Library Advocates

Apr 11

“First, librarians love authors. Our business is knowledge-building and imagination, and writers form the backbone of our nonprofit exercise in supporting and promoting lifelong learning…. It is not in the long-term interests of authors (or publishers) to deny library e-lending and the educational benefits it affords.” American Library Association President, Maureen Sullivan in response to Scott Turrow

Mar 15

“Aaron loved libraries. I remember how excited he was to get library privileges at Harvard and be able to use the Widener library there. I know he would have been humbled and honored to receive this award. We thank you. Aaron’s goal was to make knowledge freely available to everyone and we can all further his legacy by making this happen.” Bob Swartz, Aaron Swartz’s father, responds to his son posthumously receiving the American Library Association’s James Madison Award

American Library Association Honors Aaron Swartz with Madison Award

Today, the American Library Association posthumously awarded activist Aaron Swartz the 2013 James Madison Award for his dedication to promoting and protecting public access to research and government information. ALA President, Maureen Sullivan presented the award to Swartz’s family during the 15th Annual Freedom of Information Day in Washington, D.C.

Mar 7

Last Week to Apply: ALA Google Policy Fellowship

Applications are due by Friday, March 15, 2013. ALA encourages all interested graduate students to apply and, of course, especially those in library and information science-related academic programs. Apply now: http://www.google.com/policyfellowship/index.html

Feb 1

On January 30, 2013 American Library Association (ALA) President Maureen Sullivan joined Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, along with twelve government agencies and organizations, to sign the “Declaration of Learning,” a statement that formally announces their partnership as members of the Inter-Agency Collaboration on Learning. (more)

Photo credit: Maria Bryk/Newseum

Jan 30

ALA President, Secretary Hillary Clinton Sign “Declaration of Learning”

Jan 7

On the Road for Ebooks: How ALA Advocated This Fall

Since ALA President Maureen Sullivan led a delegation to New York in late September, ALA leadership and the Digital Content and Libraries Working Group (DCWG) have continued to spread the word about ebooks and libraries. The reasons for these communication activities are multiple: educating librarians, providing awareness to the general public; and informing and influencing decision makers in the publishing ecosystem.

Here’s a summary of where we’ve been in the past few months.

Dec 14

localhistorygirl:

I just finished my reread of The Hobbit. I hoping to see the movie this weekend! I love that the edition I picked up has the original ALA review on the jacket cover!

Ha, “so much the worse for them.”

Oct 23

ALA Joins Coalition to Protect Library Lending Rights

Oct 22

ALA Center for Civic Life: Welcome!

centerforciviclife:

Welcome to the American Library Association’s Center for Civic Life’s new Tumblr!

The American Library Association launched the ALA Center for Civic Life (CCL) in 2010 in conjunction with the Kettering Foundation in order to promote community engagement and foster public deliberation…

Give ‘em a follow, tumblarians!

The American Library Association's Washington Office tumblr. Our reblogs do not necessarily mean endorsements of a position or opinion.