I have noticed that some LISNews readers consider ALA hopelessly lost and characterize it as wasting its time with issues like the Boy Scouts. I wonder how much these folks actually know about the American Library Association and what it does.
Readers may be interested in knowing about what ALA has planned for the upcoming Midwinter conference. The Midwinter conference is smaller than the annual conference and mostly focuses on business meetings of the various units and committees, but there are also some events that give a flavor for what ALA is doing. Read on for a recent news release describing what is going on at the ALA Midwinter conference next January.
I have noticed that some LISNews readers consider ALA hopelessly lost and characterize it as wasting its time with issues like the Boy Scouts. I wonder how much these folks actually know about the American Library Association and what it does.
Readers may be interested in knowing about what ALA has planned for the upcoming Midwinter conference. The Midwinter conference is smaller than the annual conference and mostly focuses on business meetings of the various units and committees, but there are also some events that give a flavor for what ALA is doing. Read on for a recent news release describing what is going on at the ALA Midwinter conference next January.
MIDWINTER NEWSALA President Nancy Kranich leads Midwinter program on Digital Divide
American Library Association President Nancy Kranich places the
Digital Divide squarely in the center of events at the ALA\’s 2001
Midwinter Meeting (January 12-17) in Washington, D.C. with her program
titled \”The Digital Divide and Information Equity: Challenges and
Opportunities for Libraries in the 21st Century.\” Larry Irving, former
assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information, will
deliver the keynote speech on Sunday, January 14.\”Throughout history, libraries have provided equal opportunity to all
Americans – leveling the playing field and bridging the gap between the
information haves and have nots,\” Kranich said. \”In this environment of
rapid technological change and proliferating information resources, I
believe our communities need libraries and librarians more than ever.\”Irving, who served under President Clinton from 1993 to 1999, is known
for spearheading the measurement of the digital divide in America and
leading the government\’s efforts to bridge the gap. He authored Falling
Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide, which tracks access to
telecommunications and information technologies. Irving has been
described as the \”Conscience of the Internet\” by Newsweek magazine.Following the keynote presentation, a panel of experts from across the
country will enlarge the discussion and lead into a short Q&A session
and small-group action planning. Invited panelists include: Mark
Lloyd, executive director of the Civil Rights Forum on Communications
Policy; Karen Buller, president of the National Indian
Telecommunications Institute; Jorge Schement, co-director of the
Information Policy Institute of Pennsylvania State University and
professor of communications and information policy; and Laurie Lipper,
co-director of The Children\’s Partnership.Singer-songwriter Paul Burch and the WPA Ballclub will open the program
with original music on the theme of democracy. The Washington Post says
\”Burch is one of the most promising singer-songwriters on the cutting
edge of country music.\”About 500 ALA conference participants are expected to attend the
President\’s Program from 2 to 4 p.m. in Hall C of the Washington
Convention Center.For more information, see the ALA Web site at
http://www.ala.org/events/mw2001/. For press registration, call
312-280-5042 before January 10 or visit the ALA Press Room at the
Washington Convention Center.
-30-See what\’s new @ your library: Campaign for America\’s Libraries to
unveil new Web site at ALA Midwinter Meeting
The American Library Association (ALA) will unveil the new Campaign for
America\’s Libraries Web site during trainings at the ALA Midwinter
Meeting (January 12 – 17, 2001) in Washington D.C. The Campaign\’s
current Web site is located at: www.ala.org/@yourlibrary.Campaign staff will present two identical trainings at the Midwinter
Meeting on Saturday, January 13, and Sunday, January 14, from 9 a.m. to
noon. The trainings will feature segments on key messages, target
audiences and how to use the @ your librarya brand. Campaign staff also
will discuss the National Library Week kickoff event and how to
implement the event in libraries nationwide. Additionally, attendees
will learn how to navigate the Campaign\’s Web site, how to be an
advocate for libraries and the Campaign, how to reach out to media and
more.The new Web site will be the main vehicle for distribution of
information about the Campaign, and will include downloadable logos,
public service announcements, Campaign updates, and other tools, as well
as opportunities to share information and provide feedback.The Campaign for America\’s Libraries is a five-year public education
effort, sponsored by the ALA, to promote the value of all types of
libraries and librarians nationwide.\”The Campaign for America\’s Libraries is a grassroots effort,\” said
Campaign Manager Deborah Davis. \”One of the goals of the project is to
provide libraries across the country with the tools they need to
implement the Campaign in their communities. The Midwinter training is
designed to showcase the variety of tools available and how easy it is
to participate in the program.\”Libraries are encouraged to join The Campaign for America\’s Libraries.
Although the Campaign will encompass all libraries and many local
outreach efforts, it will be united by a trademarked brand, @ your
library.\”I like the concept of \’branding,\’\” said John Berry, ALA
president-elect. \”It is true the library community doesn\’t have many
dollars for public relations, marketing and advertising, but by using
the same brand and consistent messages, our investment will add up to
real clout.\”The Campaign, which was made a priority by the ALA Executive Board, was
unveiled in July at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago and will
officially launch to the public during National Library Week, April 1-7,
2001. For more information, please attend the Midwinter training and
visit the Campaign\’s temporary Web site at www.ala.org/@yourlibrary.
-30-Get the news fast; ALA award winners available by Web, fax
Winners of the 2001 Newbery and Caldecott Medals and other major
awards presented by the American Library Association (ALA) will be
available online immediately following a press conference Monday,
January 15, at 9 a.m. at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Washington, D.C.Other awards to be announced include the new Robert F. Sibert
Informational Book Award, Michael L. Printz Award for the best young
adult book, Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children\’s Video,
Coretta Scott King Awards, Margaret A. Edwards Award, Laura Ingalls
Wilder Award, May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lectureship and the Mildred L.
Batchelder Award.A press release announcing the major awards will be posted on the ALA
Web site at www.ala.org under News and Announcements. The release also
will be available from ALA Fax-on-Demand service by calling 800-545-2433
and pressing 4.Other awards and notable lists to be announced during the ALA Midwinter
Meeting include: the Black Caucus of the American Library Association
Literary Awards; Best Books for Young Adults; Gay/Lesbian Book Awards;
Notable Books (Adult); Notable Children\’s Books; Notable Films and
Video, Recordings, Web sites and Computer Software for Children; Popular
Paperbacks for Young Adults; Quick Picks (for Reluctant Young Adult
Readers); and Selected Films and Videos for Young Adults.News releases will be issued as they are announced by the selection
committees.
-30-Friends of Libraries U.S.A. offers Midwinter pre-conference
Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA) will present \”Expanding Your
Friendships on Campus,\” on Friday, January 12, as a pre-conference to
the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting in Washington,
D.C. The deadline to register is December 29, 2000.As the major networking organization for friends of libraries groups in
the nation, FOLUSA emphasizes interchange of ideas and experiences among
friends and colleagues. The pre-conference offers sessions in which
friends can share information and insights on advocacy, membership,
fundraising, communications and other important issues. Discussion
moderators will promote participant involvement and sharing, and the
focus will be on academic libraries.Issues to be discussed may include:
* How to involve \”town\” as well as \”gown\”
* How to turn members into advocates for the library and the friends
* How to work effectively with your development office
* How to identify the best approach to fundraising for your friends
group
* How to design a newsletter that markets your friends organization
* How to build an informative and effective friends Web siteThe FOLUSA pre-conference will feature Epixtech President Lana Porter,
who will speak on \”The View from the Donor Side,\” and keynote speaker
Stephanie Winston, The Organized Executive, author of Getting Out From
Under: Redefining Your Priorities in an Overwhelming World.The pre-conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the
Arlington Room of the Madison Hotel, 15th and M Streets, NW.Registration fees are $125 for FOLUSA members and $150 for non-members.
The non-member fee includes a one-year subscription to the FOLUSA \”News
Update\” newsletter. To register, mail complete registration form and
fee to Friends of Libraries U.S.A., 1420 Walnut St., Suite 450,
Philadelphia, PA 19102-4017; fax (215) 545-3821; or email
[email protected].For more information, contact Tom Mendina at (901) 678-4310.
-30-Lewis H. Lapham to deliver Arthur Curley Memorial Lecture
Author and Harper\’s Magazine editor Lewis H. Lapham will present the
second Arthur Curley Memorial Lecture entitled, \”The Public Library as
the Ark of Liberty.\” The event takes place at 3 p.m. in the Washington
Convention Center, Room 30, on Saturday, January 13, during the American
Library Association Midwinter Meeting in Washington, D.C.An award-winning author, Lapham has been editor of Harper\’s
Magazine since 1983 and writes a monthly essay for the publication under
the rubric \”Notebook.\” He won a 1995 National Magazine Award for three
of the \”Notebook\” essays. He also has written for such publications as
Life, National Review, The Yale Literary Magazine, Elle, Fortune,
Forbes, The American Spectator, Vanity Fair, Parade, Maclean\’s, The
Observer (London), The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Lapham has written several books of essays, and his most recent book,
Lapham\’s Rules of Influence was published in June 1999.Lapham has lectured at many of the nation\’s leading
universities, among them Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and the Universities
of Michigan, Virginia and Oregon. He has appeared on American and
British television, as well as on National Public Radio and the Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation. He was the host and author of the six-part
documentary series \”America\’s Century,\” and between 1989 and 1991 he was
the host and executive editor of \”Bookmark,\” a weekly public television
series seen nationwide.Attendees will receive a free copy of Harper\’s latest issue, and
Lapham\’s latest anthology, An American Album: 150 Years of Harper\’s
Magazine, will be sold following the lecture.\”Lewis Lapham is well known for his thought-provoking editorial
discourses in Harper\’s magazine dealing with issues facing today\’s
society,\” said Norman Horrocks, chair of the lecture subcommittee. \”He
has been described as brilliant, good humored, passionate – and
surprising.\”The Arthur Curley Memorial Lecture series is delivered each year at the
ALA Midwinter meeting and honors ALA past president Arthur Curley.
Curley served as president of ALA in 1994-1995 and was director of
Boston Public Library. The lecture series commemorates his lifelong
dedication to the principles of intellectual freedom, public access to
information and public advocacy for libraries.
-30-Randall Robinson keynotes Midwinter commemorative service honoring Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Randall Robinson, president of TransAfrica and TransAfrica Forum, will
be the keynote speaker at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., sunrise
celebration during the American Library Association\’s (ALA) Midwinter
Meeting in Washington, D.C. The celebration will be held Monday,
January 15, 2001, from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. in Ballroom C of the Washington
Convention Center.Sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Subcommittee, the Coretta
Scott King Task Force of the ALA Social Responsibilities Round Table,
the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) and the ALA
Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS), the sunrise
celebration honors the work and life of Dr. King. Participants will
include representatives of associations of librarians of color and
several ALA committees, round tables and assemblies. Light refreshments
will be served.Robinson, an internationally respected human rights advocate, is well
known for his leadership of the Free South Africa Movement, which
successfully sought comprehensive economic sanctions to end apartheid in
South Africa. His 27-day hunger strike protested U.S. immigration
policies affecting Haitian boat people and resulted in a modified
approach.A Harvard-trained lawyer, Robinson is author of national bestsellers
The Debt – What America Owes to Blacks and Defending the Spirit – A
Black Life in America. TransAfrica was established to lobby on U.S.
policies towards Africa and the Caribbean. TransAfrica Forum was
established to educate the American public about foreign policy
affecting Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America.For more information, contact OLOS Communications Officer Beatrice
Calvin at [email protected] or via phone at 800/545-2433, ext. 4280.
-30-ALA TechSource displays changes at Midwinter
The ALA TechSource unit of the publishing division of the American
Library Association-formerly known as Library Technology
Reports-introduces a new staff, a fresh look in print publications and a
new online subscription series at the 2001 ALA Midwinter Meeting.
Attendees should visit booth 1583 to meet Editor Nicole Waller and
preview:Library Technology Reports 2001, redesigned for usefulness and
readability, featuring comprehensive evaluations of six timely topics:* Imaging: An overview of image-delivery technology, plus an update
about which image formats are growing in prominence and universality,
and which formats are on the wane.
* Alternatives to Filters: What are the choices that librarians must
make? What products are out there, who is making these products, and how
do they work? What is in development? What works within your library\’s
parameters?
* Virtual Libraries: At least four states support virtual library
systems in some form. A step-by-step look at the technical aspects of
establishing a virtual library.
* Disability Guidelines for Electronic Resources: A new guide for
creating Web sites and electronic interfaces compliant with current
needs and ADA standards, including an overview of voice recognition
software and the state of development in natural language technologies.
* Network Checklist: The hardware that libraries need in order to have
the latest network capabilities. A discussion of other logistical
electronic software and hardware, covering products, such as lockdown
software on public terminals.
* Facilities Planning/Library Ergonomics: In light of many recent
lawsuits, how to plan your library for patron and staff use, from
workstation height and size to different types of lighting needed in
different areas.Library Technology Reports Online subscriptions will feature nine
issues in 2001, available only at www.techsource.ala.org. Attendees can
visit ALA TechSource at booth 1583 to surf a CD-ROM version of the
enhanced site and Internet-only Library Technology Reports
subscriptions, available online February 1. Library Technology Reports
Online will deliver electronically the issues presented in the print
version, plus three additional issues exclusive to Library Technology
Reports Online:* Electronic Security Strategies for Libraries: What do libraries need
in order or their networks to be secure, and how do they work? What are
the real costs involved? What network security products are best for
large, medium small or special libraries? Includes information about
patron authentication and authorization.
* Guidelines for Library Web Sites: How to conduct usage surveys and
implement the data to create a more effective library Web site. Includes
information about monitoring usage and functionality testing, as well as
what services you should offer online. This issue will walk users
through the processes of deciding how the Web will work for a particular
library.
* Database Collections Online: How to strategically evaluate database
content and services offered for libraries right now. Also, how to
manage content updates and development, and how to get the most out of
database purchases.Library Systems Newsletter 2001: Attendees can pick up their
complimentary issue of the newly redesigned library automation
newsletter at booth 1583. Subscribers receive 12 issues in print plus
access to the complete Annual Survey of Vendors on line at
www.techsource.ala.org.
-30-AWARDS AND GRANTS
LAMA seeks outstanding PR materials for competition
Outstanding library public relations materials are being sought for the
Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) Public
Relations Section Swap and Shop \”Best of Show\” awards competition.
Entries will be accepted between March 9 and April 6, 2001.Library promotional materials will be judged by a team of experts.
Winning entries will be displayed during the Swap and Shop program on
Sunday, June 17, 2001, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., during the American
Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in San Francisco.Judging will be based on content, originality, design format and
effectiveness. In two categories, calendars of events and newsletters,
entrants are asked to provide four copies each of three consecutive
issues. The remaining categories are: annual reports;
bibliographies/booklists; materials that promote programs, events or
educate the public about diversity; fundraising
materials/programs/events; programs/special events; original children\’s
summer reading club material; original young adult summer reading club
materials and original adult materials about the Internet or your Web
site. For consideration in these categories, applicants should send
four copies of each item to be judged.Detailed information is available from Sherrill Smith, assistant to the
director, Public Libraries of Saginaw, 505 Janes Street, Saginaw, MI
48607; e-mail: [email protected], or call 517/755-9822. For an entry
form, see the LAMA Web site www.ala.org/lama/awards/bestofshow or
contact Shonda Russell, LAMA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL, 60611;
e-mail at [email protected] or call 312/280-5037.LAMA is a division of the ALA.
-30-CONFERENCES AND INSTITUTES
ACRL announces early-bird registration for 10th National Conference
A discount of nearly 30 percent is available to individuals who
register for the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
10th National Conference by January 8, 2001. The conference, \”Crossing
the Divide,\” will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver,
March 15-18, 2001.Early bird registration fees are $255 for ACRL members, $330 for ALA
personal members, $425 for non-members and $95 for full-time library
school students. Registration includes admittance to all program
sessions, opening exhibits reception, all-conference reception at the
Denver Art Museum, lunch on Friday, brunch on Sunday and refreshment
breaks. Registration materials are available online at
www.ala.org/acrl/denver/registration.html.The conference will feature more than 200 peer-reviewed programs
addressing issues such as resources for distance learning, scholarly
communication, information literacy, collaborations and partnerships,
and services for users. Featured presentations by leaders in
librarianship and higher education include:* Michael Hawley, Dreyfoos assistant professor of media technology, MIT
Media Lab – The Technology Revolution
* Jorge Klor de Alva, president and CEO, Apollo International – The
Future of Alternative Education Models
* Clifford Lynch, executive director, Coalition for Networked
Information – Emerging Technology and Policy Trends: A Conversation with
Clifford Lynch
* Eileen de los Reyes, assistant professor of education, Harvard
University – Becoming Pockets of Hope: The Challenge to Academic
Librarians of the 21st Century
* Claire Gaudiani, president, Connecticut College – A President\’s View
* Michael Ray, team systems director, University of Arizona – Shifting
Sands: The Changing Jurisdiction of Librarians in the Scholarly
Communication Process
* David Lankes, director, Information Institute of Syracuse – Digital
Reference: The Future of Academic Reference?ACRL also offers seven pre-conferences Thursday, March 15, on specific
topics such as assessment, information literacy, Web site usability,
survey research and strategic grantsmanship.Complete details about the conference, including the full conference
program, housing and travel information, registration forms and the ACRL
Session Finder are available online at www.ala.org/acrl/denver.html.
Build your own personalized itinerary by using the Session Finder to
identify all the conference programs, pre-conferences, workshops and
exhibits related to your specific interests and needs.If you have questions, contact 800-545-2433, ext. 2515 or e-mail
[email protected].ACRL is a division of the American Library Association. More
information about ACRL\’s programs and services can be located at
www.ala.org/acrl.html.
-30-ACRL National Conference Scholarship deadline extended
The application deadline for the 2001 Association of College and
Research Librarians (ACRL) National Conference Scholarship Program has
been extended until January 8, 2001. The scholarships allows academic
librarians who are new to the profession to attend the 2001 ACRL
National Conference in Denver, March 15-18, 2001.\”In this time of rapid change and unfettered opportunities and
challenges, ACRL is proud to offer this excellent professional
development opportunity,\” said ACRL President Betsy Wilson. \”National
Conference scholarships increase the participation of librarians from
diverse populations in ACRL\’s activities and programs, and help ACRL
become a more inclusive organization. Previous recipients tell us how
valuable they found the conference programs and the opportunity to meet
with their colleagues in academic librarianship.\”Held biennially, the ACRL National Conference is the only conference
dedicated to serving the interests of academic librarians.Applicants must be current ACRL members and must be employed in an
academic library. Additional criteria and entry forms can be found at
http://www.ala.org/acrl/ncsclrshp.pdf. Program, exhibits and
registration information about the 2001 ACRL National Conference can be
found at its Web site, http://www.ala.org/acrl/denver.html.With more than 11,000 members, ACRL is the largest division of the
American Library Association. ACRL is dedicated to enhancing the ability
of academic library and information professionals to serve the
information needs of the higher education community and to improve
learning, teaching and research.
-30-NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
New Baltimore County Public Library Strategic Plan available from PLA
\”Balancing Tradition and Technology,\” Baltimore County Public Library\’s
(BCPL) Strategic Plan V, is now available from the Public Library
Association (PLA). Edited by Jane Eickhoff, the plan assesses the
current state of the BCPL, addresses how it has met its goals since the
last strategic plan was written in 1997 and sets new goals to meet for
2003.Following the criteria for writing a strategic plan in PLA\’s \”Planning
for Results: A Public Library Transformation Process,\” BCPL\’s strategic
plan committee used demographic information to identify the prevalent
needs of the community and then established service responses to meet
those needs. The committee identifies nine goals, with subsequent
objectives, to meet over the next three years, with each goal focusing
on a specific age group. \”Balancing Tradition and Technology\” also
includes the library\’s mission and vision statements.While the strategic plan was written specifically for BCPL, any library
facing changing demographics, additional formats, increasing demand for
services, funding issues and a graying population should find the goals
and objectives outlined in this book helpful.\”Balancing Tradition and Technology,\” Baltimore County Public Library\’s
Strategic Plan V (14 p./ISBN 0-8389-8132-1) costs $24, with discounts
available for American Library Association (ALA) and PLA members. To
order, contact the ALA Order Department, 800-545-2433, press 7. For
more information, contact the PLA office at 800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA.PLA is a division of the ALA.
-30-ASCLA publishes Top Ten Trends
Library Networks in the New Millennium: Top Ten Trends (Changing
Horizons Series #3), edited by Sara Laughlin, is now available from the
Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA). The
book lists and explores issues critical to library network success in
the new decadeChapters have been written by library leaders such as Gregory
Pronevitz, David Simmons, Sondra Vandermark, Connie Paul, Jeanette
Smithee, Peter Hamon, Nancy Bolt, Karen Hyman, Ethel Himmel, Bill Wilson
and Ellen Miller. Subjects covered include electronic information,
restructuring, distance education, buying clubs and cooperatives,
skilled workers, diversifying funding, collaboration, one-stop shopping,
accountability and extraordinary service.Network boards, member and staff can use this book as an example of a
process for collecting trends and using them to initiate discussions
about the future. The book can also be used as a ready-made list for
use by networks (or others) in planning. A collection of case studies is
included that shows how networks are already addressing trends that can
stimulate creative thinking. Each chapter includes substantial
references of trend literature for those who wish to read more.This book successfully builds upon the shared characteristics and
concerns of all multitype networks to provide a precise and concise
overview to network administrators and decision makers concerning the
future of their organizations.The book focuses on the shared characteristics and concerns of all
multitype networks to provide a precise and concise overview to network
administrators and decision makers concerning the future of their
organizations.The book costs $25 and $22.50 for ASCLA members. To place an order,
call 1-800-545-2433 and press 7 or fax 312-836-9958.ASCLA is a division of the American Library Association.
-30-End of ALA NEWS Vol. 6, No. 8
Paige Wasson
PR Assistant
Public Information Office
American Library Association
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
800/545-2433 ext. 4393
@ your library
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