American Library Association Mid-Winter Conference 2004
Report to the California Library Association
by Victoria L. Johnson, ALA Chapter Councilor for CLA
The 2004 ALA Mid-winter Conference was held in San Diego from January 9-14, 2004. I participated in three ALA Council meetings, one ALA-APA Council meeting and attended two Chapter Relations Committee meetings. Actions and information from those meetings are detailed in this report. Special thanks to Julie Brewer, Delaware Chapter Councilor who compiled much of the information included here and generously shared it with the rest of the Chapter Councilors for our reports. Additional information of interest to members appears at the end of the report.
Total registration for the 2004 Midwinter Meeting in San Diego was 10,788 as of Monday, January 12.
ALA Council Actions
Executive Board Elections -- Council elected Councilors Nann Blaine Hilyard and Janet Swan Hill to serve on the Executive Board for three year terms.
Election Endorsements - Council defeated a resolution entitled Policy on ALA Election Endorsement and Use of Fund. Controversy had arisen regarding the use of ALA/Division/Roundtable resources to endorse candidates. The resolution attempted to clarify current practice. Guidelines will be revised by the Executive Board and made available to the membership.
ALA Motto -- A Resolution on Rescinding the ALA Motto was presented. It was felt by some that the1892 motto: "The best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost," was neither known to the membership nor reflective of the work of the association. This resolution was defeated. Many Councilors felt that the motto is an important part of ALA history.
Clark Atlanta University School of Library and Information Studies -- Council adopted a resolution opposing the closing of Clark Atlanta. The resolution recognizes Clark Atlanta's significant contribution to the diversity of the library profession. It also established a task force to identify how ALA can detect warning signs of library school closures in the future and the appropriate actions which could be taken to prevent them.
Cuba - Council adopted the International Relations Committee and Intellectual Freedom Committee's Report on Cuba which summarizes ALA's many policies related to human rights and freedom of expression and supports IFLA's actions related to Cuba. A copy of this report is on the ALA webpage at http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=News&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=53695.
Legal Counsel -- Jenner & Block, the legal firm which ALA employs for legal counsel, has accepted divine Inc. as a client. This infuriated many association members as divine Inc.'s actions have caused substantial damage to ALA, American Libraries, and/or firms that provide services to American libraries. The Executive Board has not had time to clarify details of the relationship. Council considered a resolution to establish policy on the retention of legal counsel and referred the resolution to the Budget Analysis and Review Committee.
Legislation -- Congress reauthorized LSTA last fall. The Committee on Legislation and the ALA Washington Office expressed appreciation for the efforts of library advocates and encourages them to send thank you letters to members of Congress. National Library Legislative Day is scheduled for May 3 and 4, 2004 in Washington, D.C. Council adopted four resolutions moved by the Committee on Legislation:
- Resolution in Opposition to H.R. 3261, Database and Collections of Information Misappropriations Act;
- Resolution on Proposed Amendments to the USA PATRIOT Act;
- Resolution Commending the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) Clearinghouses for Their Service to the Education Community, the Library Community, and the Public;
- Resolution Commending the Government Printing Office and the National Archives and Records Administration.
Government Information -- Council accepted the report of the Committee on Legislation and the attached document entitled Key Principles on Government Information, which affirms, restates, and gathers together existing ALA principles. This is an important Association document drafted by the Government Documents Round Table. It should be available on the ALA webpage soon.
Council received a report from the Intellectual Freedom Committee which addressed issues including the post-CIPA environment, USA Patriot Act, RFID Technology and the Privacy Tool Kit, the impact of media concentration on diversity of resources available through libraries and other activities.
Honorary Memberships -- Council unanimously approved ALA honorary memberships for Sanford Berman and Norman Horrocks which will be conferred at the 2004 Annual Conference Opening General Session in Orlando.
Memorials -- Ann Sandberg-Fox, Senator Paul Simon, Caroline M. Coughlin, Bill Morris, Robert Frase, Elizabeth (Betty) Osborn, and Joyce Parks were honored with memorial resolutions.
Tributes -- Council received a tribute honoring San Diego Mayor and City Council, and a second tribute commending the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC).
Programmatic Priorities -- The Executive Board requested Council approval of the FY2005 programmatic priorities for ALA to include: diversity, education and continuous learning, equity of access, intellectual freedom, and 21st Century literacy.
Support Staff Member Category -- Council approved the formation of a new membership category for library support staff with a dues rate of $35. This category is created in the hope that a more inclusive association will be a stronger one. ALA membership will be asked to approve this new membership category and dues rate on the 2004 ALA Elections Ballot. Council asked the ALA Membership Committee to investigate a graduated dues scale based on salary for the future. This is the structure which CLA and many other Chapters have adopted.
ALA-APA News
ALA/APA -- The ALA Allied Professional Association has released the first issue of Library Worklife: HR E-News for Today's Leaders. This will be a quarterly electronic newsletter. ALA-APA Director, Jenifer Grady, who began work in December 2003 was introduced to Council. Significant progress has been made toward the creation of the Certified Public Library Administrator certification program. The first ALA-APA Committee on Salaries and Status of Library Workers has been appointed and began work at the 2004 Midwinter Meeting.
Association Updates
ALA Web Site -- Major enhancements to the ALA Web Site will be introduced during the week of January 19, 2004. The most noticeable enhancements will be shorter URLs and a "Cite This Page" feature. New additions to the site include: candidate bios for the 2004 election, the ALA Handbook of Organization, and a "Continuing Education Clearinghouse." The Great Web Sites for Kids site will be reborn as a searchable database. The LIS program directory will also become a searchable database.
Ballot Initiatives - In addition to selecting a new Vice-President/President-Elect (Michael Gorman/Barbara Stripling), Treasurer (Teri Switzer/Erika Linke), and Councilors-at-Large, ALA members will be asked to vote on an amendment to the ALA Constitution and an amendment to the ALA Bylaws. The constitutional amendment has to do with procedures for filling a mid-term vacancy in the position of ALA Treasurer. The bylaws amendment has to do with the new membership category and dues rate for support staff described below.
Budget and Finances -- ALA ended FY2003 in the black. The 2003 Annual Conference in Toronto was financially successful due to careful planning and significant cost reductions. ALA received $10,650,000 from the sale of Huron Plaza. (ALA continues to own free and clear the portion of Huron Plaza that houses staff). Approximately $5.3 million will be paid in taxes. $1 million from the net proceeds will be allocated to the Spectrum Endowment Fund. The remainder will be go to the Future Fund of the Long-Term Investment. The estate of William C. Morris has funded two new endowment funds with $183,418 each for YALSA and ALSC. The Executive Board has authorized the investigation of possibly purchasing real estate in the Washington, D.C. area for use by the Washington Office.
Core Values - The ALA Core Values Task Force II has identified ten value domains based on a textual analysis of association documents. They are: access, collaboration, diversity, education, intellectual freedom, preservation, privacy, professionalism, public good, and service. The task force will present a final core values statement at the 2004 Annual Conference.
Electronic Balloting -- ALA will initiate electronic voting in Spring 2004. The Association has tested 50,000 email addresses. Members whose email addresses did not work (about 5,000) will receive paper ballots. Members with valid email addresses will receive an electronic notice on March 15, 2004 directing them to request either a paper or electronic ballot. Those who do not respond by April 19, 2004 will receive a second email notice. The election deadline is April 26, 2004. Candidates will be notified by and election results will be reported on May 3, 2004.
Health Insurance - The ALA Membership Committee reported that the new member health insurance program will be rolled out in Spring 2004. The initial roll out has been delayed because the first provider, Near North Group was sold. ALA has identified Marsh & McLennan Companies as the new provider.
President's Report -- ALA President, Carla Hayden, continues her presidential initiative on Equity of Access. Look for the "Something for everyone @ your Library" ad and other PSA spots and materials. She has been honored by Ms. Magazine as one of ten Women of the Year (pages 44-45 in the Winter 2003/2004 issue).
President-Elect's Report -- ALA Vice-President/President-Elect Carol Brey-Casiano has established grassroots advocacy as her presidential initiative for 2004-2005. The advocacy vision statement for her strategic plan is "Stand Up and Speak Out for Libraries" -- Turning Passive Support into Educated Action. More information about her presidential initiatives and contact information is on her website at www.CarolBrey.com.
School Libraries and Librarians -- As part of the Resolution on School Libraries and Librarians adopted by Council at the 2003 Annual Conference, ALA is providing state-level training sessions for school library advocates.
Chapter Relations Committee Meetings
ALA is engaged in a strategic planning process and some time was spent in the
Meetings gathering input from the Chapter representatives regarding the things ALA is doing right, the things that are wrong and the things that need to be done in the future.
Joint membership programs -- A joint membership program will now be available to Library School students similar to the one which was previously offered to CLA members who also joined ALA. Another such program is being considered for support staff.
OITP -- Emily Sheketoff of the Washington Office reported. The Washington Office website has an enhanced legislative action center. By entering a zip code users can bring up information on their Senators and Representatives and can find information on where they stand on library related federal legislative issues. Talking points on the issues are also provided on this site. Chapters are encouraged to request a link to the Chapter website. The site also includes ratings of Members of Congress based on 20 issues. The office is trying to set up key contacts in each state who can effectively contact a legislator when a critical vote is pending.
Best Practices -- a Report on Membership Best Practices is available to state associations.
Other Association News
Annual Conference 2004
Noted author E. L. Doctorow will be the closing speaker (Tuesday, June 29) at
the 2004 Annual Conference in Orlando (June 25-30). Other Auditorium Series
programs will feature author Carl Hiaasen (in conjunction with the PLA
President's Program), science fiction author A.C. Clark (sponsored by LITA), FBI
director Robert Mueller, a customer service program from Disney, and other
provocative programs.
Program tracks include (to date) 282 programs, covering the broad spectrum of specializations and interests represented by ALA members. Preliminary program information will be available at the San Diego meeting.
Registration and housing are now open. A wide range of housing options and prices are available -- and ALA members and exhibitors are reminded that booking hotel rooms inside the block helps ALA avoid attrition penalty charges (based on the number of ALA conference attendees who reserve rooms) from hotels.
ALA's first-ever Charity Golf Tournament will be Friday, June 25, 8am at Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Golfers, plan to bring your clubs for a shotgun start, scramble tournament.
The ALA/ProQuest Scholarship Bash for the Annual will be held Saturday, June 26, 2004, at Universal Studio Orlando. The entire park will be reserved for the exclusive use of ALA attendees and their guests from 8:00pm - 11:00pm!! There will be music, fun, rides -- and networking. Representatives from Universal Studios, Orlando will be in San Diego to answer questions.
ALA Graphics New Read CD
In response to ongoing demand for do-it-yourself READ poster options in
schools and libraries, ALA Graphics is producing the READ CD to provide
licensing and high-quality design templates for libraries and media centers. The
graphics on the READ CD can be used by beginners and experienced designers
alike. The CD is a license for the individual library purchaser to create
unlimited, not-for-profit, not-for-sale, READ posters and bookmarks when using
the graphics from the CD. Ownership of the READ CD and use of the READ type
styles provided is the only compliant way to use the ALA's registered READ
trademark. Posters and bookmarks can feature students, faculty, staff,
volunteers, patrons, funders, and local celebrities. Use outside of libraries or
the non-profit literacy program community is prohibited. The CD is available in
the Spring 2004 Graphics catalog starting January 5th.
The Libraries and the Internet Toolkit has been updated to include the Supreme Court's decision on the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The revised toolkit is available online at http://www.ala.org/oif/iftoolkits/internet.
NASA @ your library Grant: The NASA @ your library traveling exhibit schedule is suspended until March 2004 due to changes at Apple. The tour will resume on or around March 1, 2004, and conclude June 30, 2005. Thirty-three library sites are scheduled. A training session will take place for libraries awarded the exhibit during the PLA conference at the end of February. In addition, another training has been scheduled for Annual Conference in Orlando. The sixteen library sites that hosted the traveling exhibit thus far reported strong interest and participation from their communities.
Born to Read (BTR)/Carnegie-Whitney Award: The new Born to Read brochure was printed and distributed in November. This version of the brochure has been completely updated to reflect the latest information on emergent literacy. The early literacy brochure is written for new parents, and is available for purchase through the ALA Order Fulfillment 1-866-Shop ALA or 1-866-746-7252. The ALA Carnegie-Whitney Award (2002-2003) funded this redesign.
Librarians Guide to Great Web Sites for Kids: ALSC and ALA's Public Information Office have created "The Librarian's Guide to Great Web Sites for Kids." The brochure is available online at http://www.ala.org/greatsitesbrochure.
"The Librarian's Guide to Great Web Sites for Kids" offers tips and guidelines to help children, parents, and caregivers safely enjoy the benefits of the Internet. It includes special sites for parents and caregivers, suggested family Internet safety guidelines, suggested rules and Netiquette for children when using the Internet, definitions of Internet terminology, and more. Libraries and other organizations can download the PDF version of the brochure and distribute it to patrons and clients. Sharing this brochure is a proactive way to assist in the positive, safe use of the Internet by children.