Library Advocates

May 22

How libraries are evolving in the new digital realm

As concepts like self-publishing and digitized materials come to the forefront, how are libraries evolving in the new book world? In the new American Libraries digital supplement Digital Content: What’s Next?, leading library practitioners and experts discuss promises and “Faustian bargains” of ebooks.

To assist libraries in providing e-government services to patrons, the American Library Association (ALA) and the Information Policy & Access Center (iPAC) at the University of Maryland will host the no-cost webinar “Libraries & E-government” on May 30, 2013, from 2:00–3:00p.m. EST.

“‘Librarians have a natural place in the forefront of helping students be more adept at online research. School librarians should be a partner in this,’ one teacher said. ‘Oftentimes, teachers don’t realize that, or sadly schools don’t have school librarians.’” EdWeek: Teaching Students Better Online Research Skills

May 10

National Library Legislative Day 2013

From May 7–8, 2013, more than 350 librarians, patrons, trustees, educators and parents met with members of Congress to discuss key library issues during the American Library Association’s 39th annual National Library Legislative Day. Advocates discussed the need to protect federal library funding and support access to federally-funded scholarly journal articles, among other issues.

What Are the Best Ways that Libraries Can Help Immigrants?

How do library workers provide information services to immigrants and still stay within state laws that place limits on such activities? Next month, the American Library Association (ALA) will address immigration issues librarians face when they host free the webinar titled “Taking Action: Best Practices to Support Librarians and Library Workers Facing Laws Limiting Access to Information and Library Services to Immigrants.”

Register now.

The webinar—which will be hosted by REFORMA, the ALA Washington Office, the ALA Office for Diversity—will take place on May 14, 2013, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. EST. The event is cosponsored by the ALA Office for Library Advocacy.

May 7

You can always expect to see an interesting pair of specs or two at any given librarian gathering.

Curious about what's happening at the American Library Association's day of legislative action? Follow #nlld13 on twitter.

National Library Legislative Day: Where library advocates join on Capitol Hill to advocate for libraries

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

Apr 3

“LSTA funding is crucial for Iowa Libraries. Decorah Public Library currently distributes to over 160 libraries in the state of Iowa much needed large print matter for blind and handicapped. Without LSTA funding small rural library citizens would not be able to enjoy the vast collection of books in large print. Please continue to support these programs with LSTA dollars.” Lorraine Borowski, in our blog’s comment section, emphasizing why we want you to call your congressional representative today and ask them to support library funding.

Apr 2

Support library funding: Call your U.S. Rep. today

Appropriations season is heating up in Washington, DC and library funding is on the table. Please call your U.S. Representative by April 10 and ask that they sign a “Dear Colleague” letter in support of funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

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

Library Advocates

To assist libraries in providing e-government services to patrons, the American Library Association (ALA) and the Information Policy & Access Center (iPAC) at the University of Maryland will host the no-cost webinar “Libraries & E-government” on May 30, 2013, from 2:00–3:00p.m. EST.

What Are the Best Ways that Libraries Can Help Immigrants?

Curious about what's happening at the American Library Association's day of legislative action? Follow #nlld13 on twitter.

Support library funding: Call your U.S. Rep. today