CLA Blog

New but Experienced

2010-08-27T17:27:35Z

by Beth Wrenn-Estes

I hope you will support me in my efforts to be elected to the California Library Association (CLA) board of directors. I want to share my leadership and organizational skills and to keep CLA a viable organization representing our member's needs. In order for the organization to weather the current economic storms in our profession a strong leadership team needs to be in place. CLA must remain responsive to the changing times if they are to keep our membership community working on common challenges and goals.

CLA has professional lobbyists representing our issues to the state legislature but even more important are the efforts to continuously work to provide training and tools to grassroots advocates throughout the state. In order for the organization to weather the current changes and economic storms in our profession a strong leadership team needs to be in place. CLA must remain responsive to the changing times if they are to keep our library community together working for common goals.

Providing quality membership services and programs is a critical area that CLA has and must continue to concentrate on. The annual conference serves as a centerpiece for quality professional development programs and networking opportunities for attendees.
CLA leadership must continue to look for the most efficient and effective ways to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization (staff). My experience in management gives me skills and knowledge to use in this area of leadership as well.

I am the new kid on the block having only moved to Northern CA from Colorado in November of 2008 but being the new kid gives me the advantage of looking at issues with "new" eyes.

I was deeply involved in my state library association in Colorado (Colorado Association of Libraries - CAL) and know the power that a state library association can have with strong leadership and solid membership base. While I was a member of CAL I served as President, Vice-President, and Past President. I was involved with the annual conference on many levels including serving as the conference Chair, Co-Chair and Program Chair on different occasions. I was the Chair of the Publications Committee for five years and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and the Chair of the Library Association's Foundation board. I hold memberships in ALA, YALSA, NCTE, CLA and the Freedom to Read Foundation.

I hope you will support me and allow me to serve the California library community through service to the CLA board. I want to help create an even stronger and sustainable organization. I want to give time and service to CLA.

Beth Wrenn-Estes
(Instructor in the School of Library and Information Science, San Jose State University)

We not Me, Us not Them

2010-08-27T16:12:59Z

by Dave Tyckoson

When I talk to people about the California Library Association, I am usually asked two questions:

What's in it for me?

What are they doing for us?

This type of thinking is natural - when you join an organization you expect to get something in return. The California Library Association (CLA) is no exception - and membership can be expensive, especially for those of us fortunate to be making a good salary. However, CLA is not a me/they organization, it is an us/we organization. We get out of CLA what we put into CLA. It is the collective value of all of us as representatives of all different kinds of libraries that gives CLA its organizational strength. And it is participation by librarians of all types that is essential to that success.

CLA is the one library organization in the state that represents all California libraries. It is the voice of libraries throughout the state -- public, academic, school, and special. The more libraries and types of libraries included in CLA, the better CLA can represent them - to the public, to the legislature, and to the media. In order for CLA to be successful, it needs to embrace all of the libraries and librarians in the state - including you.

You get out of CLA what you put into CLA. And CLA provides a number of opportunities for you to get involved:

Participate in CLA Snapshot Day. On October 4, libraries throughout the state will collect statistical data, stories, and images that demonstrate how they serve their communities. CLA staff will use that data to calculate the monetary value of those libraries. The more that participate, the better the data.

Attend the CLA annual conference. The 2010 conference is a joint meeting with the California School Librarians Association, providing an excellent opportunity to share and learn from our colleagues in the K-12 environment. Come to Sacramento in November!
Learn something new from the programs and exhibits at the conference.

Teach something to your colleagues at the conference - or through a webinar or a continuing education program such as the Spring Fling. Through CLA, you can share your experiences and skills with others.

Network with CLA members throughout the state. Whether on a local, regional, or statewide basis, CLA members can work together to share knowledge and influence decision makers.

Support the CLA lobbying efforts. CLA is the only library organization with dedicated lobbyists on staff, with direct connections to decision makers in state government.

Engage in the CLA Interest Groups that interest you (after all, that is the point of interest groups!). And if you don't see an Interest Group for your interest, then start a new one! The new organizational structure provides more flexibility and responsiveness to members, allowing the organization to change along with our technologies and practices.

Yes, times are tough. But it is during tough times that libraries shine the brightest. Your participation in CLA now helps to ensure that libraries are a priority for decision makers. For example, as jobs seem to have become the mantra of many of our political candidates, we need to let them know the role of libraries in the job seeking process. Libraries teach skills, provide technology, and bring job seekers and job providers together. This is just one area where libraries make a difference in the lives of members of our communities - and in the lives of potential voters.

My belief in the power of CLA is strong. So strong, that I am currently running for the office of CLA President. If elected, I would like to shape CLA as a stronger presence for all types of libraries, especially for academic libraries. However, one person cannot do it alone. It takes all of us to make CLA into the professional library organization that decision makers listen to.

Regardless of the outcome of that election, I intend to work within CLA to raise the voice of libraries throughout the state. For CLA to succeed, it needs the support and participation of all libraries and librarians in the state. To quote the famous mid-20th century philosopher Pogo, "We have met the enemy, and he is us." Together, we can build a CLA that represents all of us and moves libraries forward. It is what we do together - we - that gives CLA its power. And each of us - me - needs to participate to make that happen.

The Other Side of Wayne Disher

2010-08-27T16:01:55Z

by Wayne Disher

While libraries have always been a huge part of my life, and they truly
define my philosophy and outlook, they are only a part of the total package of
who I am. I thought I'd take a brief moment to sort of "fill in the gaps" and
give you all an even better picture of what makes Wayne Disher the guy he
is...and I'll try not to bore you. Okay, tidbit number one. I LOVE DOGS!!!
I have had dogs in my life since I was 4 years old, and I still have dogs
today. Well not the same dogs, but you know what I mean. I don't dress my
dogs up in silly costumes, but I do carry on fairly lengthy one-sided
conversations with them. As of yet,they have not talked back--but I keep hoping!
I always adopt my animals from the Humane Society. I'm the President of the Board of Directors of the local Humane Society, and animal welfare is another top priority of
mine. Now, before I anger the cat constituents out there, can I also say I
love cats? It's true. My current dogs just don't share my love to have cats
in the house right now.

In addition to my public Library Director job, I am an educator. I am a part-
time Faculty member of the San Jose State University School of Library and
Information Sciences. I teach both Library Management and Library Collection
Development classes. I used to meet students in classrooms, now I meet them
"virtually". At first I didn't like the format, but now when I'm online with
students from California to Dubai I start thinking it's a pretty cool way to
share information and to learn--maybe our organization can take advantage of
this too. In the process of all this teaching, I've been lucky enough to have
had two books published. They are both from a series called "A Crash Course
in....", and they are meant for new librarians --particularly in small and
rural settings--who need to learn information about a library topic and they
need to learn it quickly. My first book, "A Crash Course in Collection
Development" is a #1 Bestseller on Amazon.com (okay, it's a
#1 in Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Library & Information Science >
Collection Development ...but it's still a #1!). The second book, "A Crash
Course in Public Library Administration" comes out this
fall. I will keep my fingers crossed that it breaks the barrier into
the #1 in Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Library & Information
Science.

I love to travel. Even with the inconvenience of flying these days (perhaps
they should just make us all fly naked and get rid of this "take off your
shoes, your belt, your watch, your retainer...."), travel is one of the best
ways of learning about people and their culture. One of my favorite all time
trips was to Croatia. What an amazing country filled with history and beauty.
And what a resilient spirit. Even after years of shelling and killing in the
years before the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the Croatian people HAVE to be the
most upbeat, friendly, and likeable folks I've met in the world. I often
think about them when a staff member tells me how tired and frustrated they
are because they've spent two solid hours on a public desk. Another great
trip was to Athens, Greece. I remember getting into the airport very late at
night and seeing all these homeless dogs. There was even one camped out on
top of the baggage claim carousel. All the signs and literature around warned
me "don't pet or feed the dogs, they are dangerous".
Hmmmmmm, suffice it to say by the time I left the airport, I looked like the
Pied Piper leading dozens of hungry dogs out of the airport in a trail toward
my taxi.

Well, I hope this has given you a snippet of extraneous -- and possibly
superficial--information about me. I also hope I have given you a chuckle now
and then, because I truly believe we librarians need to laugh and smile a lot
more. As Mark Twain said, "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The
minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.* I hope I have helped you to understand me as not only a library leader, but also as a compassionate and somewhat normal guy.

RESPONSE TO RECENT QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PLF "MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT"

2010-08-26T17:52:26Z

The Public Library Foundation, also known as the "PLF" became law in 1982 with the passage of SB 358 by then-Senator Jim Nielsen, who is now currently a member of the State Assembly. The legislation, which was sponsored by CLA, established a requirement that the state provide assistance to local libraries on the basis of a 10 percent state/ 90 percent local match. The funding for the PLF is distributed on a per capita basis, meaning that every library benefits equally from even the slightest increase in the program, and conversely each public library's state share is reduced proportionally in years where reductions occur at the hands of the legislature or Governor. The PLF has a so-called "maintenance of effort" (MOE) requirement, meaning that a city or county or special district library, which reduces its total local appropriation below its previous year level, is ineligible for any PLF funds. The exception to this MOE rule is the ability of libraries to request a limited waiver from the State Library for a particular fiscal year.

Back in 2008, at the direction of the CLA Executive Board and Legislative Committee, we first lobbied to secure a special ten percent reduction to the MOE for the fiscal year 2008-09. The logic behind the 10 percent reduction was that if the PLF was facing a ten percent reduction (as it was that particular Budget year) it would be beneficial to all libraries to similarly be able to reduce their maintenance of effort proportionally. Some libraries argued that a complete suspension of the MOE would be preferable, but others argued that the MOE requirement is critical as it asks city councils and county boards of supervisors to make a continued financial commitment to public libraries, and without it, they may not have the incentive to continue that local share of funding.

Senate Budget Committee staff, the Legislative Analyst's Office, the Department of Finance, and the State Library were instrumental in helping us to draft the final language that would not base the MOE reduction on a specified percentage, but rather would reference the year-to-year change in the PLF Budget appropriation. As Budget staff said to us at that time, "That way, if the Governor vetoes an amount of the PLF beyond what the legislature has recommended, the percent by which the item is reduced will then become the target under which locals won't have money cut."

For this Budget year, the legislature has been agreeable to include the MOE language in the annual Budget bill again at our request. While we are still a long way away from the final resolution of the Budget this year, language offering public libraries assistance with the MOE during these tough fiscal times, is contained in both the Assembly and Senate Budget bills. We anticipate that the following language will be the final language signed into law:

"Notwithstanding subdivision (d) of Section 18025 of the Education Code or any other provision of law, in the 2010-11 fiscal year, any city, county, district, or city and county that reduces local revenues required to meet the maintenance of effort requirement for its public library for the 2010-11 fiscal year shall continue to receive state funds appropriated under this item for the 2010-11 fiscal year only, provided that the amount of the local reduction to that public library for the 2010-11 fiscal year is no more than a specified percentage of the 2009-10 fiscal year local revenues required to meet the maintenance of effort requirement for that public library, as certified by the fiscal officer of the public library and transmitted to the State Librarian pursuant to Section 18025 of the Education Code. The specified percentage in this provision shall be the percentage reduction for this item from the Budget Act of 2007 (Chs. 171 and 172, Stats. 2007) to this act."

We recognize that this is a complex issue. Your business officers or the State Library are always also an excellent resource on this subject matter. We will keep you apprised of when this language is ultimately signed into law.

Rebooting the Library (and the Shopping Mall)

2010-08-26T17:05:21Z

Earlier this week, I attended the opening of "Santa Mammon", the new massive outdoor shopping center that has been constructed at the end of the Santa Monica Promenade. You have to admire the powers-that-be for their bravery, if nothing else, for their brazen foolhardiness in opening a ginormous three story mall during an era of recession. The place is, frankly, so top heavy with upscale businesses, it's a bit like taking Rodeo Drive, folding it in on itself like a lasagna pasta sheet, and then putting another Rodeo Drive on top of it.

I loved wandering around the place, and I did just about what everyone else was doing: I stepped into the fancy stores, happily fondled the glittery crystals at the Bagnace outlet, gaped at the incredibly gorgeous shirts at the Feodor of Italy shop, and stared out to sea from the food court patio. And then I ran to buy my socks and underwear at the Sears across the street. For, really, we have to face it: I didn't see anyone actually buying anything at any of the stores. Instead, the place was being treated like a very good museum.

Folks wandered to and fro in the open air under Santa Monica's beautiful blue sun, a stone's throw from the glittering Pacific Ocean, peering at the exhibits, gaping at the gawgaws, and then going right home. They were doing this by the thousands, it seems. You see, it's clear that, first and foremost, this isn't meant to be a shopping mall for today: This is a shopping mall that was conceived several years ago, when the economy was still flush, and it is being maintained for the patron of tomorrow -- he who lives in that foggy era when the economy has recovered. For the businesses and patrons of today, the place is essentially a game of Pass the Parcel (to paraphrase the play "The History Boys"), as we try to get from the ostentatious times of Yesteryear, to the consumptive time of Futureyear.

But what has all this to do with libraries, you may well ask. Well, here's the thing. Perhaps it's my fault and I freely admit I did not make the comprehensive and thorough search I could have, but it seems to me, I saw nary a bookstore in the place. That's all well and good, one supposes - there are plenty of places that don't have bookstores. And yet, don't you see a sort of an opportunity here for public libraries? One wonders, why is there no little branch library in the shopping mall? Why is there no knowledge management specialist providing some assistance at the facility?

I'm currently in my second year of studies for my MLIS in the Los Angeles Cohort of the University of North Texas/ Cal State Northridge program. And in two of my classes (Organization of Information and Advanced Management, if you really want to know), the professors stressed the notion of "providing service at the point of information need." As I, who art a mere acolyte, interpret this, it is the idea of going to where the patron is, rather than waiting for the patron to come to you.

Now, I can already hear the sensible amongst us already complaining about the idea of opening branches in shopping malls. For one thing, I can't argue with the idea that space in those shopping malls does, in fact, cost something like $40,000 per square foot. That is indeed a daunting sum for a cash-strapped public organization where librarians are already being laid off left and right and Library Pages are being replaced by the Pagebot 2000 Autoshelver, no two ways about it. So, perhaps the idea of opening an entire branch next to the Bloomies and across from the Nordstrom won't fly. I can dig it.

But might it not be possible to re-visit the idea of the old Library Bookmobile? If you walk through the shopping center, one sees, not only expensive stores, but also these sweet little wagon-sized carts, from which mobile phones or tiaras or scarves are sold with all the ferocity of barterers at a Medieval market town. Why can't a mobile mini-library be operated off of one of those cute little carts? Can you imagine it?

It would be a central location, equipped (in my fervid mind's eye) with a wifi connected computer to allow communication with the central library, where a patron could get a library card, might be able to check out one or two of a modest collection of best sellers on the cart itself, or could use a Public Access Station (for 15 minutes at a time, perhaps). The cart would come equipped with lots of Civic Information about the community, as well as an As Needed Roving librarian, who would have her own Blackberry for reference questions.

Even if a library cart such as this didn't get much use as a sort of Bookmobile, one imagines that the promotional possibilities for building a library presence in the place where so many people go would be inestimable. Even if you don't check out a single book, the number of people who pass by and go, "Oh yes, I do love the library!" can be counted as a friend who has been reminded of the usefulness of the facility and the organization. That might be very handy come vote time. And, when you consider that these gigantic shopping centers are, in fact, the New Village Green, it behooves us to go where the people are.

Paul Birchall
Cal State Northridge/University of North Texas SLIS 2011
Santa Monica Public Library

Grant Recipients Announced for California's Family Place Library Program

2010-08-26T16:50:48Z

Thirteen California public libraries have been selected as 2010/2011 grant recipients for California's Family Place Library Program, a statewide initiative that helps create family/early childhood space in the children's areas of local public libraries. Equipped with toys, books, and comfortable furniture, these settings support early-learning interactions between young children (ages 0 to 3), parents, and caregivers, and encourage the use of public libraries by families with children.

Program participants for the coming year include:

Altadena Library District
Azusa Public Library
El Dorado County Library (Cameron Park)
National City Public Library
Orange County Libraries (La Habra)
Oxnard Public Library (South Oxnard)
Porterville Public Library
Sacramento Public Library (South Gate)
San Bernardino Public Library
San Mateo County Library (Half Moon Bay)
Santa Clara City Library
Sierra Madre Public Library
Sunnyvale Public Library

In September, two representatives from each of these libraries will attend a three-day Family Place Training Institute that focuses on family-centered services, child development, parent education, collections, space design, and community outreach. These libraries will then be eligible to apply for a federally-funded implementation grant, up to $15,000, to establish early childhood spaces in their children's sections.

Modeled on a national Family Place project, California's Family Place Program is administered by the California State Library and is funded by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

For more information about California's Family Place Library Program, please contact Bessie Condos at the California State Library, (916)651-0981 or bcondos@library.ca.gov .

Submitted to California Libraries by Laura Parker, Public Information Officer, California State Library, lparker@library.ca.gov, (916) 651-6798.

Pornography: Solving an Ethical Dilemma with CALIX

2010-08-26T15:40:56Z

Public Access Computers
One evening in 2010 in a small family-oriented library where I work as a part-time Reference Librarian, I found myself questioning what I should do. A parent came to me for assistance. She quietly stepped up to the reference desk, and so as not to be overheard, she whispered to me that a man using one of the public access computers was seated next to her 9-year-old child, and he was browsing what looked like child pornography on the next cubicle. Yes, it happened. I was stunned. I wondered could this man possibly be so bold (or desperate enough) to be viewing child pornography in a public library filled with juveniles and their parents researching CA Missions? I was the only librarian on duty. I had to think, assess the situation, confirm the information, act quickly, discreetly, and ethically to solve this dilemma. What should I do? What would you do? What library principles should librarians and library professionals obey in a similar situation? What resources and tools does the American Library Association (ALA) provide to help us? I am certain that I am not the first, and sadly, I am nor the last librarian that will encounter a similar situation. First of all, without corroborating the alleged claim, I must admit that my reaction was not only judgmental; it was also wrong, and unprofessional. Thus, I am writing about my predicament because, in retrospect, I know that I did not act as professionally as I could have, and as a life-long learner and graduate student in the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at San José State University, I must remember to apply what I have learned. Librarianship has multiple resources that provide librarians and library professionals the guidelines and tools we need to deal with and resolve any problem.

Resources and Tools
The most authoritative and important resource librarians have to deal with these matters is the American Library Association (ALA) and its Office for Intellectual Freedom. It provides us with policies, guidelines, and training, whenever needed. Its mission is to implement the ALA policies applicable to intellectual freedom. The best tool available to promote intellectual freedom at the library is presented in the Library Bill of Rights, and its precepts are based on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Since I did not know the law as it pertains to accessing child pornography in the public access computers at the library, the situation described above, created an ethical dilemma because it not only conflicted with my personal values and beliefs, it conflicted with the ALA's Code of Ethics, which are found in the eight edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual.

Another respected and reliable resource for librarians is the California Library Association (CLA), which has an Intellectual Freedom Working Committee whose mission is to "create awareness of the issues of intellectual freedom, investigates any controversial issue, provides resources for handling problems and prepares recommendations." (About, 2010) I became a CLA student member in 2007. Among the benefits of membership the CLA offers its members a subscription to the California Library Information eXchange known as the CALIX LISTSERV. According to the Webopedia Computer Dictionary the non-technical definition for LISTSERV is: an automatic mailing list server ([first] developed by Eric Thomas for BITNET in 1986.) When e-mail is addressed to a LISTSERV mailing list, it is automatically broadcast to everyone on the list. The messages are transmitted as e-mail and are therefore available only to individuals on the list." (LISTSERV, 2010) I have received the CALIX e-mails for a couple of years. The list focuses on library issues and trends, and it is available to all CLA members who become subscribers. Its intent is to be a forum for librarians in California to practice intellectual freedom and exchange information freely.

CALIX Forum
I did not see the need to use the CALIX listserv until the incident described above. I know that I did not handle the situation well, and it disturbed me. I talked to other librarians, to my family, and friends. I even dreamt about it. I was trying to resolve this ethical dilemma by myself and I was troubled by my lack of knowledge and understanding on how to handle it better in the future. Now, I know that I should not have made CALIX my last resort; I should have made it my first. After all, the members of CALIX are mostly library staff and librarians that compared to me have years of experience in public, academic, school and special libraries. Those of us in the library field must remember that if we are willing to become intellectual freedom fighters, who allow the free flow of communication and ideas without censorship, we librarians, are definitely our best resource. However, sometimes pride, fear of rejection, or being perceived as less cultured or learned than others, we fail to ask questions that might help others in and out of our field of expertise. So, I dared to send a CALIX message, and the forum's purpose was well served. I wanted to learn from others what I could have done better, what applicable laws and guidelines I had to help me. I sought and received information on the laws prohibiting child pornography. I learned different perspectives and policies from public, academic, and special librarians. Their suggestions and examples provided the help and encouragement I needed to learn how to resolve this problem ethically and professionally, the next time around.

What I Learned in CALIX

Federal Law specifically Title18 of the U.S. Code - Section §2256 and the California Penal Code - Section §311-312.7 Chapter 7.5 prohibit the sexual exploitation of children and the distribution of obscene materials involving a minors, respectively. Thus, child pornography is illegal and it is a federal offense punishable with no less than 15 years imprisonment.

There are great differences in public, academic, school and special library policies to regulate the access of adult pornography in public access computers. The major difference is made according to whether or not a library is receiving federal funding, thus, the library is required to filter all access to questionable sites.

There are options and solutions to uphold the precepts of intellectual freedom when using public access computers at the library. Libraries that are self-reliant such as research, private and some academic libraries may be more liberal in permitting access to all information online, including adult pornography as long as there are no minors present. Libraries that are accountable for federal funding usually filter all public access with the option to provide privacy shields or remove filters as requested by library users, with the utmost regard to preventing children from inadvertently viewing these sites.

I received excellent suggestions for Library Programs and Training that can be implemented in most libraries to ensure librarians and library staff upholds the precepts of the ALA's Library Bill of Rights and the Code of Ethics, while at the same time ensuring the intellectual freedom of all library users.

A librarian's duty includes protecting everyone's right to freedom of expression. Thus, I faced an ethical dilemma that will be encountered by most librarians or library staff at some point in their careers. My only means to seek justice and truth was to inform the authorities and to tell the patron he had to leave. It was very hard for me to go talk to him, not only because of the nature of the situation, but also because I thought I was violating his Library Bill of Rights. I thank the CLA, CALIX and its members, for allowing me to share my learning process. I have learned the laws regarding this issue and I recognize that I acted accordingly and professionally. Now, I pass it forward to you, to learn along with me.

Bibliography

"About the California Library Association," California Library Association, 2010.
http://www.cla-net.org/aboutcla/index.php (Accessed August 11, 2010)

"California Penal Code - Section §311-312.7 Chapter 7.5" Justia.com Laws and Regulations. 2004-2010. http://law.justia.com/california/codes/2009/pen/311-312.7.html (Accessed August 12, 2010)

"Library Bill of Rights," American Library Association, June 30, 2006.
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/index.cfm (Accessed August 11, 2010)
Document ID: 24930

LISTSERV. Webopedia Computer Dictionary. Webopedia 2010.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/L/Listserv.html (Accessed August 11, 2010)

"Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF)," American Library Association, June 09, 2008.
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/index.cfm (Accessed August 11, 2010)
Document ID: 492328

"Professional Ethics," American Library Association, June 13, 2008.
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/proethics/index.cfm (Accessed August 11, 2010)
Document ID: 493251

"United States Code Title 18 § 2251. Sexual exploitation of children." Legal Information Institute. Cornell University Law School. 2010. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00002251----000-.html (Accessed August 12, 2010)

President's Column

2010-08-25T17:32:56Z

It's almost September - and across California the change of seasons is beginning to show in the turning of green leaves into gold and brown, the slight hint of chill in the air - and in the harmonies of high schoolers fresh from their second week of school singing show tunes below the open library windows. That's right, steam punk-edged high-schoolers and "Les Miserables" - singing their hearts out and providing a memorable respite at the dwindling end of a very busy day.

These days I actively seek out these moments of light, joy and grace - mostly unexpected and always a call to be present - in the midst of our depressed economies, continued unemployment, rising cuts and increasing community divisions. Life seems so much harder now, for so many - and what we do, everyday, in our places of work, wherever they are, illuminates a path and guides a myriad of ways for our communities.

The shelter of libraries of all types (public, school, academic, law, special), the solace of words on a page, or sung full-voiced to a tune dancing invisibly in the air, the sustenance of an answer found and a connection affirmed, a smile and a nod that says "Welcome" - I treasure these moments and am proud to be in a profession, and a professional association, that supports and sustains our state through literacy, learning, sharing and community development - one person at a time.

For the past eight months of my Presidency, I have had the honor and privilege to work with a tremendous Board, hard-working and creative volunteers on committees, interest groups and CALTAC, and a staff that is eager to serve and grow CLA for the future. Together, we have learned a lot and worked towards a positive and forward-looking approach for CLA. We have faced external challenges, survived transition and seized remarkable opportunities.

State funding for public libraries survived two rounds of budget cuts in Sacramento - thanks to the expertise of CLA's paid lobbyists, the hard work of CLA's volunteer legislative and advocacy committee, and responsive professionals in the field. Working with our colleagues in county law libraries, an attack on their funding was turned away. CLA was tapped to support ballot language for a November ballot initiative protecting local funding from state "borrowing." And when a new State Librarian was selected, or libraries were closed in Colton, threatened in the bay area and northern state, CLA was there to assist local interests through letters, phone calls, media attention and collegial input.

CLA's educational opportunities have never been so robust. The "Spring Fling", supported by CLA Interest Groups across the state, brought library colleagues face-to-face to share best practices, learn and grow. Packard Foundation funding brought summer reading library and community demonstration projects to selected libraries across the state. A strengthened partnership with SJSU is a model for university and association relations, while partnerships with UCLA, Drexel (and hopefully others) are developing according to each institution's unique populations and needs. Together, with the California School Library Association, in November, we are unveiling the first truly collaborative statewide professional librarians' conference. What we have accomplished together has been truly "profession changing."

And we have done so in a year of budget challenges and business transition - for our members, colleagues and ourselves as an association. CLA budget challenges include reduced member library budgets statewide, meaning less money for staff memberships, travel and development, leading to fewer CLA members and 2009 Conference attendees and a significant decline in revenues to CLA from those sources. Increased one-time infrastructure costs, including upgrading the CMS provider (a new website will be under construction shortly), conference software (check out the 2010 Conference online tool Pathable for scheduling, networking, meeting presenters pre-conference...coming soon), improved membership tracking and financial tools, have also affected the bottom line.

The Board is committed to a balanced budget for this fiscal year and to working toward a long-term fiscal solution supported by responsible financial policies and increasing revenues. At the July Board meeting, the budget was referred to a Board Fiscal Stability Task Force and the CLA Finance Committee for August review and development of strategic realignment, working with staff to recommend a balanced budget for approval at the CLA Board meeting in mid-September.

Despite all these concerns I continue to listen for the sweet sounds of solace floating from the most unlikely sources: the rustle of a page, click of a mouse or clear, open voice of a high schooler, singing outside an open library - the most unlikely place, at a most unlikely time - not knowing that she or he has lifted me out of my "budget cuts daze", from my desk chair to an open window. Where I can feel the breeze, see the turning of leaves against the bits of blue breaking through the fog, know the seasons are changing - and open to the possibilities, which are all around us.

Kim Bui-Burton
Director, Monterey Public Library
CLA 2009-2010 President

The Monterey Public Library is an Institutional Member of CLA and directly supports our advocacy programs. Click here for more information on Institutional Membership.

Finding a Voice for East Salinas & Teen Salinas Speaks (TSS)

2010-08-25T17:16:00Z

They started out as a group of teens who liked poetry. They wanted and used the Cesar Chavez Public Library as a place to meet, write, explore, and perform, but little did they know that from their own words and voices they would inspire and create a city wide movement to build a brighter future for its youth. The group Teen Salinas Speaks (TSS) has created a whirlwind of publicity and gained a devoted following, and from their free poetry workshops to Operation Oprah film campaign, have gathered an entire community to not only explore the power of their words and voices, but combat and face violation and gang activity head on.

In 2009 Salinas saw 29 gang related homicides, coming 4th in the entire state of California for highest per capita murder rate. TSS Member Mya Perez said, "I first joined because it was a way to express myself without getting judged for it, a place where I can perfect my poetry, but now that we have expanded I continue to go because I wanna help rid off gang violence before I see another friend in a coffin..."

The members of TSS recognize that combating gang violence and offering realistic alternatives is no easy journey, and the road ahead will be long, paved with plenty of bumps along the way. They hold weekly meetings and broadcast a weekly radio show called, "The Peace Hour," with PK McCary where they address and discuss issues affecting teens. From injustice to racism the teens tackle each and every piece of life that changes and influences how we see and interact with those around us hoping to raise awareness and create an open dialogue in the community. With the series of nine podcasts, they've begun to soothe the fears and uncertainties of our teens simply by recognizing they exist, and talking them through.

TSS recently reached out to media celebrity Oprah Winfrey to raise awareness and bring national attention to the struggle in Salinas with their "Operation Oprah" film, asking for Oprah's assistance to rebuild and strengthen the community by funding the expansion of the Cesar Chavez Librarylocated in the heart of East Salinas - the Alisal.

Despite the small space of only 9000 square feet, the Cesar Chavez Library sees 900-1,200 visitors a day and hosts the city's most popular weekly bilingual story time with almost 100 children and families in regular attendance. The Homework Center run by Literacy Services offers free bilingual tutoring after school on a daily basis, and continues to watch its numbers climb, as after-school programs and recreation centers close due to budgets cuts. Attendance has more than doubled in the last year, and English Language and GED courses have been filled to capacity. The need is clear, the demand is high, and the City will, hopefully, have enough funds to add another 7,000 square feet to expand the library.

TSS is taking charge of promoting and fighting for the library, a place they refer to as "the heart of the community." They met with the architect of the expansion project, and described the library they wanted, one that included a gym and lots of reading space.

TSS holds poetry writing workshops with local teachers Natalie Bernasconi and Vicki Baron. From the basics of sentence structure to sharing thoughts and ideas with peers, the poetry writing workshops held weekly at the Cesar Chavez Library are an open and safe session for creativity where teens can interact and communicate without being judged or face the stresses and fears they encounter everyday walking through the streets of Salinas. With the help of Garland Thompson, TSS conducted, held, and recorded Salinas Public Library's first Teen Poetry Slam and saw over 100 in attendance. From its success, the interest and demand in poetry and spoken word has risen, and circulation of poetry works and anthologies has climbed.

In hopes to spread their message in the virtual world, TSS Teens have also created a website with the help of local librarian Carissa Purnell (www.teensalinasspeaks.org) where they post video footage of their poetry readings, podcasts, and provide links to communicate via Facebook, MySpace, or gmail. Here they pull together their messages and invite everyone and anyone to join in the battle to find a voice and speak out.

Using all the digital tools available to them, coupled with the power of their voices and will to express them, the teens of TSS have changed the way youth are influencing the Salinas community. You will find them speaking at City Council Meetings as well as at Slam Poetry competitions in Monterey. Teen Salinas Speaks continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes of Salinas youth, developing a rich and talented group of teens and young adults that will change the way the community grows in the years to come.

Nell Taylor on the Chicago Underground Library

2010-08-20T17:51:19Z

A typical Chicago Underground Library (CUL) volunteer meeting starts something like this: New volunteers arrive for orientation at 6:30pm, some a little late because they got lost in the 100-year old parish house where we occupy the lobby of a fringe theater company on the second floor. When we have a critical mass of new people, anywhere from 3-7 a month, I try to explain the project as briefly as possible.

A Community-Based Approach to Collecting and Cataloging
CUL is a replicable model for community archives that accepts every piece of print media from a certain area without making quality or importance judgments, going back as far in history as possible. That means we collect university press, handmade artist books, zines made by sixth graders, poetry chapbooks from big names published in tiny local presses, and self-published poetry chapbooks sold for a dollar on the street. We have neighborhood newspapers, internationally-renowned magazines of political commentary, and three View-Master reels of Chicago hot dog stands, neon signs, and motor inns, respectively.

We catalog items by everyone who contributed--writers, editors, typesetters, photographers, interns--and link those people together in our catalog so that users can trace the connections between contributors as they move from one publication to the next. We're building new cataloging software that we eventually hope to provide free of charge to jumpstart other collections. When other cities replicate the model, we'll be able to track the origin and migration of these ideas from city to city through individuals. Our new catalog and website will be up within the next two months.

We've been doing this for close to five years and have accumulated over 2,000 publications. We consider anything intended for public consumption to be "published," so while our collection is very broad, we draw the line at correspondence or personal journals. Geography is fluid, though. Connections between the publications are more important than strict regional boundaries. Someday we want to collect audio and video, too, but we'd need a pretty serious operating budget to do that and at least one full-time employee. Having only been incorporated for a year and receiving just last week an anonymous donation to cover our 501c3 filing, we still have a little way to go before we get there. Our volunteers are the heart and soul and brains and heavy lifters (figuratively and-- when you have boxes of books involved-- literally) of our organization.

Nell Taylor on the Chicago Underground Library

2010-08-20T17:51:19Z

A Community-Based Approach to Collecting and Cataloging

CUL is a replicable model for community archives that accepts every piece of print media from a certain area without making quality or importance judgments, going back as far in history as possible. That means we collect university press, handmade artist books, zines made by sixth graders, poetry chapbooks from big names published in tiny local presses, and self-published poetry chapbooks sold for a dollar on the street. We have neighborhood newspapers, internationally-renowned magazines of political commentary, and three View-Master reels of Chicago hot dog stands, neon signs, and motor inns, respectively.

California Library Association Supports Spectrum Presidential Initiative

2010-08-13T21:24:35Z

CHICAGO--The California Library Association (CLA), a chapter of the American Library Association, has announced its support of the Spectrum Presidential Initiative with a contribution of $500.

ALA President Roberta Stevens, Immediate Past President Dr. Camila Alire, ALA President-Elect Molly Raphael and ALA Past President Dr. Betty J. Turock, chair of the initiative, continue the Spectrum Presidential Initiative as a special campaign to raise $1 million for the Spectrum Scholarship Program. Through this initiative, ALA aims to meet the critical needs of supporting master's-level scholarships, providing two $25,000 doctoral scholarships, increasing the Spectrum Endowment to ensure the program's future and developing special programs for recruitment and career development. CLA's contribution will allow ALA to continue to support master's-level Spectrum Scholarships and build the Spectrum Endowment.

Kim Bui-Burton, 2010 CLA president, said of the gift,

"As a former recipient of a CLA Scholarship for Minority Students in Memory of Edna Yelland, I know the impact this kind of professional, financial investment can have on a library school student. As CLA President I am delighted to share the support of the Board and membership for ALA's Spectrum Scholarship students as they prepare to meet the needs of our nation's diverse and growing communities."

Established in 1895, the California Library Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit association that provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services, librarianship, and the library community. CLA helps its 3,000 members excel in a fast-changing job market and is a resource for learning about new ideas and technology. Furthermore, CLA is a leading advocate on all statewide library issues and actively works to influence legislation affecting libraries and librarians. Governed by an elected Board of Directors, CLA is headquartered in Folsom, California. More information may be obtained at www.cla-net.org.

Established in 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program is ALA's national effort to increase diversity in the profession by recruiting and providing scholarships that allow students from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds to become librarians. Spectrum Scholars improve service at the local level because they reflect the communities served by libraries in today's changing world. Spectrum has provided more than 680 scholarships to qualified applicants enrolled in an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies or an ALA-recognized NCATE school librarian program. To learn more about the Spectrum Scholarship Program, visit www.ala.org/spectrum.

For more information about the Spectrum Presidential Initiative or to make an online donation, visit http://spectrum.ala.org. To learn more, get involved, or to make a pledge to the Spectrum Presidential Initiative, contact Miguel A. Figueroa, Director, Office for Diversity & Spectrum at mfigueroa@ala.org, or Kim Olsen-Clark, Director, Development Office at kolsen-clark@ala.org.

President's Column

2010-07-22T17:30:00Z

Although the day is long and an evening City Council meeting awaits, I'm enjoying looking back to a remarkable couple of days last week, when the CLA Board and staff gathered for our first face-to-face meeting since last December. We conducted a quarterly Board meeting on Thursday afternoon, then spent most of Friday (with Rosario Garza's expert facilitation) thinking strategically about CLA's value and future. Our discussions were open, engaged, respectful and honest - and lots of fun besides!

At the Board meeting and planning retreat, we affirmed advocacy, at the state level, as one of the top priority areas that CLA delivers for members. Although, as with most libraries we represent, the CLA budget news was not good - the needs we see are great and far outstrip our funds- we are committed to sustaining CLA as a resource, and voice - for all California libraries.

This has been an amazingly active eight months. CLA transitioned to an Association Management company in December, and a new Executive Director in February. We are pioneering a new model of conference collaboration with the California School Library Association this November in Sacramento. CLA Committees and Interest Groups have been working hard, reaching out to members and key stakeholders, delivering a well-attended series of educational programs across the state for this year's "Spring Fling", seeking new ways of engaging with summer reading, representing library use throughout the state through a "snapshot" day this October, supporting future professionals through the Begun and Edna Yelland scholarships, Reference Press fellowship and the ALA Spectrum Scholars initiative, and more!

CLA has truly been a voice for California libraries this year. From coordinating with ALA to send a strong response to the closure of Colton libraries last winter, to testifying in support of the appointment of Stacey Aldrich as State Librarian this spring, to recent work with California county law libraries to head off a state revenue diversion from their funding stream - CLA has represented its membership well.

Despite a very dire and difficult state budget season, state funding for public libraries was not cut during this year's May Governor's Revise. Those of us in California's public libraries, CLA members or not, owe a huge round of thanks to CLA's lobbyists, Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, and CLA's active Legislative and Advocacy Committee, for protecting California library funding once again.

Mike and Christina also shepherded a request that is a testament to the power and visibility of library supporters across the state - CLA was asked to be a signatory to the Proposition 22 Ballot Argument for this November's election. The proposition would prohibit state "takeaways" from cities and counties - and would help municipalities maintain critically needed public services such as police, fire and libraries.

I want to send a HUGE collective thanks to the tremendous efforts of the CLA Board, CLA staff, Committees, Sub-committees, Task Force members, CALTAC - and CLA library supporters across the state who have given time, energy, and funds to keep alive the vision of California communities thriving due to California libraries of all types, sustained by California Library Association efforts small and large. We have done much - and we have much, much more to do. Stay tuned!

Kim Bui-Burton
Director, Monterey Public Library
CLA 2009-2010 President

The Monterey Public Library is an Institutional Member of CLA and directly supports our advocacy programs. Click here for more information on Institutional Membership.

Executive Director's Column

2010-07-22T17:29:00Z

Ah, summertime! It's the time of year when we most of us try to restore our energy levels and spend time with family and friends away from the noise of our everyday life. I hope you are able to take some time this summer away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.

My vacation has yet to start and I can't say I'm not looking forward to it, but this year's vacation isn't going to be like the ones before. I'm not entering into my vacation completely drained and needing to separate from my everyday life. Just the opposite - I am excited about what I am returning to on this overflowing desk and Outlook inbox of mine.

As you read in Kim's article, the CLA Board of Directors and Staff meet in Monterey on July 15 and 16 for our board meeting and retreat which went great, but what I want to share with you goes a little deeper. Your 2009-2010 CLA Board of Directors is a remarkable group of individuals who are genuinely dedicated to the future of CLA.

You might think that this comes with the job of being a volunteer leader of a state association, but I can tell you from years of experience with a variety of boards, that there are very few association boards that show 100% dedication to moving the industry forward. Most often, there are a handful of board leaders who take on the lion's share of the work to ensure the association continues to move forward. I have not experienced this with the current leaders - and it's so refreshing!

As Kim mentioned "we have much, much more to do" and she's not kidding as the Board set four priority areas that we will share with you over the next few months. These priorities will bring the library community together to "Navigate the New" (don't think anyone thought this conference theme would be as defining as it has become) and as your Executive Director I am extremely dedicated to ensuring the priorities this Board has established are brought to fruition - and actually, I think we all will be. These priorities are exactly what CLA needs and our members, and the library community as a whole, will benefit.

We are in the beginning stages of electing three new leaders - have you read their bios yet? I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of the candidates and I can tell from our conversations, and the information I have read about all the candidates, is that this is a slate of individuals who are just as dedicated to the California library community as the group of leaders they will join. How awesome is that!!!

As I wrap up my sixth month as your Executive Director, I look towards the next six months and beyond excited for the opportunities that will come our way as we "Navigate the New" together.

Submitted to California Libraries by:

Holly Macriss
CLA Executive Director

ALA Corner

2010-07-22T17:28:00Z

Notes from the ALA Annual Conference by outgoing ALA Councilor James B. Casey, edited and abridged by Les Kong, ALA Chapter Councilor, California Library Association.

Despite extremely difficult economic conditions facing libraries across the country, the attendance at this Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. reached a strong final tally of 26,201. The previous Annual Conference final attendance report was 28,941 for Chicago (2009), a mere 9.5% decrease.

ALAWO UPDATE

ALAWO (ALA Washington Office) announced their rally on Capital Hill on June 29.This was offered in place of National Legislative Day for 2010. Approximately, 1600 enthusiastic library supporters (with bright red "VOTE FOR LIBRARIES" t-shirts) attended the rally.

In a separate event, the ALA Washington Office presented a review of issues facing the Library community as Congress and the Obama Administration proceed into a new decade (http://www.ala.org/washoff). It was noted that Congress has moved into a contentious period before the November mid-term elections in which the possibility of movement on key issues important to Libraries is unlikely. With both parties fearful of anti-incumbent tendencies among the electorate, bi-partisanship seems to be at a standstill. Consequently, several ALA initiatives are facing very tough, slow progress:

The "Workforce Investment Act" seeking funding for public libraries to promote job training and employment resource centers for the unemployed is under discussion in the Senate, but stalled in the House.
The "Elementary and Secondary Education Act" is being pushed ahead by Secretary of State Arne Duncan, but has not acquired much support beyond his office.

ALA has been pushing for a State certified librarian in every school, increased funding for school libraries, access to professional development dollars for librarians (not just teachers) and the funding of a LEARN Literacy component that could bring a few dollars to public libraries. The ALAWO has been pushing hard on these fronts, but resistance has been formidable and money very scarce.

Attendees were pleased to hear remarks by FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. She praised ALA for its work in pioneering access to the Internet, supporting E-Rate and in raising awareness of the need for more access to broadband. She indicated that between 14 and 24 million people in the US don't have any access to broadband and about one third of the population lacks access due to cost and/or computer literacy. Efforts underway to expand access to broadband will include streamlining the process by which E-Rate and Broadband funding is granted.

Michele Richardson, ACLU Legislative Counsel, discussed the Cyber Security issues Congress will address in the next six weeks. The Administration and Congress seem to be determined to craft legislation to enable the country to wage a "cyber war" and expand government power to regulate and control information. The ACLU is working largely with the full support of ALA to make sure that any emergency powers are narrowly defined, actions and emergencies are of short duration, Congress has sufficient oversight and that protections for personal information are obtained.

GOOGLE CASE

Jonathan Band, Attorney for the ALAWO, moderated a lively panel discussion of the Google Book Settlement. Unfortunately, all of the panelists were advocates for the Google position and addressing an audience of librarians and library advocates who agree with open access and "fair use".

In 2004, Google entered into an agreement with several major libraries to scan their books and was met in 2005 with a lawsuit prompted by the claims of authors and publishers who claimed that the copyright protections afforded to their intellectual property were being violated by this agreement. The settlements proposed have been stalled in the courts with other groups presenting anti-trust arguments against Google as well as artists and illustrators claiming to share rights with authors and publishers. The final settlement is probably into the future with the three possible outcomes foreseeable:

1.) Google's position being affirmed,
2.) a rejection of half of Google's position with only snippets available for scanning,
or
3.) an outright rejection of the Google position.

The panel was overwhelmingly in favor of the Google position and felt that an outright rejection of the Google position was unacceptable.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION SESSION

James Neal, Chair of Budget Analysis and Review Committee (BARC), reported how ALA and its divisions have sustained service and fiscal balance despite revenue shortfalls (publishing, membership, conferences) as a result of the current economic climate.

Endowment Trustee Chair Dan Bradbury reviewed the mixed results of the endowment fund during the past year and the more spectacular gains of the year 2009. Portfolio value through the first portion of 2010 reached $28,916,000 where the market value in 2003 was at $18,991,000. The high point of the fund in 2007 was at $31,221,000 - prior to the drop to $23,421,000 during the "crash" year of 2008.

ALA President Camile Alire reported on her successful presidential year in developing advocacy and diversity awareness.

Incoming President Roberta Stevens announced that her presidency will emphasize the developing fund raising techniques and models for libraries as well as the development of authors as advocates for libraries.

ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels gave a brief review of his report to Council and Executive Board. He noted favorable trends in Membership holding steady and very encouraging registrations for this ALA Annual Conference despite the depressed economy.

Two grants have been received from IMLS (Institute for Museum and Library Services) to promote the support staff certification as well as the recruitment of new librarians from minority groups.

COUNCIL I

The Council approved the Goals and Objectives of the Strategic Plan for 2011-2015 by a near unanimous vote after months of input from across the Association (http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/missionhistory/plan/index.cfm). ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels reported that Executive Board actions included establishing standards of responsible conduct for corporate affiliates and champions of the Association. A "Resolution Reaffirming Equal Employment Opportunity for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Librarians and Library Workers" was passed after some discussion on a unanimous vote. A "Resolution to Insure Equitable Access to All Forms of Electronic Content Through Libraries" was discussed at length. The need for libraries to be assisted in the development of technological innovations to insure that wider access to information can be assured was emphasized. Council voted to bring the resolution back to Council II. A "Resolution on Non-Discrimination in Conference Contracts" offering restrictions on entering into contracts with organizations and legal bodies in cities, counties and states that by law discriminate against Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people was referred to BARC for assessment of fiscal implications.

ALA-APA COUNCIL

Keith Michael Fiels (ALA-APA Executive Director) reported the award of an IMLS grant to assist with the APA Certification program for support staff. This $590,000 should greatly expand Certification Program efforts across the nation. On-line tutorials, scholarships and further initiatives will be forthcoming. ALA-APA will have positive fiscal results during FY 2010 with some encouraging steps underway to repay the indebtedness of ALA-APA that had been extended to $275,000 during the last Mid-Winter. The budgetary ceiling of $242,878 was approved unanimously for FY 2011.

COUNCIL II

Freedom to Read Foundation President Kenton Oliver reported victories in preservation of first amendment rights and addition of 200 additional members during the past year. He also noted the death of FTRF champion and vice-president Burton Joseph. "Resolution Concerning the Proposed Closing of the School of Library and Information Science at Louisiana State University" was passed unanimously. The resolution opposes the closing of the LSU SLIS. The resolution will be communicated to LSU Board of Supervisors and Board of Regents, but may also be relayed to key officials in the Louisiana State Legislature and Governor's office.

ALA Treasurer Rod Hersberger presented a clear, albeit somewhat depressing view of the FY 2010 and 2011 financial picture. It has been evident that the ALA management and staff have done a creditable job of maintaining service during a very difficult period. The Council approved the total Budgetary Ceiling of $57,162,413 for FY 2011. "Resolution to Ensure Equitable Access to all Formats of Electronic Content Through Libraries" was passed with the understanding that the efforts of the Task Force created will work in conjunction with OITP (Office of Information Technology Policy). Also passed was a "Resolution on Ensuring Summer Reading Programs for all Children and Teens."

COUNCIL III

Martin Garner, Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee, submitted an action item for approval of Council - "Prisoners' Right to Read: An interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights" was passed unanimously by Council. Mario Ascencio, Chair of the Committee on Legislation, brought six action items forward from his Committee. Several were in support of School Libraries and School Librarians. All of these action items passed by unanimous or near unanimous vote. However, one action item espousing the passage of comprehensive immigration reform involved some discussion and negative votes regarding lack of specificity about the provision of library services to immigrant populations. It did pass by an overwhelming vote.

The "Resolution on Non-Discrimination in Conference Contracts" had been reviewed by BARC subsequent to its referral from Council I. This resolution was passed by a near unanimous vote.

Copies of the final wording of all resolutions and action items from Council Sessions will be posted and available on the ALA Web Site http://www.ala.org.

Submitted to California Libraries by:

Les Kong
ALA Chapter Councilor