discuss the impact Spectrum has had on their lives and the importance of this diversity recruitment and retention program. Sponsored by the Spectrum Scholar Interest Group. 
o        Diversions, Monday, June 25, 8:30am - 3:30pm.  This special installment of the popular "Diversions" tour, which affords ALA goers an up-close and personal encounter with a city's diverse cultures, allows participants to experience Washington D.C. in a meaningful way while celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Spectrum Scholarship Program.

And a 1st
The inaugural Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award for Exemplary Humanities Programming will be presented by Bruce Cole, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) during the Opening General Session.  The Sara Jaffarian Award is presented by the ALA Public Programs Office, in cooperation with AASL.  It was established in 2006 with a major donation from Sara Jaffarian, which was made to the ALA Cultural Communities Fund and matched by NEH. 

            For Fun and Celebration!

  • Honor Dance for ALA President-Elect Loriene Roy.  In many Native American communities, when an individual accomplishes a great achievement, it is acknowledged through an honor dance. On Friday, June 22, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, hundreds will gather at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian at Fourth Street and Independence Ave., S.W. in Washington, D.C., to honor Loriene Roy, recognizing her accomplishment as the first American Indian to serve as ALA president.  Roy, an Anishinabe (Ojibwe), is an enrollee of the White Earth Indian reservation, a member of the federally recognized Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.  The honor dance will be led by a color guard as Roy, her family and friends are escorted into the museum's main gathering space, the Potomac Atrium. A drum group will set the tone for the event by providing music and songs.  Many indigenous people will wear traditional clothing while female attendees will be encouraged to bring dance shawls.  All who attend may join in the dance.  For more information on the Honor Dance please contact Leonda Levchuk with the National Museum of the American Indian at 202-633-6613.

  • World Premiere of "The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film" Friday, June 22, 2007, 8:00 pm, Washington Convention Center Hall D.  Doors open at 7:30 pm with a red-carpet walk. The film premiere will begin at 8:00 pm. Written and directed by Ann Seidl, the film interweaves interviews with real librarians and movie clips of cinematic librarians.  To see the trailer, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8kd4fC1bwo

  • ALA/ProQuest CSA Scholarship Event “Business Tomorrow...Comedy Tonight!!!” Featuring: Mark Russell and The Capitol Steps, Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 8:00pm, Hilton Washington, International Ballroom.  Satire, political humor, belly laughs and barrels of fun are guaranteed in the funniest Scholarship Bash ever.  Join Mark Russell, star of PBS’s Mark Russell Comedy Specials, nightclub entertainer and the man who claims to have 535 writers helping him with his material (100 Senators and 435 Representatives). Plus the ever-popular Capitol Steps will continue the evening with their side-splitting skits and music while they skewer the goings on “inside the Beltway”.  Have a great time and support future librarians.  Tickets are only $35.00 and available through ALA registration. Bring your friends and family. It’s fun for all.

  • Third Annual Bookcart Drill Team World Championship, Sunday, June 24, 2007, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Washington Convention Center Hall D.

  • 4th Annual ALSC Poetry Blast, Monday, June 25, 5:30-7:30pm, HYATT, Independence F-I.  Celebrate the aural tradition, featuring contemporary North American poetry for children by both new and established poets. 

  • PARS Film Festival – “Two Thumbs Up!” on Sunday, June 24, beginning at 7:00pm, in the Hotel Washington, Ballroom, sponsored by LBS Archival Products.

Be Heard!

  • ALA Website/Feedback Needed – Work continues on the process begun in August 2006 to assess the usability of the ALA website and move forward with a redesigned site.  ALA will have two kiosks, located in the registration area, showcasing representative possibilities for a new website design.  Each kiosk will display wireframes (rough sketches) that are intended to gain feedback on the information architecture, navigation approach, and basic layout.  The wireframes do not include graphical elements.  Participants will be asked to complete an online survey to collect feedback about the new design.  (Progress on the redesign can be followed at http://blogs.ala.org/webplanning and http://wikis.ala.org/webplanning/index.php/Current_events )

Kiosks and feedback surveys will be available during the following hours:
Thursday, June 21-Friday, June 22 – 7:30am-6:00pm
Saturday, June 23 – Monday, June 25 – 7:30am-5:00pm
Tuesday, June 26 – 7:30am-3:00pm

For more information see http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2007/june2007/ALAwebsiteredesign.htm

  • Library Education
    • RUSA/CODES Education Committee is sponsoring a discussion on “Knowledge Bases for Collection Development Librarians,” Saturday, June 23, 9:00-11:00am, Mayflower Hotel, Cabinet Room.  [NOTE:  This is a time change; the program is listed as 8:00-11:00 – but will not start until 9:00.]
    • The Task Force on Library Education, appointed by ALA President Leslie Burger, will meet Saturday, June 23, 8:00-10:00am, Renaissance Room 2.
    • The ALA Committee on Accreditation (COA) will hold an open meeting to discuss proposed updates to the 1992 Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies, Monday, June 25, 1:30-3:30pm, Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Chinese Room.

  • Taking Chances: Our Future or Our Demise? – Do you find that the most useful and energizing session you attend is the ad hoc meeting in the hallway or on break?  Do you yearn for a chance to expand on those conversations with colleagues who share your passion for ideas and concepts not necessarily on the formal program?  If so, join in this “Open Space Technology” conference-within-a-conference in WCC, Room 101, Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and June 24, 8:00am-4:00pm.  Come for all or part of that time.  See how intellectually rich and energizing self-organized groups truly can be. 

  • Should ALA Take A Stand on the War in Iraq and Other “Non-Library” Issues? – This question will be the focus of the ALA Membership Forum and Membership Meeting I, Convention Center, Ballroom A on Saturday, 3:30-5:00pm.

  • LC Working Group on Bibliographic Control --The third in an ongoing series of ALCTS Forums on Bibliographic Control will take place on Friday, June 22, from 4:00-6:00pm.  The Forum is sponsored by the Cataloging and Classification Section (CCS) and will be held in the Renaissance Hotel, Congressional A/B Room.  The theme of this forum is the work to date of the Library of Congress Working Group on Bibliographic Control, with a particular focus on the public meetings held in March (Mountain View, CA) and May (Chicago).  Moderated by CCS Chair David Miller (Curry College),  speakers include Dr. José-Marie Griffiths (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill), chair of the LC Working Group; Sally Smith (King County Library System), Diane Dates Casey (Governors State University), Greta de Groat (Stanford University), and Michael Norman (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign).

  • RDA -- ALCTS will hold a forum on updates to RDA on Saturday, June 23, at 4:00pm in the Washington Convention Center, Room 206.

  • Is ALA Heading in the Right Direction? – The second ALA Membership Forum and ALA Membership Meeting II will focus on this issue – Monday, June 25, 11:30am-1:00pm, WCC, Ballroom A.

  • Social Software – Learn to be heard in new ways.  LITA BIGWIG (Blogs, Wikis, and Social Software IG) is presenting the first ever online unconference – the Social Software Showcase -- at ALA Annual 2007.  The Social Software Showcase will occur around and during Annual.  See the Social Software Showcase Wiki Find information about it at: http://litablog.org/2007/06/07/social-software-showcase-sponsored-by-bigwig/ . Later, when presentations go up, use the Showcase Twitter feed:  http://showcase.litablog.org/index.php/BIGWIG_Twitter  to view and discuss presentations.  You can also join a face-to-face roundtable discussion with Showcase presenters:  Saturday, June 23, 1:30-2:30pm, Renaissance Mayflower, Cabinet Room.

  • Virtual Communities and Libraries – A new ALA Member Initiative Group (MIG) is currently being proposed by members interested in seeing a formal group within the Association formed around the role and visibility of libraries and library workers in virtual communities.  Signatures are being sought for presentation to the ALA Committee on Organization (COO).  For more information see:
http://wikis.ala.org/readwriteconnect/index.php/ALA_Member_Initiative_Groups

  • In Your Community – Join the Libraries Foster Civic Engagement Membership Initiative Group and Richard Harwood of the Harwood Institution for Civic Innovation on Sunday, June 24, 1:30-3:30pm, HYATT, Independence D/E Room, to discuss how engagement can transform your community.  For more on the Harwood Institute see: http://www.theharwoodinstitute.org
  • Advocacy –
    • The Advocacy Institute, Friday, June 22, 8:30 am- 3:30 pm, Renaissance Washington, Grand Ballroom – South.  Learn skills to become an effective library advocate at the day-long Advocacy Institute, appropriate for both beginners and those wishing to brush up on their skills.  Onsite registration is $50. 
    • Whether you’re a community organizer, networker, web master or library advocate, expertise in advocacy is crucial.  Refine your skills with a Library Advocacy Now! Training (ALA Public Awareness Committee), Saturday, June 23, 1:30-3:30pm, Renaissance Washington, Grand Ballroom – North/Central.
    • 10 Cool Technologies that Can Impact the Public Relations Plan @ your library®, Sunday, June 24, 8:00-10:00 am, Washington Convention Center, Room 140 A/B, with SLA President and SirsiDynix Institute Chief Strategist Stephen Abram, will focus on adapting your library’s PR plan to the Library 2.0 world.

On the List of Major Speakers
…in order of appearance; find background information in your Conference Program

  • ALA-APA: Evelyn Murphy (Getting Even: Why Women Don’t Get Paid Like Men and What to Do About It), Friday, June 22, 2:00-4:00pm, Hyatt, Farragut Square Room.
  • Ken Burns, Auditorium Speaker Series, Saturday, June 23, 8:30 – 10:00am, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
  • Khaled Hosseini, Auditorium Speaker Series, Saturday, June 23, 10:30am - 12:00pm, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
  • David Baldacci, Auditorium Speaker Series, Saturday, June 23, 1:30 - 3:00 pm, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
  • Bill Bradley, Opening General Session, Saturday, June 23, 5:30 - 7:00pm
    Washington Convention Center, Hall D
  • Nancy Pearl, Auditorium Speaker Series, Sunday, June 24, 8:30-10:00am, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
  • Anthony Romero, Auditorium Speaker Series, Sunday, June 24, 10:30-11:30am, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
  • Judy Blume, Auditorium Speaker Series, Sunday, June 24, 1:30-2:30pm,
    Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
  • Frances Hesselbein, LAMA President's Program, Sunday, June 24, 1:30-3:30pm, Grand Hyatt, Constitution Ballroom A-B.
·         Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., ALA President's Program, "A Contract With Our Future," Sunday, June 24, 3:30-5:30pm, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
·         Marian Wright Edelman, ALSC Charlemae Rollins President's Program, part of the Auditorium Speaker Series, Monday, June 25, 8:00-10:00am, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
·         Julie Andrews, American Libraries presents: A special program celebrating the magazine's centennial, Monday, June 25, 10:30am - 12:00pm, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C.
·         Peter Morville, ALCTS President’s Program, “Ambient Findability: Librarians, Libraries and the Internet of Things,” Monday, June 25, 10:30am in the Grand Ballroom South, Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC.  The President’s Program is the final event in the ALCTS 50th Anniversary Celebration. 
·         Irshad Manji, Auditorium Speaker Series, Monday, June 25, 1:30-3:30pm, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
·         Armistead Maupin, PLA President's Program and Awards Presentation, part of the Auditorium Speaker Series, Monday, June 25, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm,
Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
·         Garrison Keillor, Closing Session, Tuesday, June 26, 8:00 – 9:00am, Washington Convention Center, Ballroom C
… there’s more, so much more.   The ALA Program Guide includes complete program listings, meeting schedules and much, much more. 

o        For a complete listing of Division Presidents Programs, see page 38.
o        Program Tracks begin on page 77.
o        For program descriptions in chronological order, go to page 98 – or a complete daily schedule begins on page 153.
       … and don’t miss the ALA Exhibit Guide, either.
Check the ALA Exhibit Guide (page 5) for a schedule of Live @ Your Library readings. You can also check the ALA Exhibits Guide for Poster Sessions (page 22-23), Library Product Spotlight sessions (page 26-27), and “Meet the Author” times (page 13-20).

           

Talk With Colleagues – Old and New

  • The ALA Committee on Literacy and the Center for the Book will recognize and honor Dr. Robert Wedgeworth, former ALA executive director and current president and CEO of ProLiteracy Worldwide, for his lifetime commitment to libraries and literacy, Friday, June 23, 5:30-7:30pm, Library of Congress, James Madison Building.  RSVPs are required: dlipshu@ala.org
  • Winners of the SirsiDynix/ALA-APA Award for Promoting Salaries will be honored at the ALA-APA Networking Breakfast, Sunday, June 24, 7:30-8:30am, Marriott Metro Center, Montreal Room.
  • If you’re a YALSA member – or want to be – stop by the YALSA Member Happy Hour (Friday, June 22, 5:00-7:00pm), Old Dominion Brewery.
  • The LITA Happy Hour at the Capitol City Brewing Company follows LITA 101: Open House at the Renaissance Washington, Room 12-13, 4:00pm on Saturday, June 23 (a chance to meet active LITA members and find out how to get involved).  Capitol City Brewing Company is located within walking distance of the Renaissance Washington Hotel.  Happy Hour starts at 5:30pm.   

Right, you know that’s not all.  Check the ALA Program Guide, page 43, for library school reunions.  Look at the conference wiki for events both official and un….

…and speaking of talking with colleagues, see the conference wiki for a list of attendees who will be blogging annual:  http://wikis.ala.org/annual2007/index.php/Blogging_Annual

Need a Place to Blog?  The LITA Blogger’s Room, located in WCC Room 154B, will be available Friday through Tuesday from 8:00am-6:00pm, with a table and chairs who those bloggers who are tired of sitting on the floor balancing their laptops next to any unused plug they might find!

Mark Your Calendars – July 2007—June 2008

  • September 29-October 6, 2007 – Banned Books Week
  • October 4-7, 2007 – LITA National Forum, Technology with Altitude: 10 Years of the LITA National Forum, Denver (CO)
  • Oct. 14–20, 2007 - Teen Read Week
  • October 25-28, 2007 – AASL National Conference, "The Future Begins @ your library," Reno (NV)
    • Pre-conferences:  October 24-25.
    • The conference kicks into full gear on Thursday, October 25, with the Opening General Session and the Exhibit Hall Block Party.  The conference features 110 concurrent sessions and several special events, including a storytelling festival, Author Banquet with Wendelin Van Draanen, Closing Gala at the National Automobile Museum, and Author Breakfast with Omar Wasow.
  • January 11-16, 2008 – ALA Midwinter Meeting, Philadelphia (PA)
  • March 25-29, 2008 – PLA National Conference, Minneapolis (MN)
  • April 13-19, 2008 - National Library Week
    • April 15, 2008 – National Library Worker Day
    • April 17, 2008 – 2nd annual Support Young Adult Literature Day
  • April 30, 2008 – El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros
  • May 13-14, 2008 – National Library Legislative Day, Washington DC
  • June 26-July 2, 2008 – ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim

Looking Further Ahead? July 2008–June 2009  

  • September 18-20, 2008 – Association for Library Service to Children, National Institute, Salt Lake City (UT)
  • November 7-9, 2008 – YALSA’s Young Adult Literature Symposium, “How We Read Now,” Nashville (TN)
  • March 12-15, 2009 -- ACRL’s 14th National Conference, “Pushing the Edge: Explore, Engage, Extend,” in Seattle (WA)

Just in Case….

ALA is once again making available an ALA Alert Text Messaging Service.  To receive alerts about emergency situations affecting the entire conference directly to your cell phone, text the words “ALA Alert” from your mobile phone to 32075 (US and Canada) or to 47781488133 (International).  Normal text message charges apply.  This service will only be activated in the event of an emergency affecting the health and safety of conference attendees.

 

Posted by Rob on June 20, 2007 08:53 AM |