CLA Weblog Submissions
To navigate our archives, please click on a category to the left. Do you have information that would be of interest to the library community? Please send your weblog submissions to the CLA office at rberta@cla-net.org.
National Library News
February 1, 2010
U.S. Department of Agriculture Allocates $100 million for Rural Public Libraries
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Secretary of Agriculture has allocated $100 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Community Facilities funding for public libraries to provide educational opportunities and improve public services in rural communities. The funding will be provided primarily through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
"In 78 percent of rural communities, the library is the sole provider of no-fee Internet access," Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA Washington Office, said.
"This funding specifically set aside for rural libraries is a lifeline for communities across the country who depend on their local libraries for basic needs such as Internet access as well as assistance with e-government services, literacy and homework programs, and much more. We thank the USDA for its recognition of the vital role libraries play in rural communities and their need for funding."
Funds may be used to construct, enlarge or improve public libraries. This can include costs to acquire land needed for a facility, pay necessary professional fees and purchase equipment required for operation. Funds can be used to purchase shelving, furniture, computers, audio-visual equipment, distance learning equipment and bookmobiles.
Depending on funding availability, USDA Rural Development will provide up to $500,000 in additional Recovery Act dedicated grant funds to each of the State Offices for library projects.
For more information on the program and how to apply, see the USDA Rural Development fact sheet.
Or, to reach the USDA Rural Development contact for California, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/CA
Contact: Jenni Terry
Press Officer, ALA Washington Office
Posted by claadmin at 9:38 AM
May 5, 2009
ALA Millennial Survey
The American Library Association's Emerging Leaders Program is asking CLA members born after 1978 to participate in an online survey. The findings of this survey will help CLA and other library professional associations understand the needs and wants of the "millennial generation" and better serve its members. The results of the survey will be presented at the 2009 ALA Annual Conference.
This survey will take about 15-20 minutes, and is available at:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=l2y9vQxaMRF6OSNMyjdJTQ_3d_3d
For additional information about the Emerging Leaders Program, please visit http://wikis.ala.org/emergingleaders/index.php/Main_Page.
Thank you in advance for your participation!
Posted by claadmin at 3:01 PM
January 16, 2009
Libraries During Tough Times
Library use has been increasing during the current economic downturn. Recently, the Wall Street Journal highlighted this issue, with a special spotlight on the Tracy branch of the Stockton - San Joaquin County Public Library.
The article is available online at the Journal's website.
Posted by claadmin at 10:19 AM
December 18, 2008
ALA Submits Report to Obama-Biden Transition Team
After the 2008 presidential election, the Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) Advisory Committee and the Committee on Legislation (COL) held meetings with the ALA Washington Office to discuss the key issues and concerns the library community must communicate to the new Administration during this time of transition and throughout Obama's presidency.
Following these meetings, the ALA Washington Office compiled a report, which was submitted to the Obama-Biden Transition Team on Wednesday, December 17. The Washington Office is communicating with the Transition Team and hopes to continue this open dialogue over the next four years. The report, titled Opening the "Window to a Larger World," Libraries' Role in Changing America, can be viewed here.
Posted by claadmin at 11:50 AM