ALA Council III-Philadelphia
ALA Council III-Philadelphia
Council III always has the usual opening business. We opened with a traditional Hawaiian chant at the request of President Roy. It was quite moving and very nicely done.
The first order of business is memorials and tributes to those who have made significant efforts in behalf of ALA and whom we have lost. This year those were: Memorials- Joanne Goodman Michaels, Cynthia B. Duncan, Barbara Will, Robert L. Oakley; Tributes – ACRL Rare Books and Manuscripts Section and Lynn El-Hoshy.
We received the executive board election results.
The ALA Treasurer reported and ending balance of $472,225.
The Committee on Status on Women in Librarianship presented a resolution.
Resolved, that the American Library Association recognizes the responsibility of libraries to help all employees that are family caregivers; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association will form a task force to study and recommend to the Council of the American Library Association specific programs that libraries can use to support their employees who are family caregivers.
I voted for this and it passed.
The Committee on Organization presented 3 motions.
Moved to establish an Advocacy Committee consisting of 13 ALA members for two year terms.
I voted for this and it passed.
Moves the President-elect, as chair of the Committee on Appointments and the Committee on Committees, shall present a preliminary report at Midwinter Meeting and a final report at Annual Conference to the ALA Council that provides demographic information about members who a) volunteered to serve on, and b) who were appointed to committees. This information shall include but not be limited to:
1. type of work place and work activity
2. Years of membership in the association
3. Division and Round Table memberships
4. Geographic (State/Province) Location
I voted for this and it passed.
Any candidate for an elected or appointed position within ALA shall refrain from any committee or board activity that could advance—or appear to advance—his or her candidacy.
I voted against this item and it failed.
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee Report had two applications for ALA Affiliate status;
Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials
Resolved that the American Library Association accept the Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials (SALALAM) as an affiliate under Article X of the ALA Constitution.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved that the American Library Association accept the On-Line Audiovisual Catalogers (OLAC) as an affiliate under Article X of the ALA Constitution.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that ALA Constitution Article VIII, Section 2 be revised to read:
a. President-elect. When a vacancy occurs in the office of president-elect, or when an elected incoming president-elect withdraws or is unable to serve before the assumption of office, such office, or to assume such office, subject to a confirmation mail vote by Council. Until the individual is confirmed by Council, they shall serve in an acting capacity.
b. Treasurer. When a vacancy occurs in the office or treasurer, or when an elected incoming treasurer withdraws or is unable to serve before the assumption of office, then the Executive Board shall appoint an individual to serve in such office, or to assume such office, subject to a confirmation mail vote by Council. Until the individual is confirmed by Council, they shall serve in an acting capacity. The position of treasurer shall be filled by regular election at the next election, unless at the time of appointment the next regular election is less than four (4) months away, in which case the position of treasurer shall be filled at the following election.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that ALA Constitution Article VIII, Section 5 be revised to read:
“Terms of Office: All officers and elected members of the Executive Board shall serve until the adjournment of the Annual Conference that follows the selection of their successors.”
I voted for this and it passed.
The two previous items are changes in the constitution. The process is for both of them to re-appear at the Annual Conference Council meetings and then go to the membership for approval. Therefore, there is additional process before they become a part of the constitution.
The Intellectual Freedom Committee report was given.
The Committee on Legislation gave its report. The following items were presented for action.
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to reaffirm the federal government’s responsibility to provide no-fee access to Federal government information in formats most appropriate to the public’s needs: and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to fully fund the United States Government Printing Office appropriation for FY 2009 at the level requested by the Public Printer.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA supports the membership of tribal colleges in the Federal Depository Library Program, and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA Work with GPO to assist all tribal colleges interested in joining the FDLP.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA urge governments at all levels to create adequate disaster recovery plans and maintain redundant systems in order to effectively facilitate the wide-spread use of e-government, and to enable libraries to provide access to reliable resources; and be it further
Resolved, that libraries are essential government service providers and should be given priority access to electrical and telecommunications connections during times of disaster to facilitate community and emergency aid response.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA call upon Congress to support the democratic value of promoting a wide diversity of speech by redressing the dramatic postal rate increases of 2007 and passing legislation to protect against future disproportionate postal rate increases.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA commend Mr. Youssef for bringing these serious abuses before the ALA and the American public; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA support and defend Mr. Youssef’s right to report on FBI abuses; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge the FBI to desist from any retaliation against Mr. Youssef for speaking before us; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA communicate these concerns to the Attorney General and the Director of the FBI; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA continue to ask Congress to restore and maintain civil liberties, correct the abuse and misuse of National Security Letters and protect the rights of whistleblowers against retaliation.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to renew its commitment to full development of the Federal Digital System and related functions and services, including cataloging support; and, be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to fully fund future GPO appropriations requests that are essential to the deployment of the Federal Digital System and to the GPO’s Title 44 obligations.
I voted for this and it passed.
The International Relations Committee gave its report.
New Business:
Resolution on Providing Accessible Workstations at American Library Association Midwinter Meetings and Annual Conventions
Whereas, ALA Policy 54.3.2, Library Services for People with Disabilities, states that: ”ALA, through its division, offices and units and through collaborations with outside associations and agencies, is dedicated to eradicating inequities and improving attitudes toward and services and opportunities for people with disabilities,” and
Whereas, ALA Policy 54.3.2 section 5 states that: “libraries should work with people with disabilities, agencies, organizations and vendors to integrate assistive technology into their facilities and services to meet the needs of people with a broad range of disabilities, including learning, mobility, sensory and developmental disabilities,” and
Whereas, ALA Policy 4.3.2 section 8 states that: “ALA conferences held at facilities that are “public accommodations”(e.g. hotels and convention center) must be accessible le to participants with disabilities,” there be it
Resolved that the ALA Executive Director shall work with ASCLA to assess and define measures to facilitate access to computer workstations and other accommodations for persons with disabilities during annual conferences and midwinter meetings; and that the ALA Executive Director shall implement such measures as soon as possible.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolution on the Crisis in Kenya
Whereas, hundreds of people have been killed and injured, and thousands have been displaced by the current violence in Kenya generated by the controversy surrounding the December election results;
Whereas, the U.S. media plays up the ethnic or “tribal” aspects of the current crisis at the expense of the deep political and class aspects of the conflict;
Whereas, the Kenyan government has recently curtailed freedom of the press and broadcasting and the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully and non-violently;
Whereas, the U.S. government has a close military relationship with the Kibaki Government, and has played a central role in building up Kenya’s military and internal security organizations;
Whereas, the American Library Association has endorsed Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (policy 58.4) which covers freedom of the press and freedom of expression – rights which the Kenyan government is now denying its citizens;
Whereas, the American Library Association opposes any governmental prerogatives that lead to the intimidation of individuals or groups and encourages resistance to such abuse of governmental power (policy 53.4);
Whereas, the American Library Association recognizes the vital importance of free and open elections;
Whereas, the Association of Concerned Africa Scholars has issued a call for an end to (1) The widespread violence by the principal Kenyan political actors, (2) restrictions of the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully and non-violently, and (3) recently declared restrictions on press freedoms;
Therefore be it resolved, that the American Library Association calls for an end to the violence in Kenya, a return to press and broadcasting freedom, and the right to peacefully assemble for the people of Kenya.
Move to refer to the International Relations Committee.
I voted to refer and it failed.
We returned to the original resolution.
Motion to remove second and fourth whereas clauses from this resolution. I underlined the clauses that were removed.
I voted for this motion and it passed.
I voted against this resolution and it passed.
Resolution to Remove Specific Dues Amounts from the ALA Bylaws
Whereas Bylaws documents do not appropriately contain information that must be updated or revised with some regularity, and
Whereas that appearance of such information in Bylaws necessitates significant delays in action that can be taken, and that delays can in turn interfere wit ht effective and timely performance of work of the association,
Therefore be it resolved that specific dues figures be removed from the ALA Bylaws, and that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, in consultation with the membership Committee, develop a plan for accomplishing such removal, while assuring that the interests of ALA members are protected in any process or policy developed,
And that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee report back to Council with the plan, no later than Midwinter, 2009.
The motion was replaced with the following:
Move that the Constitution and Bylaws committee in consultation with the Membership Committee be directed to develop a plan whereby specific dues figures may be removed from the ALA Bylaws, while assuring that the interests of ALA members are protected in any process or policy developed, and that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee report back to council with the plan, no later than Midwinter, 2009.
I voted for this motion and it passed.
Resolution on the confiscation of Iraqi documents from the Iraq National Library and Archives.
Resolved, that ALA condemns the confiscation of documents from the Iraq National Library and Archive by the United States and British forces and strongly advocates the immediate return of all documents, and, be it further
Resolved, that ALA calls for the United States Government to honor the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Second Protocol.
I voted for this and it passed.
Keith Michael Fiels had announcements.
Final attendance figures were 13,601 compared to 12,230 in Seattle and 11,084 in San Antonio. We continue to see increased attendance at the meetings.
With much detailed debate occurred but thanks to civil discourse we still managed to adjourn 15 minutes early.
If anyone wants details on an issue, please let me know.
Council III always has the usual opening business. We opened with a traditional Hawaiian chant at the request of President Roy. It was quite moving and very nicely done.
The first order of business is memorials and tributes to those who have made significant efforts in behalf of ALA and whom we have lost. This year those were: Memorials- Joanne Goodman Michaels, Cynthia B. Duncan, Barbara Will, Robert L. Oakley; Tributes – ACRL Rare Books and Manuscripts Section and Lynn El-Hoshy.
We received the executive board election results.
The ALA Treasurer reported and ending balance of $472,225.
The Committee on Status on Women in Librarianship presented a resolution.
Resolved, that the American Library Association recognizes the responsibility of libraries to help all employees that are family caregivers; and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association will form a task force to study and recommend to the Council of the American Library Association specific programs that libraries can use to support their employees who are family caregivers.
I voted for this and it passed.
The Committee on Organization presented 3 motions.
Moved to establish an Advocacy Committee consisting of 13 ALA members for two year terms.
I voted for this and it passed.
Moves the President-elect, as chair of the Committee on Appointments and the Committee on Committees, shall present a preliminary report at Midwinter Meeting and a final report at Annual Conference to the ALA Council that provides demographic information about members who a) volunteered to serve on, and b) who were appointed to committees. This information shall include but not be limited to:
1. type of work place and work activity
2. Years of membership in the association
3. Division and Round Table memberships
4. Geographic (State/Province) Location
I voted for this and it passed.
Any candidate for an elected or appointed position within ALA shall refrain from any committee or board activity that could advance—or appear to advance—his or her candidacy.
I voted against this item and it failed.
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee Report had two applications for ALA Affiliate status;
Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials
Resolved that the American Library Association accept the Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials (SALALAM) as an affiliate under Article X of the ALA Constitution.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved that the American Library Association accept the On-Line Audiovisual Catalogers (OLAC) as an affiliate under Article X of the ALA Constitution.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that ALA Constitution Article VIII, Section 2 be revised to read:
a. President-elect. When a vacancy occurs in the office of president-elect, or when an elected incoming president-elect withdraws or is unable to serve before the assumption of office, such office, or to assume such office, subject to a confirmation mail vote by Council. Until the individual is confirmed by Council, they shall serve in an acting capacity.
b. Treasurer. When a vacancy occurs in the office or treasurer, or when an elected incoming treasurer withdraws or is unable to serve before the assumption of office, then the Executive Board shall appoint an individual to serve in such office, or to assume such office, subject to a confirmation mail vote by Council. Until the individual is confirmed by Council, they shall serve in an acting capacity. The position of treasurer shall be filled by regular election at the next election, unless at the time of appointment the next regular election is less than four (4) months away, in which case the position of treasurer shall be filled at the following election.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that ALA Constitution Article VIII, Section 5 be revised to read:
“Terms of Office: All officers and elected members of the Executive Board shall serve until the adjournment of the Annual Conference that follows the selection of their successors.”
I voted for this and it passed.
The two previous items are changes in the constitution. The process is for both of them to re-appear at the Annual Conference Council meetings and then go to the membership for approval. Therefore, there is additional process before they become a part of the constitution.
The Intellectual Freedom Committee report was given.
The Committee on Legislation gave its report. The following items were presented for action.
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to reaffirm the federal government’s responsibility to provide no-fee access to Federal government information in formats most appropriate to the public’s needs: and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to fully fund the United States Government Printing Office appropriation for FY 2009 at the level requested by the Public Printer.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA supports the membership of tribal colleges in the Federal Depository Library Program, and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA Work with GPO to assist all tribal colleges interested in joining the FDLP.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA urge governments at all levels to create adequate disaster recovery plans and maintain redundant systems in order to effectively facilitate the wide-spread use of e-government, and to enable libraries to provide access to reliable resources; and be it further
Resolved, that libraries are essential government service providers and should be given priority access to electrical and telecommunications connections during times of disaster to facilitate community and emergency aid response.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA call upon Congress to support the democratic value of promoting a wide diversity of speech by redressing the dramatic postal rate increases of 2007 and passing legislation to protect against future disproportionate postal rate increases.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA commend Mr. Youssef for bringing these serious abuses before the ALA and the American public; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA support and defend Mr. Youssef’s right to report on FBI abuses; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge the FBI to desist from any retaliation against Mr. Youssef for speaking before us; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA communicate these concerns to the Attorney General and the Director of the FBI; and be it further
Resolved, that the ALA continue to ask Congress to restore and maintain civil liberties, correct the abuse and misuse of National Security Letters and protect the rights of whistleblowers against retaliation.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to renew its commitment to full development of the Federal Digital System and related functions and services, including cataloging support; and, be it further
Resolved, that the ALA urge Congress to fully fund future GPO appropriations requests that are essential to the deployment of the Federal Digital System and to the GPO’s Title 44 obligations.
I voted for this and it passed.
The International Relations Committee gave its report.
New Business:
Resolution on Providing Accessible Workstations at American Library Association Midwinter Meetings and Annual Conventions
Whereas, ALA Policy 54.3.2, Library Services for People with Disabilities, states that: ”ALA, through its division, offices and units and through collaborations with outside associations and agencies, is dedicated to eradicating inequities and improving attitudes toward and services and opportunities for people with disabilities,” and
Whereas, ALA Policy 54.3.2 section 5 states that: “libraries should work with people with disabilities, agencies, organizations and vendors to integrate assistive technology into their facilities and services to meet the needs of people with a broad range of disabilities, including learning, mobility, sensory and developmental disabilities,” and
Whereas, ALA Policy 4.3.2 section 8 states that: “ALA conferences held at facilities that are “public accommodations”(e.g. hotels and convention center) must be accessible le to participants with disabilities,” there be it
Resolved that the ALA Executive Director shall work with ASCLA to assess and define measures to facilitate access to computer workstations and other accommodations for persons with disabilities during annual conferences and midwinter meetings; and that the ALA Executive Director shall implement such measures as soon as possible.
I voted for this and it passed.
Resolution on the Crisis in Kenya
Whereas, hundreds of people have been killed and injured, and thousands have been displaced by the current violence in Kenya generated by the controversy surrounding the December election results;
Whereas, the U.S. media plays up the ethnic or “tribal” aspects of the current crisis at the expense of the deep political and class aspects of the conflict;
Whereas, the Kenyan government has recently curtailed freedom of the press and broadcasting and the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully and non-violently;
Whereas, the U.S. government has a close military relationship with the Kibaki Government, and has played a central role in building up Kenya’s military and internal security organizations;
Whereas, the American Library Association has endorsed Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (policy 58.4) which covers freedom of the press and freedom of expression – rights which the Kenyan government is now denying its citizens;
Whereas, the American Library Association opposes any governmental prerogatives that lead to the intimidation of individuals or groups and encourages resistance to such abuse of governmental power (policy 53.4);
Whereas, the American Library Association recognizes the vital importance of free and open elections;
Whereas, the Association of Concerned Africa Scholars has issued a call for an end to (1) The widespread violence by the principal Kenyan political actors, (2) restrictions of the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully and non-violently, and (3) recently declared restrictions on press freedoms;
Therefore be it resolved, that the American Library Association calls for an end to the violence in Kenya, a return to press and broadcasting freedom, and the right to peacefully assemble for the people of Kenya.
Move to refer to the International Relations Committee.
I voted to refer and it failed.
We returned to the original resolution.
Motion to remove second and fourth whereas clauses from this resolution. I underlined the clauses that were removed.
I voted for this motion and it passed.
I voted against this resolution and it passed.
Resolution to Remove Specific Dues Amounts from the ALA Bylaws
Whereas Bylaws documents do not appropriately contain information that must be updated or revised with some regularity, and
Whereas that appearance of such information in Bylaws necessitates significant delays in action that can be taken, and that delays can in turn interfere wit ht effective and timely performance of work of the association,
Therefore be it resolved that specific dues figures be removed from the ALA Bylaws, and that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, in consultation with the membership Committee, develop a plan for accomplishing such removal, while assuring that the interests of ALA members are protected in any process or policy developed,
And that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee report back to Council with the plan, no later than Midwinter, 2009.
The motion was replaced with the following:
Move that the Constitution and Bylaws committee in consultation with the Membership Committee be directed to develop a plan whereby specific dues figures may be removed from the ALA Bylaws, while assuring that the interests of ALA members are protected in any process or policy developed, and that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee report back to council with the plan, no later than Midwinter, 2009.
I voted for this motion and it passed.
Resolution on the confiscation of Iraqi documents from the Iraq National Library and Archives.
Resolved, that ALA condemns the confiscation of documents from the Iraq National Library and Archive by the United States and British forces and strongly advocates the immediate return of all documents, and, be it further
Resolved, that ALA calls for the United States Government to honor the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Second Protocol.
I voted for this and it passed.
Keith Michael Fiels had announcements.
Final attendance figures were 13,601 compared to 12,230 in Seattle and 11,084 in San Antonio. We continue to see increased attendance at the meetings.
With much detailed debate occurred but thanks to civil discourse we still managed to adjourn 15 minutes early.
If anyone wants details on an issue, please let me know.