[Publib] New Orleans ALA

[James Casey]

Part III - Notes on ALA Annual - James B. Casey.

 

 

COUNCIL II:  The Chapter Relations Committee presented a "Resolution on
Taxpayer Bill of Rights Laws" (TABOR) calling for ALA, state and
regional library associations to join hands opposing such bills.  The
resolution passed without much dissent since the folly of TABOR laws
such as Proposition 13 in California and Illinois tax caps and pledges
by governors not to raise taxes have had a detrimental affect on many
public libraries.  The state of Colorado was cited as an example of one
TABOR that went into effect in 1992, but had to be suspended for five
years due to crushing budgetary shortfalls and the closure of key
governmental services.  --- Budget and Analysis Review Committee (BARC)
shall continue to study graduated dues structures for another year.
They plan to proceed cautiously on this investigation since the amount
of one's salary alone is not necessarily the most important gauge
determining the disposable income one might have when the dues bill
arrives.  Differences in the level of institutional support, the amount
employees must contribute for health insurance premiums, consumer price
indexes in various parts of the country and overall family situations
can more often contribute to the ability to pay a larger dues obligation
than the stated gross salary. --- The ALA Treasurer's report presented a
cautiously optimistic budget picture through 2010 with the new dues
increase and increases in registration fees expected to enable the
Association to keep ahead of growing expenses. The Budgetary Ceiling of
$54,653,986 was passed unanimously.

 

Also passed at this session was a resolution calling upon libraries and
the ALA to take steps to increase public awareness of the tragic
genocide taking place in Darfur (western Sudan).  

 

COUNCIL III:  Among the most important issues under discussion were
action items and resolutions brought forward by the Committee on
Legislation. "Resolution on EPA (Environmental Protection Act)
Libraries" affirmed support of EPA libraries and urged their
preservation.  Similarly intended, was the "Resolution on Saving Federal
Libraries." The "Resolution Affirming Network Neutrality" listed "four
freedoms of the Internet":  1/ Very low barriers to entry.  2/ Barriers
to entry are identical for both speakers and listeners.  3/  As a result
of thes low barriers, astoundingly diverse content is available on the
Internet.  4/ The Internet provides significant access to all who wish
to speak in the medium, and even creates a relative parity among
speakers."  "Resolution Endorsing HR 676 (for Single Payer Universal
Health Care) and S 2772, the Health Partnership Act" was passed by
Council.  "Resolution in Support of Online Social Networks" was passed
as a response to HR 5319 (DOPA) Deleting Online Predators Act.  This
resolution noted that if DOPA (as it is currently drafted) became law,
it "would require most schools and libraries to block access to a broad
array of useful Web resources and applications, including 'commercial
web sites that let users create web pages or profile or offer
communication with other users via forums, chat rooms, e-mail or instant
messagin' or lose e-rate discounts."  

 

Several other important resolutions came forward the Intellectual
Freedom Committee and were also passed by Council. "Resolution on
Retention of Library Usage Records" advocated the protection of privacy
in the course of preserving public records.  "Resolution on National
Discussion on Privacy" urging ALA to lead a "national conversation about
privacy as an American value."   Resolution to Commend the John Does of
the Library Connection (Connecticut)" for their courage in defending the
privacy of user records against some provisions of the Patriot Act.  

 

A "Resolution on Lessons Learned from Meeting in New Orleans" was passed
by Council in gratitude to Library Community New Orleans for its
courageous efforts to deliver service under the most trying
circumstances and in recognition of the fact that the role of Libraries
in helping communities to recover from disaster has been accentuated by
the tragic events of the past 10 months.  New Orleans is STILL
recovering from the devastation of Katrina.  The resolution also calls
for Libraries to continue supporting the "adopt-a-library" program.

 

Council III business was completed about 3 hours ahead of schedule.

 

My notes do not, of course, highlight all of the actions taken by
Council during this eventful Conference.  Copies of the final wording of
all resolutions an action items from Council Sessions will be posted and
available on the ALA Web Site  http://www.ala.org <http://www.ala.org/>
in several weeks.

 

 

CONCLUSION:   Despite the uneasiness felt by many ALA Members about
attending a major Conference in New Orleans only ten months following
the devastating Katrina and Rita hurricanes --- and the resulting drop
in registrations --- the 2006 Annual Conference in the Big Easy proved
to be a major success in terms of public relations and in the stated
opinions of all attendees with whom I conversed.  This also proved to be
a productive Conference in terms of the efficient transaction of
Association business.   Outgoing President Michael Gorman was widely
praised for his efficient leadership and "dry wit".  Both Mid-Winter and
Annual Conference Council sessions ended ahead of schedule.

 

 

My sincerest thanks also go to the Oak Lawn Public Library, the Board
and Taxpayers for supporting my participation in ALA.  

 

James B. Casey, June 28, 2006.

 

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Ruth Hayden
Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 12:24 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] New Orleans ALA

 

I wasn't able to attend ALA and would be very interested to see postings
about experiences, speakers, booths, meetings and seminars. Did the
Publibbers find a good place to gab and relax? If you have thoughts
you'd like to share, I'd love to listen.

 

Ruth Hayden

Technical Services Librarian

Smyrna Public Library

Smyrna, GA 30080

rhayden at ci.smyrna.ga.us

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