[Publib] ALA Council

[Michael Golrick]

Good day-

I'm way, way behind on reading some accumulated lists from when I was in
San Antonio. And I'll note that the Executive Board of ALA gets to work
an extra half day after Council adjourns. The list is lucky to have a
number of us who represent a wide range of opinions on Ala topics who
are or were Councilors, and even two current Exec Board members.

There is a wide range of opinions in Council. The Alioto resolution
wasn't just a quickie. There was discussion, and yes, even debate. Some
voted against it -- for a variety of reasons. Many of those reasons were
expressed on the list. There were some who asked for postponement for
one day in order to poll their respective chapters. That, too, was
discussed. In a way, even those who do not like the action taken, should
be proud of the facets considered.

Those who have said, if you are not a member, you can't control the
organization, are correct. If you want to change it, run for office or
get appointed to a committee. You can learn a lot. I have.

I remember well my first resolution (for lots of reasons) which resulted
from conversations on this very list. It was about the outsourcing of
materials selection in Hawai'i. Two reasons which I will note here are:
I was introduced to the rough and tumble of Council and got to meet
really great folks like Mary Jane Anderson (who disagreed with me, but
helped me write a better resolution), Jim Casey, and Sue Kamm. I also
uttered the famous words in debate: "It goes against the core values of
our profession." That was when I learned that there were no core values
statements. There are such statements now!

The many who pointed out that elections are coming are right there.
Those of us running (and yes, that includes me) are asking for your
votes. Read the bios and the statements when they hit your mailbox
(virtual or otherwise) in late March.

Finally, ALA is fighting the "65% Rule" and Diedre Conkling already
posted that resolution (but I can't recall what it is officially
called). There are many, many battles to fight!

Michael A. Golrick              mgolrick at bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
ALA Executive Board

City Librarian                  http://www.bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
Bridgeport Public Library	  203/576.7777 (office)
925 Broad Street			  203/333.0253 (fax)
Bridgeport CT 06604-4871

http://michaelgolrick.blogspot.com

A candidate for ALA Council