Library Juice 7:13 - June 18, 2004
Contents:
ALA Council discussion on the new Draft Core Values Statement
Quote for the week:
"Frederick Douglas taught that literacy is the path
from slavery to freedom. There are many kinds of
slavery and many kinds of freedom. But reading is
still the path."By Carl Sagan
Source: Sagan, Carl. The Demon-Haunted World. Science
as a Candle in the Dark. New York: Ballantine Books,
Chapter 21: The Path to Freedom, 1997, p. 363
Homepage of the week: Steve Casburn
http://www.io.com/~casburn/_________________________________________________________________________
ALA Council discussion on the new Draft Core Values Statement
For the text of the draft and previous comments, please see
http://libr.org/Juice/issues/vol7/LJ_7.11.html#4
[ALACOUN:12125] Thoughts on core values
Date: 06/04/04 02:53 pm
From: "Rettig, Jim" <jrettig[at]richmond.edu>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: jrettig[at]richmond.eduI recently reread the newest Core Values Task Force document. I offer
comments that may stir debate.It is not clear to me what, if any, action Council will be asked to take
in Orlando regarding core values. Can someone please clarify that?Thank you!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -I will not make light of the challenge that the Core Values task forces
have faced. CVTF II has truly done us a service by identifying values
that in distillation can yield a succinct document. That might take
either of two forms:1. A list of values, each with explanatory gloss 2. A statement that identifies and explains our values and thecomplementary, inter-dependent relationships among them.
Our statement of core values ought to guide us in decision-making,
resource allocation, and action. In order for it to have that power, it
must be succinct and memorable. (Consider, for example, the enduring
power of Ranganathan's Five Laws.)
To that end, let me be so bold as to comment on the core values document
now before us. As much as I appreciate the importance of clearly
articulated policies, policies are not values. Policies should reflect
values. Nevertheless CVTF II's effort to discern the values reflected
in the policies is a significant step in the right direction. The
policy manual has served as a divining rod to discover values. What
follows is my analysis of each of the proposed values.* Access-there can be no question that access to information is a
core value as well as our raison d'etre. See recurrent reference to
access below.
* Confidentiality/Privacy-Cannot these be considered a subset of
access to information or a condition for that access? Without assurance
of confidentiality and privacy, those whom we serve may not trust us
enough to seek access to the information resources we make available.
* Democracy-One of the requirements of democracy, as stated by the
cited policy, is free access to information along with freedom of
inquiry and freedom of expression. Not to denigrate democracy; however
in the context of a list of core values for our profession, the presence
of access and intellectual freedom render this redundant.
* Diversity-This value relates to access and intellectual freedom;
intellectual, political, ethnic, religious, etc., diversity are the
wellsprings of varied points of view. Thus diversity necessitates
access and intellectual freedom. Totalitarian regimes attempt to
destroy diversity along with access to information and intellectual
freedom. In a society without diversity, access and intellectual
freedom would likely be moot issues. The policy cited in the document
very succinctly states the importance of diversity as a value.
* Education and Lifelong Learning-For whom? As a value of a
profession isn't education and lifelong learning most important for the
profession's practitioners and academicians so that the field will grow
and thrive? In that respect, this can be considered a subset of
"Professionalism" below. Education and lifelong learning are part of
the practice of professionalism.
* Intellectual Freedom-A bedrock value without which access would
be a hollow husk. Free inquiry cannot exist without access; free
expression will be hollow without access to information resources that
can inform that expression.
* Preservation-Without preservation there will be less which we
can provide access to. But isn't this more of a tactic or a practice
than a value?
* The Public Good-The policy cited states that libraries are a
public good. If the statement of core values is to be a statement of
the profession's values rather than of common institutional values
exemplified by libraries, this doesn't fit. A statement of the
profession's values will be far more powerful (and, in a
counterintuitive way, more practical and applicable in practice) than a
statement of common institutional values.
* Professionalism-The policy cited touches only obliquely on an
individual practitioner's commitment to the other core values; It can be
described as a state of mind. Professionalism merits inclusion, but
also requires redefinition to be included.
* Service-What is professionalism without service? This is a
subset of professionalism.
* Social Responsibility-The cited policy includes "to help inform
and educate the people of the United States on these problems and to
encourage them to examine the many views on and the facts regarding each
problem." In other words, access! If we include in this the spirit of
Ranganathan's Five Laws, the focus will be on the individual's need for
access so that he/she can become informed and educated on the issues
cited in the policy and on any other issue imaginable. This does not, I
realize, support the concept of social responsibility as collective
action; and I realize that some will reject this narrower interpretation
of social responsibility as a synonym for access.So, one librarian's distillation of the proposed core values is:
* Access * Diversity * Intellectual freedom * ProfessionalismThese buttress and complement one another.
Jim Rettig
University Librarian
Boatwright Memorial Library
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA 23173
Voice: 804/289-8456
FAX: 804/287-1840
jrettig[at]richmond.edu.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12126] RE: Thoughts on core values
Date: 06/04/04 03:21 pm
From: "Roalkvam, Don" <DROALKVA[at]allstate.com>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: DROALKVA[at]allstate.comJim,
I'm sure the expectation is that Council will adopt the values
statement. The purpose is for the field -- libraries and librarians
both -- to have an explicit statement. The origin of this task force
was an earlier one whose statement was not approved. Talking with some
of the current members I believe that this task force has worked hard to
get comment and to be influenced by the field before taking a statement
to Council.Don Roalkvam
ALTA Representative
to ALA Council
droalkva[at]allstate.com
800 366 2958 X27713
847 402 7713 direct line
847 326 9488 fax
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12127] RE: Thoughts on core values
Date: 06/04/04 03:59 pm
From: "John D. Berry" <jberry[at]library.berkeley.edu>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: jberry[at]library.berkeley.eduDon, Jim and all,
Jim has some very good points. I think it would be useful for all of Council, in particular thenewer Council members who were not on board when the CV Taskforce I
statement was not approved, to actually take a look at CV 1, for comparison
and contrast. At least one draft of CV 1 still exists on the ALA Website.Also Don, I believe, you are under a misimpression that CV 2 tried
very hard to get comment. As far as I can tell they approached none of the
ALA Affiliates. Unless I see substantive refinement, I for one would not
vote to pass this CV 2 effort.Best,
John D. Berry, ALA Councilor at Large.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[MEMBER-FORUM:72] core values
Date: 06/04/04 04:51 pm
From: "eric moon" <ericmoon23[at]comcast.net>
To: <member-forum[at]ala.org>
Reply to: "eric moon" <ericmoon23[at]comcast.net>I hope members are taking note of the new round of debate about our profession's core values. In my opinion the committee which has issued the latest compromise has done a laudable job. But then we get the to-be-expected drivel from predictable Council members, such as Jim Rettig and the wrong Berry. I want to say that it is highly improbable that the ALA Council's values are mine, and that it is a pity that the Membership Meeting has been emasculated, because I feel sure that core values as defined by the Membership would be very different from what is likely to find a majority in the Council.
Eric Moon, Past President
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12135] Core values, again
Date: Monday 05:57:03 am
From: "Rettig, Jim" <jrettig[at]richmond.edu>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: jrettig[at]richmond.eduThe American Library Association's name carries a connotation of being
an association of and for institutions known as libraries; yet its
membership overwhelmingly consists of individuals, most of whom work in
libraries. An analogous fundamental issue relates to the core values
challenge-are we trying to articulate institutional values or values
held collectively by a profession, some of whose members work in the
institutions closely allied with that profession and others who work in
other venues but hold the same core values?I think focusing on the values of the members of the profession rather
than of the institutions will be more meaningful and ultimately more
useful to us. Asking the questions: "Does this relate more to libraries
or to librarians?" could be a useful touchstone for judging whether or
not a value is "core." Much of what we do (ideally, all of what we do)
through our institutions manifest our core values; however those
manifestations take many forms in various programs and services. Our
challenge is to identify the values that validate those programs and
services, not to enumerate common services.Jim Rettig
University Librarian
Boatwright Memorial Library
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA 23173
Voice: 804/289-8456
FAX: 804/287-1840
jrettig[at]richmond.edu.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12136] Re: Thoughts on core values
Date: Monday 07:08:33 am
From: "Carolyn Caywood" <ccaywood[at]vbgov.com>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
CC: <ifrt-b[at]ala.org>
Reply to: ccaywood[at]vbgov.comTwo of Jim's bullets in particular got me thinking.
Confidentiality/Privacy. I agree with the relationship to Access, but I
feel the need to see the words stated, precisely because of the trust Jim
identifies. I believe Privacy is truly a value of ours. Also, I keep
asking myself how a statement of values will be used, and the uses that
occur to me - guiding curriculum, explaining our profession - seem to me to
need an explicit acknowledgement of Privacy. Confidentiality, I think, is
a means to ensure Privacy.Education and Lifelong Learning. I read this differently, not particularly
as an injunction to the profession, but rather as a statement that we value
the life of the mind. I believe Michael Gorman included a value of "
rationality" in his book. Learning and thinking may be so close to the
core of why libraries exist that we don't notice, like a fish doesn't
notice water, but there wouldn't be libraries if learning and thinking and
understanding weren't valued. I don't have a word preference, but ever
since Gorman's list was published, I have felt that we need to acknowledge
that the reason behind access and intellectual freedom and diversity and
all, is reason itself.Carolyn Caywood, IFRT Councilor
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12140] Re: Thoughts on core values
Date: Monday 08:18:45 am
From: "Janet Hill" <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu> (University Libraries)
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
CC: <ifrt-b[at]ala.org>
Reply to: <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu>-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alacoun[at]ala.org [mailto:owner-alacoun[at]ala.org] On Behalf Of
Carolyn CaywoodEducation and Lifelong Learning. I read this differently, not particularly
as an injunction to the profession, but rather as a statement that we value
the life of the mind.JSH: The first TF included this in its first draft as "learning in all its
contexts" and the thrust of it was as Carolyn interprets it ..... Valuing
learning for its own sake, thus giving meaning to our efforts to provide
access to information/ideas.janet swan hill
councilor at large
janet.hill[at]colorado.edu
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12141] Re: Thoughts on core values
Date: Monday 08:55:35 am
From: "K. G. Schneider" <kgs[at]bluehighways.com>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: <kgs[at]bluehighways.com>> Education and Lifelong Learning. I read this differently, not
> particularly
> as an injunction to the profession, but rather as a statement that we
> value
> the life of the mind.
>
> JSH: The first TF included this in its first draft as "learning in all
> its
> contexts" and the thrust of it was as Carolyn interprets it ..... Valuing
> learning for its own sake, thus giving meaning to our efforts to provide
> access to information/ideas.Yes, really important. My problem with "lifelong learning" is it has become
such a part of the library lexicon that it reads a little flat and narrow.
"Learning in all its contexts" is a beautiful phrase, as are some of the
other phrases used in this thread. Words such as "intrinsic" cross my
mind...Karen G. Schneider
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12143] Re: Thoughts on core values
Date: Monday 09:17:12 am
From: "Irwin, Marilyn" <irwinm[at]indiana.edu>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: irwinm[at]indiana.eduI too think that Privacy needs to be a separate value, to inform current and future practitioners. I work in an interdisciplinary health-related setting, and to my early surprise, my colleagues feel that it is totally appropriate to share information for the benefit of the client. It was only recently that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) inserted components to protect the privacy of patients' health information. As a profession, librarians have fought to protect that privacy all along, and it is clearly something that differentiates us from many other professions. In a time when we have the USA Patriot Act, RFIDs, the increased potential for access to records due to automation, and any number of other threats to privacy, this may be our most important value.
Marilyn Irwin
ASCLA Councilor.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12144] Re: Thoughts on core values
Date: Monday 09:23:17 am
From: "Janet Hill" <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu> (University Libraries)
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu>-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alacoun[at]ala.org [mailto:owner-alacoun[at]ala.org] On Behalf Of
Irwin, MarilynI too think that Privacy needs to be a separate value, to inform current and
future practitioners. I work in an interdisciplinary health-related
setting, and to my early surprise, my colleagues feel that it is totally
appropriate to share information for the benefit of the client.JSH: But wouldn't "confidentiality" convey all that needs to be conveyed?
janet swan hill
councilor at large
janet.hill[at]colorado.edu.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12145] Core Values
Date: Monday 10:02:11 am
From: "Janet Hill" <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu> (University Libraries)
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu>It has been pointed out that many current Councilors were not present for
the discussions that gave rise to the creation of the first task force,
and/or for the discussions of the first Task Force's draft. Two weeks ago,
I gave the keynote address at a conference of the Ohio Valley Group of
Technical Services Librarians, on the topic of technical services as a
public service. But it was actually about core values. The following is
an edited excerpt from that paper, which may provide some useful (if
somewhat simplified) background.BEGIN QUOTATION:
A few years ago, I served on the American Library Association's Task
Force on Core Values for the Profession. We were charged with identifying
the core values of librarianship and articulating them in a form that ALA
could adopt as policy. This wasn't just an empty exercise done to pass
the time. It came about from a series of issues that arose within a
relatively short time frame, with two in particular providing most of the
impetus.First there was a flap over outsourcing . specifically over the
state of Hawaii's outsourcing to a single vendor the selection, acquisition,
and cataloging of library materials for all state supported libraries,
including school and public libraries. Many librarians were deeply concerned
at what seemed to them to be either an abdication of professional
responsibility, or a prohibition against exercising it, proceeding from
failure to recognize the nature of professional responsibilities,
competencies, and values.The second issue was unease within the profession about the state of
library education, its curriculum, its adequacy, its relevance, and its
seeming loosening of adherence to what was most valuable about
librarianship. The removal of the word Library from the name of several
accredited programs was taken to be an illustration of just such a loss of
focus and understanding, and possibly an indication of a complete
redefinition or abandonment of librarianship by some programs.Both issues were the subject of extended discussion in ALA Council,
and in both discussions people kept mentioning core values - talking about
whether outsourcing really violated our core values, for instance, or
whether the removal of the word "library" from masters degree program names
indicated a loss of connection to the core values of the profession.
Several resolutions were written that decried actions taken on the grounds
of violation of core values. But none of them passed, because it was
discovered that we had never articulated what those values might be, and
it's hard to justify censuring someone for violating a standard that doesn't
exist.A number of councilors - including me -- observed during debate that
it couldn't be all that tough to come up with a statement of core values.
So, a Task Force was created to do just that. For my sins, and for having
had the temerity to suggest that it couldn't be that hard to do, I was
appointed to it.We worked hard, and came up with a list that we thought expressed
the profession's core values. We aimed not to make an exhaustive list of
tasks and ideas, but instead, we wanted to create a short jargon-free list
of general principles that characterize and are essential to librarianship;
to create a list aimed simultaneously at librarians, prospective librarians,
and the general public; and to make that list short enough to put on a poker
chip.The list went through five drafts. Each draft was posted to the
ALA website and was commented on by Council, by ALA membership, and even by
Doctor Laura and her followers. By the time the fifth draft evolved, we
had yielded to many of the comments that had been made, and had abandoned
some of the brevity of the original, but the ideas remained the same. We
fell far short (or rather long) of the poker-chip target. The list below is
taken from that fifth draft.-- Connection of people to ideas
-- Assurance of free and open access to recorded knowledge, information, and
creative works (first draft: unfettered access to ideas)
-- Commitment to literacy and learning (first draft: learning in all its
contexts)
-- Respect for the individuality and the diversity of all people (first
draft: respect for the individual)
-- Freedom for all people to form, hold, and express their beliefs
-- Preservation of the human record
-- Excellence in professional service to our communities (first draft:
professionalism)
-- Formation of partnerships to advance these valuesEND QUOTATION
The report of the CVTF1 failed to be adopted for a variety of reasons, but
these were the most significant:
-- Disagreement with the TF's desire to exclude jargon, AND/OR disagreement
as to what constituted jargon
-- Difficulty with the concept of "a value." Confusion of "values" with
"means" or "strategies". Confusion with "something of value"
-- A desire to make a more specific list. The TF had, for instance,
purposely used umbrella terms which it believed encompassed a number of
valuable things (e.g. "respect for the individual" was used to encompass
such concepts as diversity and confidentiality)
-- A feeling that we had been too rushed, and that more time was needed to
make sure that profession-wide discussion was possible.And, some people just didn't think we needed a statement at all -- that our
policy manual, with all its statements of policy, was all we needed.I have given the issue of core values a great deal of thought in the
meantime, and will put some of those thoughts into another message .....
Because this one is already very long.janet swan hill
councilor at large
janet.hill[at]colorado.edu.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12146] Re: Thoughts on core values
Date: Monday 10:07:23 am
From: "S.Michael Malinconico" <mmalinco[at]slis.ua.edu>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
CC: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: mmalinco[at]slis.ua.eduNo. I don't think so. Confidentiality is something that--at least to
me--has a post hoc connotation; privacy, on the other hand, is something
that one ensures so that questions of confidentialty DON'T have to be
addressed.>-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alacoun[at]ala.org [mailto:owner-alacoun[at]ala.org] On Behalf Of
>Irwin, Marilyn
>
>I too think that Privacy needs to be a separate value, to inform current and
>future practitioners. I work in an interdisciplinary health-related
>setting, and to my early surprise, my colleagues feel that it is totally
>appropriate to share information for the benefit of the client.
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12147] Re: Thoughts on core values
Date: Monday 10:26:21 am
From: melora[at]prexar.com
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: melora[at]prexar.com**What is the difference between privacy and confidentiality?
In a library, the right to privacy is the right to open inquiry without
having the subject of one's interest examined or scrutinized by others.
Confidentiality exists when a library is in possession of personally
identifiable information (see "What is personally identifiable information"
below) about users and keeps that information private on their behalf.
Confidentiality is a library's responsibility. This responsibility is assumed
when library procedures create records such as closed-stack call slips,
computer sign-up sheets, registration for equipment or facilities, circulation
records, what Web sites were visited, reserve notices, or research notes.In protecting the privacy rights and the confidentiality rights of library
users, librarians should limit the degree to which personally identifiable
information is monitored, collected, disclosed, and distributed.For ALA's privacy policies and Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library
Bill of Rights, see the Intellectual Freedom Manual, sixth edition, and
the Web site, "Privacy and Confidentiality," at
http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/privacy.html. **From:
Questions and Answers on Privacy and Confidentiality
Link at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/interpretations/privacy.htm
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12149] Re: Thoughts on core values
Date: Monday 10:24:33 am
From: "James B. Casey" <drjbc92[at]lib.oak-lawn.il.us>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
CC: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: drjbc92[at]lib.oak-lawn.il.usMelora raises a valid distinction. To a certain extent, individuals who
use a library which is open to the public - or to a larger body of patrons
-- is sacrificing some measure of privacy. Maintaining privacy cannot be
the sole responsibility of a Library. There are, as we all know, legal
authorities and court orders which can force libraries to divulge patron information. There is no way that Libraries can give absolute protection to patron privacy rights. It may even be that the larger responsibility
for protection of an individual's privacy when using a public library
facility rests with the individual.James B. Casey -- Councilor-at-Large
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12150] RE: Thoughts on core values
Date: Monday 10:40:32 am
From: "Janet Hill" <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu> (University Libraries)
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu>From: owner-alacoun[at]ala.org [mailto:owner-alacoun[at]ala.org] On Behalf Of
Rettig, Jim* Confidentiality/Privacy-Cannot these be considered a subset of
access to information or a condition for that access? Without assurance of
confidentiality and privacy, those whom we serve may not trust us enough to
seek access to the information resources we make available.JSH: The first TF believed that Confidentiality/Privacy was a necessary
component of "respect for the individual".* Democracy-One of the requirements of democracy, as stated by the
cited policy, is free access to information along with freedom of inquiry
and freedom of expression. Not to denigrate democracy; however in the
context of a list of core values for our profession, the presence of access
and intellectual freedom render this redundant.JSH: I found Mark Rosenzweig's message about democracy as a value to be
most eloquent, and greatly appreciated the thought behind it, but not all
who see our statement of core values will have access to his explanation.
Thus, inclusion of this in our brief list of values may seem to imply that
there cannot be responsible or "real" librarianship in societies that are
not democracies. While we in ALA may ourselves place great value on
democracy, I am not willing to say that democracy is absolutely necessary
for librarianship to be practiced with integrity.** Diversity-This value relates to access and intellectual freedom;
intellectual, political, ethnic, religious, etc., diversity are the
wellsprings of varied points of view. Thus diversity necessitates access
and intellectual freedom. Totalitarian regimes attempt to destroy diversity
along with access to information and intellectual freedom. In a society
without diversity, access and intellectual freedom would likely be moot
issues. The policy cited in the document very succinctly states the
importance of diversity as a value.JSH: The first TF believed that "diversity" was jargon and ran the risk of
being seen as "code". Beyond that, however, the first TF felt that
diversity was a part of "respect for the individual".* Intellectual Freedom-A bedrock value without which access would be a
hollow husk. Free inquiry cannot exist without access; free expression will
be hollow without access to information resources that can inform that
expression.JSH: The first TF believed that the term "Intellectual Freedom" was library
jargon, and went to great lengths to express it in more universially
understood terms. (something like "freedom to form, hold, and express their
own beliefs"). In the intervening years, I have come to see that even if it
be jargon, it is at least TRANSPARENT jargon, and has the added virtue of
being brief (and grammatical).* Preservation-Without preservation there will be less which we can
provide access to. But isn't this more of a tactic or a practice than a
value?JSH: I don't think so. I think that both "preservation" and "learning"
are values in an of themselves. The first TF expressed this as
"preservation of the human record" ... which perhaps made the thrust a
little clearer.* The Public Good-The policy cited states that libraries are a public
good. If the statement of core values is to be a statement of the
profession's values rather than of common institutional values exemplified
by libraries, this doesn't fit. A statement of the profession's values will
be far more powerful (and, in a counterintuitive way, more practical and
applicable in practice) than a statement of common institutional values.JSH: I agree with this. We as an association often have difficulty
differentiating ourselves as people and practitioners from the institutions
in which we practice. If you look back at the list of values put forth,
each could be preceded by "we value .....xxxxx". But you can't do that
with this one "We value the public good" is quite a different thing from
saying that "Libraries are a public good."* Professionalism-The policy cited touches only obliquely on an
individual practitioner's commitment to the other core values; It can be
described as a state of mind. Professionalism merits inclusion, but also
requires redefinition to be included.* Service-What is professionalism without service? This is a subset
of professionalism.JSH: Agreed. wholeheartedly.
* Social Responsibility-The cited policy includes "to help inform and
educate the people of the United States on these problems and to encourage
them to examine the many views on and the facts regarding each problem." In
other words, access! If we include in this the spirit of Ranganathan's Five
Laws, the focus will be on the individual's need for access so that he/she
can become informed and educated on the issues cited in the policy and on
any other issue imaginable. This does not, I realize, support the concept
of social responsibility as collective action; and I realize that some will
reject this narrower interpretation of social responsibility as a synonym
for access.JSH: To me, this is subsumed under professionalism, and under respect for
the individual.So, one librarian's distillation of the proposed core values is:
* Access * Diversity * Intellectual freedom * ProfessionalismWhile I would not be unhappy with this brief list, I would prefer to include
also Learning and Preservation.On the other hand, Jim Rettig's list of four at least makes it very clear
that the list is intended to be only the foundations ..... the "earth, air,
fire, water" from which all else is built.My experience in Council (and elsewhere) is that once we start making lists,
we keep adding to it, and making ever finer distinctions. But as soon as
the list grows beyond "the poker chip", it begins to lose impact.janet swan hill
councilor at large
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12152] Re: Core values, again
Date: Monday 11:26:53 am
From: melora[at]prexar.com
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: melora[at]prexar.comI believe it would illuminate the discussion some for me if we consider
these questions:Who is our audience? How do we anticipate this statement will be used?
Melora Ranney Norman, Maine
Jim Rettig wrote:
I think focusing on the values of the members of the profession rather than
of the institutions will be more meaningful and ultimately more useful to
us.
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12160] Core values
Date: Monday 03:31:03 pm
From: "Janet Hill" <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu> (University Libraries)
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu>I believe strongly that ALA needs to adopt a statement of core values. In my
tenure on Council, I have been present during many discussions at which core
values were invoked, and at which there was consternation at not actually
having such a statement.In my work, I have had many occasions to make decisions or determine courses
of action, in which an understanding of the core values of the profession
was vital (and which might have been assisted by the availability of a
published statement).I believe that such a statement needs to be placed in our policy manual,
mounted on our Website in a prominent, easily found location, put into
pamphlets, published on posters and bookmarks. (Perhaps all Councilors
should get a "core values poker chip" to go along with their copy of
Sturgis)I believe that librarians have a great many professional values, about which
there is close to a consensus within the profession, but that not all of
them are "core"I have seen that lists tend to grow once they are started, as people begin
to make finer and finer distinctions. While distinctions are valid, it is
not always necessary to make them. I believe that a stronger, more
effective and eloquent message usually results from using general terms that
subsume others. That is, it is more effective to speak in terms of the
forest than to divide the forest into its respective genera, species, etc.,
making one statement about pines, another about spruces, another about
alders, and so on.The National Association of Social Workers has identified the following core
values: Service; Social Justice; Dignity and worth of the Person;
Importance of Human Relationships; Integrity; Competence. If social
workers can distill the core values of their profession into just a few
succinct words or phrases, surely we can manage it.I am not hopeful of it, however. I am not hopeful that we will have put
before us a list that is as succinct as I would like it; or a list that does
not confuse librarians with libraries; or a list on which all terms/entries
are at the same level of importance or generality/specificity; or a list
that is ringingly beautiful.NEVERTHELESS .... Once before we had before us a statement that had been
worked on diligently and well, that included only values to which we as a
profession eagerly subscribe, that included (either specifically, or as a
component part of a value that is listed) the most critical values of the
profession.And we nibbled it to death.
It was not perfect, but it was not wrong.
The particular wording was not exactly what each Councilor might have
written, but it was not wrong.And we killed it anyway.
So this time, I intend to discuss what comes before us. I may suggest
changes. I may propose amendments (or I may not). I may not love the
wording that is eventually presented to us. I may always prefer some of
the wording in TF1's first version. But I do not intend to vote to kill
this proposal.Our colleagues on TF2 have worked hard, just as TF1 did. They have
endeavored to do their best, just as TF1 did. They have been assigned a
nearly impossible task, just as TF1 was. And so, I fully intend to vote FOR
the statement.We need such a statement. We need not to wait another three years. We need
not to wait for the equivalent of divine inspiration, or for the return of
Thomas Jefferson to prepare for us the perfect words. We need to respect
the work of our colleagues, adopt their work as our own, and move on.janet swan hill
councilor at large
janet.hill[at]colorado.edu.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12163] Re: Core values
Date: Tuesday 05:20:05 am
From: melora[at]prexar.com
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: melora[at]prexar.comThis is helpful. This tells me that for one person anyway, the audience for
a core values document is internal and the document will be used by
librarians on the job.While the language of TF1 might in many respects seem more appealing and
contemporary than that of TF2, I was uncomfortable with the extent to which
it could be interpreted as redefining our already-existing statements and
values as they are expressed in our core documents. The TF1 effort was, to
me, a valuable exercise in trying to find new ways to explain who we are to
people outside of our profession, and some of that language should surely be
considered as part of the text describing a core values statement if such
exists.I frequently see a need in my state to point someone on our state library
e-list to an existing ALA document when there is a conversation about a
basic responsibility or ethic of the library profession. I have not found
that these dicussions could really be boiled down to an effective single
phrase or sentence. However, if we publish a core values statement that
refers people back to the documents that explore those issues more
thoroughly, then that seems like a good thing and I support it.However, since TF1 and TF2 were so different, I prefer not to make further
comparisons and wish instead to move ahead and consider the results of TF2
on its own merits.Melora Ranney Norman, Maine
JSW wrote (in part):
> In my work, I have had many occasions to make decisions or determine
courses
> of action, in which an understanding of the core values of the
profession
> was vital (and which might have been assisted by the availability of a
> published statement).
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12171] Core Values and Process
Date: Tuesday 08:11:47 am
From: "Michael Golrick" <mgolrick[at]brdgprtpl.lib.ct.us>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
CC: <valuestf[at]ala.org>
Reply to: mgolrick[at]brdgprtpl.lib.ct.usGood Day-
Janet has served on Council slightly longer than I (I think), but we
have chatted many times about the topic of core values. I appreciate all
that she has said publicly and privately on the topic -- and even agree
with most of it.However, let me make a few points.
The current task force was originally charged with creating a process.
It was originally created by President Nancy Kranich (2000/01), its
charge was all about process. The charge was to develop discussion
questions and recommend desired outcomes, next steps, a process, and a
time line. The Task force reported at Midwinter and Annual 201, and
developed the discussion guide which is still on the ALA web site.At Council II in Toronto (2003), the task force requested an extension
through Midwinter 2004. Council voted at that time "That Council thanks
the members of the Core Values Task Force II (CVTFII) for their work.
That the Core Values Task Force II presents [sic] a concise statement
for review and approval by Council at the 2004 Annual Conference."
[2003-2004 CD #7]What you have seen presented is the result of that work. I will note
that it was just a year ago that the charge to the task force was
dramatically changed from creating a process, to writing a "concise
statement."A number of folks on the Council list, ALA members list, and elsewhere
have made some thoughtful, insightful, cogent comments on what has been
drafted. It is critical that BEFORE we get to Orlando, the Task Force
have the opportunity to review and digest the suggestions.If you have some thoughts to share, please do so, either on the list, or
to a member of the Task Force. The final document and discussion will
only be as good as the input.One last comment about the document itself. The "value domains" were
drawn from an extensive analysis of existing ALA policies and documents.
The quotations or excerpts listed with each value domain are taken
directly from existing ALA policy. These cannot be changed, except by
action of Council. It is possible to suggest other sections of existing
ALA policy. In drafting the document you received, we attempted to keep
the document "concise" by pointing to only ONE statement from existing
policy for each value domain.Thank you for your thoughts and participation.
Michael
Michael A. Golrick mgolrick[at]bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
City Librarian
Bridgeport Public Library
925 Broad Street
Bridgeport CT 06604http://www.bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
v: 203/576.7777
f: 203/333.0253The public library is the only public agency which serves the minds of
ALL of the population, one individual at a time... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12172] Re: Core values
Date: Tuesday 08:15:19 am
From: "Steve Matthews" <smatthews[at]foxcroft.org>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: smatthews[at]foxcroft.orgThis is brilliantly said. Thanks, Janet! It reflects the " long and
winding road" and the necessary but often excruciating process to where we
are and the crucial nature of having values stated explicitly as part of
our policy. We can quibble, fluff, and tweak for another five or six
years, or we can honor the process and content of this new statement and
put in on the books. I hope that it is a policy that we will revisit,
revise, and remold often. It is clear to me that this is not the last
word on values; it is really just a point of a departure. Our task now is
not about waiting for the tablets to descend from the mount- it is about
constant and continuing discourse on these areas which are crucial to
libraries and librarianship, and I would say to the very existence of our
free and democratic society. I would hope that grappling with these
"values" is a part of every librarian's and library worker's daily regimen.
If we yet again hesitate and find excuses for why we cannot define and
embrace our essence, then I worry about our future.Steve Matthews, Councilor-at-large.
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12180] RE: Core Values and Process
Date: Tuesday 12:38:56 pm
From: Thomas L Wilding <wilding[at]uta.edu>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: wilding[at]uta.eduJanet, Jim, and many others have posted some very thoughtful and interesting
messages about the core values document. I've read them with a great deal
of interest. Like Janet, this may not be the document that I would have
written, and I could argue that this or that statement isn't really a value.
Nine might be too many...four may be too few. But the statement as it
stands, drawn from some of our most important documents, identifies a set of
principles and values on which our profession, and some cases our society,
stands. I think the task force has done a brilliant job of distilling many
words into a few, and while they may or may not have been the few that I
would have selected, I don't take issue with any of them.When we charge the task force with coming up with such a statement, I
thought, "Yeah, right! Lots of luck!" But in fact I think they've been
very successful and should be commended. I could vote for this statement
of core values without any floor discussion...and hope to.--Tom Wilding
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12185] Re: Core values
Date: Wednesday 05:03:47 am
From: melora[at]prexar.com
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: melora[at]prexar.comIt's my impression that it isn't so much hurry as acknowledgement that it
will be impossible to gain full consensus from every member of Council (let
alone of the Association) on a statement, hence we hope that a majority will
pass the TF2 statement so that we can move on with other things. I am
admittedly in that camp. I'm ready to approve this one. I posted the list
to our Maine library listserv and heard no objections to the current
proposal.I am therefore glad to see people express their view to the list ahead of
time, and hope to see more councilors air their specific objections now so
that we can give any concerns the utmost possible consideration.Melora Ranney Norman, Maine
> To all, I agreed with and supported the formidable amount of work and the
> substance of the CV TF1 document,
> I cannot in good conscience vote for the draft of CV TF2 as seen to
date.
>
> Janet wrote: "We need to respect the work of our colleagues, adopt their
> work as our own, and move on."
>
> Indeed, and that's what should have happened the first time, but since it
> did not - I see no crisis of hurry, NOW.
> Best, John D.
> Berry, Councilor at Large
>
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12190] Core Values are vital
Date: Wednesday 09:48:52 am
From: "Corby, Kate" <corby[at]mail.lib.msu.edu>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: corby[at]mail.lib.msu.eduI've been reading the recent posts about the Core Values document. There is
a vital need for this document that clearly and succinctly says why
libraries are valuable by outlining the social values they uphold. I want
to step forward to encourage a cooperative spirit. I think it important
that individual members be willing to work out differences and get a
document approved and available. This "news" from Michigan might serve as
inspiration:The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a right leaning think tank in
Michigan. They have issued a set of proposals for budget cutting to help
balance the budget without new taxes.
http://www.mackinac.org/article.asp?ID=5046 The section of proposals for
the Department of History Arts and Libraries very clearly outlines why
using public money to support institutions like libraries endangers free
expression and civil liberty. In the full document at
http://www.mackinac.org/article.asp?ID=5141
they suggest: "libraries need not be public entities. Private libraries do
exist, and have throughout our nation's history. Indeed, one of America's
first lending libraries, established in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin,
was created as a civil institution for the betterment of mankind, thanks to
the private donations of individuals and to fees paid by users. "
This report has been endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce which is
urging the governor to find something besides increased fuel and cigarette
taxes to fund the state budget.
The Michigan Library Association has responded to this statement:
MLA Policy StatementThe Michigan Library Association strongly opposes the proposal by the
Mackinac Center for Public Policy to eliminate state funding for Michigan's
public libraries and libraries serving the blind and physically
handicapped.Strong, vital public libraries are an essential part of vibrant communities.
Public libraries teach children, serve small businesses and the unemployed,
assist the investor, support the entrepreneur and contribute to the quality
of life for Michigan residents. Successful states have strong public
libraries.Since our very first constitution the people of Michigan have believed that
strong public library service is an essential part of the quality of life
and education in our state. Funding for public library service has been a
joint state and local responsibility and should remain so.The Center's call for privatization of our state's public libraries is bad
public policy and is bad for Michigan.MLA will continue to monitor this report and legislative reaction to it.
Posted by,
Kate Corby
Education and Psychology Reference Librarian
Michigan State University Libraries
100 Library
East Lansing Michigan 48824
(517) 432-6123 ext. 121
FAX (517) 432-8050
http://www.lib.msu.edu/corby
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12215] Core Values
Date: 06/11/04 02:21 pm
From: "Barb Stripling" <BarbS[at]newvisions.org>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: BarbS[at]newvisions.orgDear Colleagues,
I have been thinking a lot about the Core Values statements in the Task
Force II draft report. A couple of you mentioned the need to clarify
whether these are values for libraries or librarians. I agree that we need
to clarify this.I think that our list of core values should be values for libraries ("I
believe that libraries uphold the values of. . ."). All of the ones listed
fit that lens except "Professionalism" and "Service." Both of those seem
to be more professional ethics to me, and I think they are both well
covered in Policy 54.16 -- "On Professional Ethics." So I would recommend
cutting them from this list and reaffirming the statement on professional
ethics.I also heard what one Councilor (I don't remember who) said about
"democracy" -- that we want these values to be universal values for
libraries and we shouldn't exclude libraries in nondemocratic countries.
Although I do see that point, these are values for the American Library
Association, and I think democracy is a core value of American libraries.
To me, democracy goes beyond access and intellectual freedom and shouldn't
be subsumed under them.I appaud the work of both task forces. This is tough work. I would like to
have enough discussion before our meeting that we can feel comfortable
about accepting a Core Values statement.Barb Stripling
Barbara Stripling
Director of Library Programs
New Visions for Public Schools
320 West 13th Street
New York, New York 10014212 645-5110 (phone)
212 645-7409 (fax)
bstripling[at]newvisions.org (e-mail).. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12218] Core Values: Audience and uses
Date: Saturday 06:00:01 am
From: "Melora Ranney Norman" <melora[at]prexar.com>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: melora[at]prexar.comI welcome the discussion of audience as it relates to a proposed core values
statement. It seemed to me that the proposed audience was librarians and
library educators, and that the need was for something to use on the job.When I've searched for similar statements, I've mostly located very broad
expressions of core values for people in professions, and then statements of
individual institututions. The broad ones seem to me directed more to the
individuals in the professions that for the institutions as a whole. Many
articles and sites mention core values without actually enumerating them.Here are some of the more specific examples I could find:
The Rules of Professional Conduct and the rules governing admission and
discipline of lawyers ensure that clients' interests are protected by
requiring lawyers to be qualified, independent and loyal to their clients.
The so-called "core values" of the legal profession -- competence,
independence of professional judgment, protection of confidential client
information, loyalty to the client through the avoidance of conflicts of
interest, and pro bono publico obligations -- work to protect clients by
imposing strict standards on the actions and conduct of lawyers, and
appropriately so.http://www.abanet.org/cpr/mdp-indiana_report.html
Others:
http://www.ama-assn.org/apps/pf_new/pf_online?f_n=browse&doc=policyfiles/BnGnC/H-625.010.HTM
http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Clearinghouse/Research_Related/corevalues.htm
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/5105.html#what_can_ama_do
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12219] Re: Core Values: Audience and uses
Date: Saturday 06:08:07 pm
From: Sue Kamm <suekamm[at]mindspring.com>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
CC: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: suekamm[at]mindspring.comI don't think we can compare our values and/or ethics with those of many
other professions. Lawyers are generally licensed to practice by the
state. In California, at least, the lawyers' code of professional
practice is part of the Business and Professions Code. There is an arm
of the state to discipline attorneys who violate the code.Perhaps once we define our core values and incorporate them into the
standards for library school accreditation, we can then work on
licensing librarians.--
Your friendly CyberGoddess and ALA Councilor-at-Large,
Sue Kamm
Los Angeles/Inglewood, CA
Truest of the Blue, Los Angeles Dodgers, 2000
email: suekamm[at]mindspring.com
Visit my homepage: http://suekamm.home.mindspring.com/index.htm
When you absolutely, positively HAVE to know, ASK A LIBRARIAN!.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12223] RE: Core Values
Date: Monday 08:30:50 am
From: "Janet Hill" <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu> (University Libraries)
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu>-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alacoun[at]ala.org [mailto:owner-alacoun[at]ala.org] On Behalf Of Barb
StriplingI have been thinking a lot about the Core Values statements in the Task
Force II draft report. A couple of you mentioned the need to clarify
whether these are values for libraries or librarians. I agree that we need
to clarify this.I think that our list of core values should be values for libraries ("I
believe that libraries uphold the values of. . .")._________
JSH: I found this message startling. Startling that after so much time and
discussion, and after the work of two task forces, that this basic question
should still be regarded by some as unanswered. From the beginning of the
debate (think back to the discussion of outsourcing in Hawaii .... ) we have
always cast the issue as "core values of the profession." or "core values of
librarianship" That is, the values held and upheld by librarians, in
service of the profession.Libraries are inanimate. They are edifices. They are corporate
institutions. They have no memories, consciences, ethics, values. They
are, however, populated by people. ..... It is the people within the
institutions that will determine the actions of the institutions. It is the
people who are accountable.We are those people. Core values are for us, personally.
A frequent criticism of our association is that we that we deflect attention
away from the people who provide the vision and service, and that this
deflection leads to people thinking that librarians themselves have no worth
.... That what is worthwhile is the buildings they work in, and information
resources that they collect.We ask people to support libraries, but don't ask them to support the people
who make them function. Perhaps it's a part of the self-effacing genteel,
female-intensive, service-oriented aspect of librarianship that says that if
we concentrate on the institutions/edifices/collections, that the impact on
the people who make them work, who make them worthwhile will "trickle down."But it hasn't, and it doesn't.
We are not our buildings. We are not our collections. We are not even our
services. We are responsible for all of these things and more, but we are
not them. Values are for us, not for the things we serve. The values that
we as people -- individually and collectively -- espouse and support will
determine the course of our institutions. And that's as it should be.janet swan hill
councilor at large
janet.hill[at]colorado.edu
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12224] Re: Core Values: Audience and uses
Date: Monday 08:45:27 am
From: "Steve Matthews" <smatthews[at]foxcroft.org>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
CC: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: smatthews[at]foxcroft.orgIn Virginia, public librarians are "certified." I think this is the case in
other states. The ALA accredited masters is required in order to receive
certification for professional work in public libraries.We already have ALA Professional Ethics (See Policy 54.16) which
function more along the lines of what other professions "regulate."
Values, while still reflecting professional actions, really enumerate
"domains of central interest" for both libraries and the library workers
who are responsible for carrying out the mission and goals of the library
in the specific community (be it school, university, public, or corporate)
and as a reflection of the "values" of society. Hopefully, librarians work
daily to clarify and apply meaningful interpretations within each value
area. And, each institution must necessarily reflect the "values"
decisions, policies, and attitudes that have been made by all of the staff
who design, administer, and deliver library service. Steve Matthews,
Councilor-at-large... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
[ALACOUN:12225] RE: Core Values
Date: Monday 08:44:29 am
From: MCR <iskra[at]earthlink.net>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: iskra[at]earthlink.netI think it is an anthropomorphic fallacy of some significance
(reflective, in my opinion, of some of the worst trends in our
culture and its ideology) to think that institutions have values.Values are held by people, sustained by people, injected into
institutions by people, in this case librarians.Core values, if they mean any thing at all, are what are sustained
by the conscious practice of people in the field of librarianship,
not by institutions.I couldn't disagree more with Barbara Strtipling about this. When we
attribute values to institutions, we turn values into logos, mottos,
and empty phrases meant to 'personalize' the impersonal. The content
of the values becomes secondary, if not irrelevant (certainly devoid
of significance, because there is no responsible conscious agent).
They just become part of the cosmetics of a 'corporate identity'.I guess it was just that way of thinking that made me work for
Michael Gorman's presidency against Ms Stripling's candidacy.I disagree fundamentally with attributing 'values' to institutions
with all that implies.It profoundly misunderstand what 'values' are
(not that this is uncommon in the corporatized world we seem to
worship increasingly).Mark Rosenzweig
ALA Councilor at large
At 9:30 AM -0600 6/14/04, Janet Hill wrote:
>-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alacoun[at]ala.org [mailto:owner-alacoun[at]ala.org] On Behalf Of Barb
>Stripling
>
>I have been thinking a lot about the Core Values statements in the Task
>Force II draft report. A couple of you mentioned the need to clarify
>whether these are values for libraries or librarians. I agree that we need
>to clarify this.
>
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12228] RE: Core Values
Date: Monday 12:20:19 pm
From: "Barb Stripling" <BarbS[at]newvisions.org>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: BarbS[at]newvisions.orgJanet Swan Hill stated:
Barbara Stripling
Director of Library Programs
New Visions for Public Schools
320 West 13th Street
New York, New York 10014212 645-5110 (phone)
212 645-7409 (fax)
bstripling[at]newvisions.org (e-mail)>>> "Janet Hill" <Janet.Hill[at]colorado.edu> 06/14/04 11:30AM >>>
We are not our buildings. We are not our collections. We are not even our
services. We are responsible for all of these things and more, but we are
not them. Values are for us, not for the things we serve. The values that
we as people -- individually and collectively -- espouse and support will
determine the course of our institutions. And that's as it should be.----------
Here's my thinking, hopefully better explained than my previous message:I absolutely agree that values are held by people, by us as library workers
and supporters. I also agree that our values should "determine the course
of our institutions." That's why intellectually I'm still pondering the
subtle differences between values like diversity, preservation, and
intellectual freedom and the values of professionalism and service.I would like to have a set of core values that can be a rallying cry for all
who support (or should support) libraries, including trustees,
paraprofessionals, librarians, legislators, and school district or
university administrators. Although I think professionalism and service
are essential to my own professional core, I think they are not the ones I
use to determine the course of my institution.Don't we want a set of core values that invites full acceptance by others?
I want legislators to be able to say, "I also believe in intellectual
freedom and in preservation of the human record." I don't want them to
then stumble on two items and have to say, "I believe that librarians
should value professionalism and service."I know that what's bothering me is subtle. I am certainly willing to adopt
a statement with professionalism and service included. I just wanted us to
think about it a bit. At this time when I hope we are trying to be a more
inclusive organization, inviting full participation by all library workers
whether they are professional librarians or not, and a more politically
effective organization, leveraging widespread political and public support,
the notion of setting up professionalism as a core value bothers me.Barb
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..[ALACOUN:12233] RE: Core Values
Date: Tuesday 06:58:06 am
From: Thomas L Wilding <wilding[at]uta.edu>
To: ALA Council List <alacoun[at]ala.org>
Reply to: wilding[at]uta.eduMark: I'm pretty sure that you don't have a high opinion of management
courses or organizational theory stuff, but there really is some pretty
interesting stuff in the literature about organizational values. You are
absolutely right that organizations don't have values, but organizations --
especially those that have been around for a while -- do have what are
characterized as "cultures" and those "cultures" (or ways of acting,
thinking, doing, prioritizing, etc) is the shorthand way of looking at the
organizations.Because of an organization's founders, who usually have some common set of
values that they bring to the organization's formation, others who share
those values join (or in the case of businesses, sometimes seek employment).
That re-inforces the founders' values and tends to perpetuate them. The
organization, through its members, develops policies, programs, and
priorities, all of which are consistent with those values, whether expressed
or not explicitly. Organizations that don't act consistently usually fail.I think the current discussion of values is important. Barbara Stripling's
belief that these are the values of libraries is one that I tend to agree
with, because it was from libraries, particularly the early public (and
maybe university) libraries that ALA sprang. The last 130 years have
certainly given us time to see those values become an important foundation
for our profession, our libraries, our organizations, and for us as
individuals as well. Why do we choose to enter this profession? I think
many of us (most??...all??) share the beliefs and values (and I think these
are interchangeable) that we assume are there.My memory (an increasingly failing one, I might add) tells me that the
current process of trying to articulate a set of values, came from the
Congress on Professional Education I, when a concern that our library
education programs didn't inculcate students with the core values of our
profession, but we couldn't point to what those core values were in any
succinct statement. Some of us thought that should be an easy thing to do
(ha-ha), but clearly not.I have some basic problems with some of the words on the draft statement
from the task force. I think some of them are our society's values rather
than libraries' values or librarians' values or the profession's values, but
ultimately I don't think it matters all that much. I still think I could
vote for this today happily and that we would have a statement that, as
clearly as anything will, reflects the foundational beliefs and values that
our libraries (or at least our non-profit ones) reflect in their services,
missions, etc.Sorry this is so long winded!
--Tom Wilding
_________________________________________________________________________top
L I B R A R Y J U I C E
ISSN 1544-9378
| http://libr.org/Juice/
|
| Library Juice is supported by a voluntary subscription
| fee of $10 per year, variable based on ability and
| desire to pay. You may send a check payable in US funds
| to Rory Litwin, at 1821 'O' St. Apt. 9, Sacramento, CA 95814,
| or, alternatively, you may use PayPal, by going to:
| https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=rlitwin%40earthlink.net
|
| You can also support Library Juice and Libr.org by buying our
| wonderful swag at http://www.cafeshops.com/libr
|
| To subscribe or unsubscribe, email Juice-subscriptions[at]libr.org
| with a request worded in plain english and "Subscribe" or
| "Unsubscribe" in the subject line. Tell me what's up!
|
| Library Juice is a free weekly publication edited and
| published by Rory Litwin. Original senders are credited
| wherever possible; opinions are theirs. If you are the
| author of some email in Library Juice which you want removed
| from the web, please write to me and I will remove it.
|
| Copyright to material in Library Juice should be considered
| to belong to the original authors unless otherwise stated.
| Works by Rory Litwin may be used freely for non-commercial
| purposes with appropriate attribution.
|
| Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
|
| rlitwin[at]earthlink.net