SRRT Newsletter
Issue 166, March 2009
Contents
E-Newsletter Days Are
Here
ALA and SRRT Elections, March 17-24
Letter from the Editor
Coordinator's Column
Volunteer Needed for Listserv Management
Kansas Chapter SRRT Plans Conference Sessions
Members Making News
Reports from the Midwinter Meeting
Task Force on the Environment Report
International Responsibilities Task Force Report
Rainbow Project Task Force Report
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Task Force Report
ALA Council Report
Minutes
Action Council Meeting I
Action Council Meeting II
Resolutions
Resolution on the Connection Between the Recent Gaza
Conflict and Libraries
Understanding Gaza - One Conference, One Book - ALA
Reads
Reviews
Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing
Your World
Information & Liberation: Writings on the Politics
of Information & Librarianship.
Corrections
Publication Information
Photo courtesy of Nancy Garmer
E-Newsletter Days Are Here
by LaJuan Pringle
SRRT is undertaking a huge shift in the delivery of our newsletter. Welcome to our first "electronic-only" edition of the newsletter. After a long discussion at Midwinter, we have decided that we would like to experiment with electronic delivery of the newsletter. What exactly does this mean? Well that's a good question. What we hope to do is cut down on the expenses associated with delivering a printed newsletter to our members before our annual and midwinter meetings. However, we understand that there are some members who prefer a printed copy of the newsletter and we would like to accommodate you as well. I'm also well aware that only a small percentage of our membership actually makes it to our conference meetings and you may have an opinion about our decision. I would love to hear from you and what you think about our shift to a primarily electronic version of the newsletter. Would you prefer a print copy? Do you like the change we've made? Please feel free to drop me a line at lpringle(at)plcmc.org. Thanks!
ALA and SRRT Elections, March 17-April 24
by LaJuan Pringle
Election time is upon us once again and here's a list of our members that will
be running during this election cycle:
2009 ALA CANDIDATES FOR COUNCILOR-AT-LARGE
• Al Kagan, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
• Peter McDonald, California State University - Fresno, Fresno, CA
• Michael J. Miller, Queens College, CUNY, Flushing, NY
• Virginia (Ginny) B. Moore, Oxon Hill Library, Prince George's County
Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD
2009 SRRT CANDIDATES
• Tiffani Connor, SRRT Representative to ALA Council, University of
Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (student member)
• Jaime Hammond, SRRT Action Council At Large, Naugatuck Valley Community
College, Waterbury, CT
• Myntha Cuffy, SRRT Action Council At Large, University of Iowa, Iowa
City, IA (student member)
• LaJuan Pringle, SRRT Action Council At Large, PLCMC, Beatties Ford Road
Branch Library, Charlotte, NC
• Erik Sean Estep, SRRT Action Council At Large, East Carolina University,
Greenville, NC
Please vote! The polls will open on March 17 and will close April 24 at 11:59
CDT. This year's election will be the first almost entirely conducted on-line.
Exceptions will be made for members who are homebound and do not have access to
the Internet. If you need further information, please feel free to contact me
at lpringle(at)plcmc.org.
Or you can call me at 704-416-3002. You may also read the ALA press release
about the upcoming election and new procedures here.
See you at the polls!
Letter from the Editor
Dear Readers,
The changes I alluded to in my last letter are now upon us. As our first solely
electronic edition, this issue looks even more different than the last issue.
Since we are no longer publishing in print, there is no need to confine the
layout and design of the SRRT Newsletter to what will fit on 8.5 x 11
inch pages in multiples of four. We have now switched to web publication in
XHTML format, which should allow more flexibility and freedom for our
content.
With this being our first XHTML issue, the formatting may seem a little rough.
I am still experimenting with the design and welcome feedback from you. Is the
issue easy to navigate? Is it easy to read online? If you print it out to read,
is the printout easy to read? Please share your thoughts and suggestions with
me so that together we may shape the future of the SRRT Newsletter.
Another important change that this issue brings is the move back to quarterly
publication. The point has been raised that it would be helpful to have shorter
issues published after conferences to deliver news from conference in a more
timely fashion. Therefore, our new publication schedule will be March, June,
September and December.
Our next newsletter deadline will be Friday, May 8, 2009. Please send your
contributions to me by e-mail in DOC, RTF, or TXT format. Images are welcome
and encouraged. Indicate in the subject line of your e-mail that it is a
SRRT Newsletter submission. I am looking forward to hearing from
you!
Best wishes,
Myka Kennedy Stephens
mykaks(at)gmail.com
Coordinator's Column
by LaJuan Pringle
The year of 2009 has come upon us
with tremendous change in our nation's history. The election of President
Barack Obama was a huge victory for progressives everywhere who have fought for
the equality of all. Many of the events that got us to this point in history
occurred in the late 60s when Americans stood arm-in-arm and demanded change
for all Americans as we sought to recognize our common humanity. The gender,
racial and sexual identity politics of the U.S. were exploding at the seams
during this time and the entire nation bore witness to the events surrounding
this tumultuous period. Combined with the continuing escalation of violence as
a result of the war in Vietnam, our nation was visibly divided during this era.
The fallout from these events contributed to the birth of SRRT in 1969 and its
quest to define itself as the social conscience of ALA. Forty years later, SRRT
is still functioning as that voice for our profession at a time when the ideals
of democracy or universal human rights for all humans are subject to debate.
From the Israel/Palestine conflict to the dangers of global warming and climate
change, we find ourselves not only engaging in battles for the rights of
others, but making the case to our colleagues within the Association as to why
SRRT is so important for librarianship. Although SRRT's role in our profession
is deeply rooted in librarianship as an agent of social change, we still have
much work to be done internally within ALA as we continue to promote our agenda
of universal human rights and peace for all. We will continue to promote social
responsibilities as a core value of librarianship and to provide a voice for
alternative views within the Association.
We must also continue to evolve as an organization. As technology continues to
shape the world we live in, SRRT must strive to stay plugged in as well. This
will play a major role in how we communicate with each other and maintain our
relevancy. A lot of this will involve experiments including electronic delivery
of the newsletter. We'll also wade into the brisk waters of meeting in open
electronic forums. And unfortunately, these changes will take place during a
trying period in our country's history as we're left to act on the financial
turmoil that has spilled over into our profession. We've been humbled into
accepting that many of us in the profession could lose our jobs, our homes and
our sense of stability before it's all over. So as we celebrate our 40th
anniversary, we should still be mindful that our battle isn't over. We are
still at the beginning stages of the war. But we'll stay mindful of the
prize—which is peace and a progressive agenda within librarianship.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Alison Lewis, SRRT's outgoing
coordinator who did her best to work with me and ensure a smooth transition.
Alison and I spent countless days communicating to each other through email and
phone as well our face to face time during the Midwinter session. Please extend
your hearty thanks to her when you get a chance, because she worked extremely
hard to keep us in harmony.
Volunteer Needed for Listserv Management
by Elaine Harger
SRRT's wonderful listserv manager, Laura Koltutsky, is ready to pass the job along to a new volunteer. Declare your interest in the position to SRRT Coordinator, LaJuan Pringle. A job description is being prepared for the position and will be placed on SRRT's website soon. The position does not require attendance at any ALA conferences and is perfect for someone who wants to become more involved and work for SRRT from home.
Kansas Chapter SRRT Plans Conference Sessions
by Carol Levers
The Librarians For Cultural &
Ethnic Diversity/Social Responsibility (SRRT) are planning two sessions for
this year's KLA/MPLA
Joint Conference 2009 - Libraries: Dynamic People, Places & Ideas April
1 through 3, 2009. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency/Century II
Convention Center, 400 W Waterman, Wichita, KS 67202.
May I Please Blow Up This Reference Desk? has been accepted as a
conference program. It is scheduled in room 201B from 3-4:50 on Thursday, April
2, 2009. Presenter Tracie D. Hall is most recently Assistant Dean at the
Graduate School Of Library and Information Science at Dominican University. She
is the Principal Founder of Goodseed Consulting Group. Formerly, Director of
the American Library Association Office for Diversity. She has also worked at
Hartford, New Haven Free, and Seattle Public Libraries. She was recognized by
Library Journal as the August 2004 "Mover and Shaker." She holds a Bachelors
degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a Masters degree
from Yale University and a MLIS degree from the University of Washington.
Three Dynamic Perspectives on Mentoring has been accepted as a
conference program. It is scheduled in room 210C from 1:30-2:20 on Thursday,
April 2, 2009. The Three Co-Presenters are: Nikhat Ghouse, Social Sciences
Librarian for Anthropology, Global Indigenous Nations and Religious Studies,
University of Kansas; Andrew Evans, head of Reference/Government Documents
Librarian, Washburn University; Jennifer Church-Duran, Assisted Dean of User
Services, University of Kansas.
Do you have SRRT chapter news to share? Be sure to submit it for the next issue!
Members Making News
Spotlight on Fred Stoss
Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International (CABI) invited Fred Stoss,
co-chair of the SRRT Task Force on the Environment (TFOE) and an Associate
Librarian for Biological and Environmental Sciences and Mathematics at the SUNY
University at Buffalo, to its recently created Editorial Advisory Board of CABI
Environmental Impact. CABI created Environmental Impact as an online
information service covering a wide variety of environmental topics affecting
the agricultural sector worldwide. Fred's expertise as an environmental
information specialist, especially related to global environmental change was
cited for his inclusion in this effort.
Fred also accepted an invitation to represent the TFOE on the Book Industry
Environmental Council, which represents publishers, printers, paper mills, and
others proposing environmental improvements in book publishing. The Council
establishes criteria and standards for product labeling, develops standardized
mechanisms for tracking environmental metrics, and makes recommendations for
reducing the industry's impacts on climate change. The Council is a project of
the Green Press Initiative (GPI).
This past year Fred contributed a number of presentations across the country,
including: "Earth, Wind and Fire @ your library: What Libraries and Librarians
Can Do about Global Warming," and "The Green Press Initiative," American
Library Association Annual Meeting; "Nature and the Environment @ Your
Library." American Library Association Midwinter Meeting; "Librarians without
Borders: The Information You Need Anytime, Anywhere," U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Environmental Information Symposium; "Perspectives on Sharing
Environmental Data and Information in a Decision-making Model (by invitation).
Annual Meeting of the EPA National Library Network; "Global Warming: What We
Can Tell the Children," and "Nature Journaling Special Features: Sound Maps,"
New York State Outdoor Education Association 40th Annual Meeting.
Fred also conducted a series of environmental education workshops for the
Sierra Club, Environmental Education Committee: "Convenient Solutions to Global
Warming," "Getting It Right by Writing It. Helping Kids to Write a Nature
Journal," "How to Write a Nature Journal," and "Global Warming: What We Can
Tell Children."
"Green Libraries" was the theme of a presentation Fred delivered at the 2008
Annual Conference of the New York Library Association. Fred trained under Al
Gore and the Climate Project as one of the "1000 Climate Messengers," and
selected to deliver Mr. Gore's slide show on which the book and documentary
film, An Inconvenient Truth is based. Fred discussed the science behind global
warming and elaborated on solutions libraries are adopting to spread the word
about global warming and efforts to make their libraries more environmentally
friendly and reduce their "carbon footprints" at home and at work. Sustainable
building designs, conservation of non-renewable energy, and LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) were parts of this presentation. Fred also
provided and received some first-hand examples of Green Libraries as the
closing keynote speaker at the 2008 "Green Libraries Green Communities"
conference organized by the librarians of the City University of New York and
The New York Public Library at the Bronx Central Library.
Fred and his daughter, Kaeti (a 2005 honors Art History/Archeology graduate of
the University of Rochester and currently working on her BS degree in Earth
Science and New York State Secondary Education Certification at the SUNY
College at Brockport) published a paper in the trade journal, Online: "Heating
Up for Global Warming Research and Policy" (Online. Vol. 32, no. 1, p. 37-42).
The paper is the online featured work from this issue and found at: http://www.infotoday.com/online/jan08/stoss.shtml.
Consider sharing your noteworthy accomplishments and achievements as an SRRT member. Submit your information for the next issue!
Task Force on the Environment Report
by Jonathan Betz-Zall, co-chair
SRRT's Task Force on the Environment continues its role as disseminator of
important, cutting edge information to interested library people. At our
Midwinter business meeting, we heard reports that our webmaster, Mary Feeney,
has updated our site http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/srrt/tfoe/taskforceenvironment.cfm
and is working to improve our selection of outside links. We would like to find
other volunteers to add additional content; contact Mary via the address listed
on the web site if you would like to help. Our main activity for the coming two
years will be conference programs; we are working to bring Denis Hayes, the
co-founder of Earth Day, to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of that event
in 2010. Meanwhile, we will celebrate our own 40th anniversary in 2009 with a
round table discussion of veterans of the early days. Watch your conference
program for more details.
In addition to the business meeting we also held a discussion of prospects for
green activism within librarianship. A number of online initiatives were
discussed as well as more traditional activities. Did you know that one of the
first fully on-line journals was founded by TFoE people in 1994? Now titled the
Electronic Green Journal, it is still edited by founder Maria Jankowska. Check
it out at this address: http://repositories.cdlib.org/uclalib/egj/
We look forward to seeing more environmentally-concerned librarians in
Chicago!
International Responsibilities Task Force Report
by Jane Glasby, chair
The Task Force met at ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver in January 2009.
Discussion at the meeting centered on recent events in Palestine, and planning
for programming over the next two years.
Palestine
The recent bombardment, invasion, destruction and killing in Gaza by the
Israeli government forces spurred members to write two resolutions. These were
passed by the SRRT Action Council and moved at the ALA Council meetings at the
Midwinter meeting this year. Details of their progress can be read in the ALA
Council and SRRT Action Council reports. The resolution condemning destruction
in Gaza and urging the US government to work towards disarmament was referred
to, and watered down by, the International Relations Committee of ALA. The
other resolution, though defeated in ALA Council, could lead to a SRRT meeting
or program. This “One Conference, One Book” resolution, presented
by Elaine Harger was written with the idea that ALA members are as ill-informed
about Palestine as is the US public at large. This is reflected in the level of
debate in ALA. US media present a very one-sided pro-Israeli view. In the
interests of balance, the suggestion is that we promote the reading of a book
sympathetic to the Palestinians to be discussed at a meeting of the ALA
membership. There was broad consideration of which book might be chosen, and a
bibliography could readily be produced. Suggestions for the “one
book” include Jimmy Carter’s Peace Not Apartheid, Ghada
Karmi’s Married to Another Man, Ilan Pappe’s The
Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine.
Programming 2009
For ALA Annual 2009 in Chicago, we discussed our contribution to the 40th
anniversary celebration of the founding of SRRT. The idea of producing a set of
bibliographies on particular issues—perhaps 40 bibliographies for 40
years—was received with enthusiasm by the members present. The idea was
presented to the committee organizing the anniversary celebrations and taken up
by that group.
Programming 2010
For ALA Annual 2010 in Washington D.C we are planning to base a program on the
status of children and their rights in the world. A series of topics quickly
emerged, with room for expansion: children and war/ conflicts e.g. Palestine,
Iraq, Afghanistan; physical and psychological effects children and migration
(refugees, immigration, destruction of families human trafficking, child labor,
child prostitution Economics); poverty and children, children incarcerated.
Co-sponsorship opportunities, venues, speakers, resources are under discussion
and development. This may be developed as a pre-conference program, or as a
series of related events.
Rainbow Project Task Force Report
by John Andrews, chair-elect
SRRT All Task Force Meeting
Rainbow Project discussion at the SRRT All Task Force Meeting focused on two
topics: the then-upcoming mediation between the RP, SRRT and GLBT-RT, and the
revision of Rainbow Project policies and procedures.
The status of the Rainbow Project and its location within the larger
organizational structure of ALA was the focus of the first part of the meeting.
Members were asked to give input to the chair regarding the best placement of
the Rainbow Project. All members agreed that it was important for this project
to maintain a relationship with GLBT-RT, and all members were pleased with how
well the project had gone under the auspices of SRRT. All expressed a desire to
see that relationship continue, and all members agreed that the best course
would be a co-sponsorship shared between SRRT and GLBT-RT.
Additionally, it was decided at the All Task Force Meeting that the Rainbow
Project would explore sponsoring a breakfast at Annual 2010, to continue
biennially in even years. The remainder of the All Task Force Meeting was to
revise and streamline the policies and procedures. Changes to the policies were
suggested and discussed at the meeting, with further discussion and a final
decision taking place via e-mail in the weeks following the Midwinter Meeting.
Mediation and Decision Regarding Placement of the Rainbow Project
A meeting was held with representatives of the Rainbow Project, GLBT-RT, and
SRRT, and facilitated by OLOS, to determine the status and final placement of
the Rainbow Project within ALA. It was decided that the Rainbow Project would
remain under the auspices of both SRRT and GLBT-RT.
Rainbow List Discussions
The members of the Rainbow Project met three additional times during the
Midwinter Meeting to discuss nominated titles for the 2009 Rainbow List, and to
determine the final bibliography of recommended titles. Three titles were
unanimously supported, and discussion of the remaining nominations yielded a
list with 36 titles for early, middle, and young adult readers. At the final
meeting of the Rainbow Project, assignments were given for writing annotations.
Also at the final meeting, members discussed the future membership of the
Rainbow Project. Nel Ward was retained as chair; John Andrews was selected as
chair-elect for 2009 and will take over the chair's responsibilities following
Midwinter 2010. Three RP members stated that they would be unable to continue
as members in 2009, and all members were asked to seek out potential
candidates. Following Midwinter, candidates were selected to fill the vacancies
in the Rainbow Project.
Rainbow List 2009
Since Midwinter, we have had an incredible amount of positive feedback about
the Rainbow List. The 2009 list is available at http://rainbowlist.wordpress.com/rl-2009/.
Project members for the 2009 list were: John Andrews, Washoe County Library
System (Reno, NV); Helma Hawkins, Kansas City Public Library (Kansas City, MO);
K.T. Horning; Cooperative Children's Book Center, University of
Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI); Arla Jones, Lawrence High School (Lawrence,
KS); Natalie Kendall, Greeley Elementary School (Chicago, IL); Sharon Senser
McKellar; Oakland Public Library (Oakland, CA); Michael Santangelo; Brooklyn
Public Library (Brooklyn, NY); Victor Schill; Harris County Public Library
(Houston, TX); Nel Ward, Chair (Newport, OR); and Christie Gibrich, Assistant
to the Rainbow List for Public Relations and Support; Grand Prairie Public
Library System (Grand Prairie, TX).
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Task Force Report
by Virginia B. Moore, Chair
In Denver's early morning snow
flurries, many new participants and the faithful gathered at 6:30 a.m. in the
Colorado Convention Center on Monday, January 26. They braved the weather and
the strong desire for more sleep to get what one had called the
“Midwinter spiritual jolt.” This year's observance marked Dr.
Martin Luther King's 80th birthday and the 23rd anniversary of the national
holiday in his honor. Moreover, it represented the tenth American Library
Association (ALA) Sunrise Observance starting in San Antonio, TX by the Social
Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT). It was also the ninth year of
Co-sponsorship with the Black Caucus of the American Library Association
(BCALA) along with World Book, Inc. With the theme, “A Testament of Hope:
Remember! Celebrate! Act! - A Day On…Not a Day Off,” the program
to honor Dr. King's life and achievements opened with a welcome from Co-sponsor
Social Responsibilities Round Table which was followed by the singing of
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” led by Musical Presenter Lorelle
Swader, Director, ALA Office of Human Resource Recruitment and Development. ALA
President Jim Rettig brought greetings and observations on the occasion along
with Keith Michael Fiels, ALA Executive Director, and Jennifer Parello,
Assistant Marketing Director, World Book, Inc.
The featured speaker for the
celebration was Colorado Commissioner of Education Dwight D. Jones who won
statewide recognition for narrowing and eliminating the achievement gaps
associated with minority children and students of low socioeconomic means.
Appointed in June 2007 and currently a member of the Education Commission of
the States (ECS) and the Closing the Achievement Gap Commission, Commissioner
Jones recounted his path to such high accomplishment with incidents from his
early life, including being mentored by a school librarian. As the first
African American holding his position, he spoke of his gratitude to be both our
guest and a beneficiary of Dr. King's legacy while encouraging ALA to continue
its efforts toward equal access to information.
In addition, selected quotes from Dr. King's speeches, writings, and interviews
were read by the leaders of ALA committees, round tables, affiliates from the
liaison communities of the ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services
(OLOS). In closing words representing Co-sponsor Black Caucus (BCALA), Co-Chair
Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Molefi Baako) presented “My Lord, What a
Morning!” as an inspiring charge to action based on the excitement and
expectations shared by the election of our First African American President
Barack Obama. Ending with a circle that filled the room, hands clasped and
voices swelled in the singing of “We Shall Overcome” for renewal
and reunion fired by the hope and promise of Dr. King's “I Have a
Dream.”
Grateful acknowledgements are extended to World Book, Inc. for bountiful
refreshments, American Libraries and ALA Cognotes for
extensive news coverage, Satia Orange, Director, and the OLOS staff for
stalwart support along with appreciation to all participants and attendees.
First photo: LaJuan Pringle, SRRT Action Council Coordinator, welcomes
attendees to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Sunrise Observance. Second
photo: Dwight D. Jones, Colorado Commissioner of Education, was featured
speaker at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Sunrise Observance. Photos
courtesy of Nancy Garmer.
Report to SRRT on the ALA Council
by Al Kagan, SRRT Councilor
Denver, January 2009
It seems as if the ALA Council has again lost its memory of some of our
association's core values. Although social responsibility is the very first
point in the ALA Policy Manual, the Library Education Task Force gave us a
document on “ALA's Core Competences of Librarianship” (2008-2009
CD #10.1) that failed to even mention social responsibility. The document
also failed to include diversity even though diversity is the first of the
FY2009 Programmatic Priorities (2008-2009
CD#13.1-13.2) as passed by the ALA Council. When I tried to insert the two
words, “social responsibility” near the beginning of the document,
the amendment was defeated by a vote of 52 to 99. The Diversity Council's
effort to insert a section on diversity was also defeated in a similar manner.
We will be working with the Diversity Council on new language to amend the core
competences at the Annual Meeting in Chicago.
SRRT wrote and approved for itself two resolutions on the Gaza conflict. Both
were taken to the ALA Council. One was adopted in a very stripped down mode
while the other was soundly defeated. The first was titled “Resolution on
the Connection between the Recent Gaza Conflict and Libraries (2008-2009
CD#36). It referenced our successful previous “Resolution on the
Destruction of Palestinian Libraries, Archives, and Other Cultural
Institutions” (2001-2002
CD#18.8). The resolution noted ALA's membership in the US Committee of the
Blue Shield, which is affiliated, with the International Committee of the same
name. Blue Shield protects cultural property at risk in armed conflict. It also
noted that the US recently ratified the 1954 Hague Convention for the
Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. It went on to
give the context of the Gaza conflict. While condemning terrorism on both
sides, the resolution emphasized the massive death and destruction caused by US
weapons used by the Israeli military. The action items included urging the US
Government to work with Blue Shield, work for a permanent ceasefire, and work
towards disarmament in the region. Unfortunately, our resolution was
immediately referred to the ALA International Relations Committee (IRC). Since
I am currently an IRC member, I was able to speak to the resolution at the
committee meeting but with little effect. The IRC stripped almost all of the
context out when it reported back to the ALA Council. Only two resolved clauses
remained: one calling on the US Government to work with the Blue Shield and the
other calling for the US Government to work for a permanent peace in the
region. Even that was too much for the ALA Council. They amended the last
resolved clause to call on the US Government “to continue to work for
peace in the region.” I argued that the Bush Administration had obviously
promoted war in the region but the amendment was adopted by about two to one.
The final
revision was adopted by a large majority (2008-2009
CD#18.1).
Elaine Harger was the main author of the other document, “Understanding
Gaza - One Conference, One Book - ALA Reads” (2008-2009
CD#37). The emphasis here was on educating librarians since the mainstream
media continually supports US and Israeli foreign policies. The resolution
called for an ALA Reads Working Group to select a book for the Chicago annual
meeting that portrays the Palestinian people in a “fair, respectful, and
accurate” way. It called for using some of the ALA Membership Meeting
time to discuss the book, and to widely promote the project in general.
Although Elaine gave a heartfelt presentation as only she can, discussion on
the Council floor became very nasty when a speaker castigated SRRT for
promoting Hamas. I rose to a point of personal privilege saying how offended I
was by the speaker's comments. In the end very few councilors voted for the
resolution. Although our first resolution was watered-down significantly and
although we were soundly defeated on the second one, I think we accomplished
more than first meets the eye. We raised the plight of Gaza in several
high-level places throughout the meeting. If only twenty-five or thirty
Councilors learned something, I think the project was worth the effort. Elaine
is on the right track; until a large segment of the US population gains more
understanding of the Middle East and raises its voice, we are likely to see
continued US supported violence in the region.
I must report one further point on US foreign policy. The ALA Washington Office
issued a report on December 17, 2008 titled, “Opening
the 'Window to a Larger World:' Libraries' Role in Changing America.”
We also had a Town Hall Meeting in Denver on what to tell President Obama about
libraries, and a list of issues was distributed before the meeting to stimulate
discussion. Neither the report nor the list of issues mentioned any of our
successful resolutions against the Iraq War, torture, or disinformation
campaigns. I got a fair amount of applause when I raised these issues at the
Town Hall Meeting, but I bet our Washington Office will continue to disregard
these hard fought and won ALA policies.
On the bright side, our successful effort to pass a sweatshop free purchasing
policy for ALA at the last Annual Meeting (2008
CD#58) is being implemented. Keith Fiels gave us his implementation report
(2008-2009
CD#9.1), although it was not discussed by the ALA Council in Denver.
Council passed a “Resolution Commending President Barack Obama on His
Commitment to Openness and Transparency in Government” (2008-2009
CD#20.1). The Council approved three new/revised interpretations of the
Library Bill of Rights on “Challenged Materials,” “Restricted
Access to Library Materials,” and “Services to Persons with
Disabilities” (2008-2009
CD#19.1-19.3). Other notable actions include the “Resolution on
Access for Physical Mobility Impaired Conference Attendees” (2008-2009
CD#38) and “Resolution on Accessible Computer Workstations at ALA
Annual Conferences and Midwinter Meetings' (2008-2009
CD#39). I would also like to mention the “Resolution
in Memory of Senator Claiborne Pell” of Rhode Island, who was
responsible for the Basic Educational Opportunity Grants (Pell Grants), Library
Services Act (LSA), the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), the
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) which created the Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the National Endowment for the Arts, and
the National Endowment for the Humanities. As a Rhode Islander, I was fortunate
to grow up with a principled Senator in office.
The most confusing, difficult and longest discussion took place around the
Final Report of the ALA Task Force on Electronic Member Participation (2008-2009
CD#35). I will not try to explain all of the 16 recommendations here, but
only note a few points. The first five recommendations were debated separately
but this took so long that the rest of the items were discussed as a group in a
committee of the whole. It is my understanding that these items will now be
addressed by the ALA Executive Board taking into consideration all the comments
made as well as the financial implications of implementation. The category of
“virtual members” of ALA committees will be phased out in favor of
full committee membership for all. I spoke against the recommendation that
would let ALA Council meet virtually between meetings. The very complication of
discussing this agenda item shows how important it is to thrash things out in
person and in many venues. I also commented on the recommendation that would
authorize Councilors to meet virtually if they could not attend an ALA Council
meeting. The discussion in the report notes that this is necessary for
emergency situations. I stressed that these circumstances should be true
emergencies, not for example just budget problems or short staffing.
Finally, a word on the ALA-APA, Allied Professional Association. Although there
were no action items, there was a report urging us to contact our Senators to
encourage passage of the Paycheck Fairness
Act (S.182) and the Lilly Ledbetter
Fair Pay Act (S.181). However there was no mention of the Employee Free
Choice Act (H.R.1409), the card check bill. Amongst other provisions, this
bill would make union organizing much easier, establish stronger protection
against illegal employer tactics, and provide arbitration for first contracts.
If a majority of bargaining unit members sign union authorization cards, the
employer would be obligated to recognize the union instead of stalling for
months or years under the current system. After I spoke about this bill, one
Councilor upbraided me for wanting to take away a secret ballot. But the bill
also provides a secret ballot election if one-third of the members say they
want one. This is the AFL-CIO's main legislative priority. It is more than
strange that the ALA-APA can't even mention it in the report of the ALA-APA
Standing Committee on the Salaries and Status of Library Workers.
As usual, I will be happy to try to answer any questions: akagan(at)uiuc.edu.
Minutes of SRRT Action Council Meeting I
Saturday, January 24, 2009 in Denver, Colorado
Introductions
Discussion of Gaza Resolution written by Al Kagan, Tom Twiss, and Max Macias.
Title reworks previous IRC/SRRT Iraq War Resolution. Wordsmithing began in
earnest until time consciousness prevailed.
Motion: To adopt amended Gaza Resolution as SRRT resolution
and forward to Council to pass as an ALA resolution. Moved by Elaine Harger,
seconded by Jonathan Betz-Zall. Motion carries.
Discussion ensued about tightening resolution language ahead of meetings so as
to limit time spent on minute details. Elaine offered to post contact names of
experienced resolution writers and other helpful info on SRRT web site for
members with minimal experience wishing to write resolutions.
Membership committee report: Elaine recounted the past and recent travails
emanating from the decision at 2008 Annual to populate new members on to
srrtac-l list as well as the srrtmem list. When signing up for listservs, SRRT
memberss often use different e-mails than the contact e-mail addresses used for
ALA membership, so people received traffic they didn't expect. Elaine will
share this fiasco with John Jenner. Would be beneficial for SRRT to share this
with ALA as a case study in what not to do. The problem for those anxious to
unsubscribe is that in the SRRT e-mail footer the link doesn't take you to a
live person to contact, just your management portion of the ALA listserv web
site. And if you've never signed on to the site, you have to go through quite
the rigmarole sign-up process. The inability to sign up for daily digest
complicates the matter for those members overwhelmed by sheer volume on certain
days. The SRRT Membership committee receives quarterly lists of members, so
there may be opportunity to make personal contact for disgruntled
unsubscribers. Continued in later thread of meeting. After several years of
dedicated service, Laura Koltutsky has asked for someone else to be the SRRT
listserv manager.
Action Council Positions and vacancies: Tiffani Connor is running as
representative to ALA Council to fill the large shoes vacated by Al Kagan.
LaJuan noted there will be 3 additional vacancies on AC and we need folks to
run. Mike encouraged those new SRRT members in attendance to consider running
for AC, and after the responsibilities were read aloud and enumerated upon by
present AC members, a few brave new SRRT members volunteered to go for it and
put forth their names on the spring ballot!
Listserv and other communication methods: LaJuan reported that the srrtac-l
listserv was shut down on Friday, 1/23. Discussion followed with a suggestion
to delete all addresses from srrtac-l, then send an e-mail out to srrtmem
soliciting SRRT members to rejoin. The question about whether we could first
ask ALA to wind back the clock to list status from before the e-mail address
population explosion was raised. Melora reminded us of the ethical
consideration of opt-in advantage over opt-out choice, and suggested there be
an announcement on SRRT web page to wipe the slate clean. Another option is to
contact all those people who requested to be unsubscribed, ask them to
reconsider, and give them precise instructions.
Motion: AC Coordinator will talk to ALA about reinstating list
prior to the upload fiasco, and if that's not possible, we will start from
scratch by wiping srrtac-l clean and solicit rejoining through srrtmem and web
site announcements. Moved by LaJuan Pringle, seconded by Al Kagan. Motion
carries.
LaJuan reported going to roundtable coordinating assembly on 1/23 and learning
how forthcoming ALA Connect social networking site may alleviate some of our
communication/listserv difficulties and/or assist in roundtable internal
communications, e.g. the discussion boards component of ALA Connect.
Elections and Endorsements: Al reported that ALA Executive Board issued new
election guidelines on Oct. 15, 2008. SRRT has often endorsed candidates for
president and other officers. We were told a few years ago that units could not
endorse candidates according to guidelines no one could ever locate.
Roundtables and divisions can publish lists of their members running for
office, and now individuals (including elected officers) can endorse anyone,
but NOT in their capacity as ALA officials. In other words, SRRT cannot
officially endorse candidates for ALA President, Council, or any other office.
This stifles freedom of speech and begs the question of why candidates go
around to committee meetings to stump in the first place.
Motion: SRRT strongly opposes the current proscription that
officers can't endorse candidates outlined in new election guidelines from
10/15/2008 and directs SRRT Councilor to bring this up in Council meeting. The
SRRT Coordinator is also instructed to bring our objection to the policy up at
subsequent Roundtable Assembly meetings. Moved by Al Kagan, seconded by Elaine
Harger. Motion carries.
SRRT newsletter: Alison Lewis reported that, after a year of negotiation, ALA
has signed the contract with Wilson to index and provide full text access to
SRRT Newsletter archive. Coming soon to a database near you!
Discussion of increasing frequency of newsletter to more than twice per year:
LaJuan explained newsletter editor Myka Kennedy Stephens' suggestion and
willingness to publish quarterly. As a first step, there was a proposal for a
brief communiqué as a spring issue that has list of SRRT AC candidates and SRRT
members running for other positions, and any significant midwinter business
needing info to be communicated prior to ALA elections. Cost of print
newsletter, even truncated format, quite prohibitive given SRRT fiscal status.
Discussion about SRRT move toward electronic format for all future
publications, but no definitive decision reached to completely cease print
newsletter publication.
Motion: publish SRRT electronic broadside in March 2009 just
before the spring election in April. Moved by Mike Marlin, seconded by LaJuan
Pringle. Motion carries.
In brief: Jane Glasby reported that ASCLA wants to rewrite the Prisoners' Right
to Read Resolution brought forth at 2008 Annual meeting. Jane will be engaged
on this project and encourages anyone else who is interested to please contact
her.
Meeting adjourned.
Minutes of SRRT Action Council Meeting II
Monday, January 26, 2009 in Denver, Colorado
Introductions
Approval of 2008 Annual AC Minutes: Due to a glitch, Anaheim minutes were
unavailable for review. Minutes will be re-sent to AC if rumors of Disney
character Pluto eating them turn out to be unfounded.
Motion: Approval of 2008 Annual SRRT AC minutes delayed until
2009 Annual SRRT meetings in Chicago. Moved by LaJuan Pringle, seconded by
Jonathan Betz-Zall. Motion carries.
Understanding Gaza: one conference one book, a lifelong learning inspired
resolution written by Elaine Harger was introduced and discussed. With the
intent of fostering understanding, resolution seeks to establish ALA Reads
working groups, direct working group to select for Chicago conference a book
sympathetic to plight of Palestinian people, invite author, set aside portion
of general membership meeting to discuss the book, and make recommendations for
future One Book conference forums. Lively discussion included various vantage
points from cynical to enthusiastic to cautionary. Discussion was interrupted
by visit from candidates and then resumed after mid-meeting break. Noted that
Handmaid's Tale had been a one book forum 2003 conference in Toronto.
Motion: Adopt “Understanding Gaza” resolution as
SRRT resolution and authorize Elaine to bring to Council Forum and, based on
Forum feedback, decide whether she wishes to introduce to Council meeting as
ALA resolution. Moved by Jane Glasby, seconded by Al Kagan. Motion carries.
Budget Discussion
Treasurer Report via speaker phone: Total current revenue $10,520 from dues and
Library Juice Press royalties. Expenses (including projected programs for 2010
Annual Conference) are $10,736. This leaves us a balance of $284 for remainder
of 2009. Semiannual newsletter costs approx. $4K, and past contingencies gone,
e.g. loss of revenue from Coretta Scott King Book Award, we need to find
additional methods for generating revenue.
Action Items
SRRT-Shirts: Tom Twiss described the t-shirt committee's research in preparing
a design and associated costs for producing 200 t-shirts in time for 2009
annual conference and 40th anniversary of SRRT. Though the sale of t-shirts
would raise some revenue, the primary goal and realization of the effort will
be awareness rather than significant fundraising. Black shirt with white
lettering designed by Lincoln Cushing pictures a dove holding a book and pencil
and “SRRT, since 1969…” with names of SRRT Task Forces on
back of shirt. Distribution would be primarily at Annual Conference booth,
events, and programs. Shirt availability would be advertised in newsletter and
on web site and SRRT members could take consignments to sell elsewhere. Design
will be finalized based on input of this meeting's attendees and price will be
set in the $15-18 range.
Motion: SRRT authorizes the t-shirt committee to go ahead with
design and purchase of the t-shirt project. Moved by Jonathan Betz-Zall,
seconded by Alison Lewis. Motion carries.
Newsletter: Discussed viability of continuing with print newsletter, despite
fact some members may not have computers and that some print issues will be
needed for archiving and indexing. If we were to go exclusively electronic, we
would notify membership and offer print copies on demand for those without
electronic means.
Motion: SRRT Newsletter will become exclusively
electronic with exceptions for archival requirements and special requests.
Moved by Marie Jones, seconded by Nancy Garmer. Motion carries.
40th Anniversary Celebration/Rent Party: Report of plans underway to hold an
off site event in conjunction with the Alternative Media Reception on Monday,
July 13. Focus will be on history of SRRT and the importance of continuing the
work of social responsibility within librarianship. We'll invite SRRT founders
to speak about the origins of and glory days of SRRT and have live music and
food. In addition to being a fundraiser this should be a starting point for
renewing SRRT's vitality beyond the ALA watchdog role. In conjunction there
will be articles on our history, 40 bibliographies for 40 years, Story
Corps-type recounting by founders, t-shirts, etc. In addition to Anniversary
Party committee members Elaine Harger, LaJuan Pringle, Jane Glasby, Nancy
Garmer, and Mike Marlin, two more volunteers - Danielle Colbert-Lewis and Bill
Turner - signed up to help.
SRRT Dues Structure: Dues have been $12 for years, and many felt time to raise
them. A spirited discussion ensued, and different proposals discussed.
Motion: SRRT to change its dues structure to establish a $5
student/unemployed level, $15 regular membership, and $25 plus contributing
membership category. Moved by Elaine Harger, seconded by LaJuan Pringle. Motion
carries.
Visit by 2009-2010 ALA presidential candidates Roberta Stevens and Kent Oliver.
Both were asked their opinions about Executive Board's decision and authority
to prevent official unit endorsements of candidates and the supposed “One
Voice” policy, and both were careful to give pros and cons for the former
and support for the latter. [Note: Due to the ALA executive order, this
secretary is unable to give his opinion on either candidate.]
Status of Rainbow Project List: After provisional task force status within SRRT
and for past year, Rainbow has asked to be given formal task force status and
agrees to adhere to all rules governing TF operations.
Motion: SRRT officially accepts the Rainbow Project as a task
force in compliance with SRRT rules governing task forces. Moved by Alison
Lewis, seconded by LaJuan Pringle. Motion carries.
Task Force Reports: Tabled due to time constraints and will be provided via
listserv and electronic publications. Possible amendments to bylaws concerning
the coordinator position: Topic still being researched by Theresa Tobin and
Deidre Conklin and moved forward to Annual Meeting agenda. Electronic Meetings:
ALA report to Council recommendations discussed, and general consensus is to
use ALA Opal-Online software license for small SRRT committees to experiment
with electronic format and test its effectiveness. Notice of such test meetings
would be publicized on listserv when reestablished.
Closing Libraries During Economic Downturn: Consensus that it's a very
important topic and SRRT should take a position. Due to time constraints, item
moved to 2009 Annual Meeting agenda.
Meeting adjourned.
Resolution on the Connection Between the Recent Gaza Conflict and Libraries
WHEREAS, libraries, archives, cultural treasures, schools and universities have
been destroyed during the recent Gaza conflict, and
WHEREAS, ALA Council passed CD#18.8 of 2001-2002, Resolution on the Destruction
of Palestinian Libraries, Archives, and other Cultural Institutions, in which
the American Library Association called upon “the government of the
United States, as well as other governments, intergovernmental organizations
and non-governmental organizations to prevent further destruction of libraries
and cultural resources and to provide material assistance for the
reconstruction and restoration of these resources,” and
WHEREAS, ALA is a member of the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield, which is
affiliated with the International Committee of the Blue Shield, the cultural
equivalent of the Red Cross, which provides emergency response to cultural
property at risk from armed conflict, and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Senate ratified the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection
of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict on September 25, 2008, and
WHEREAS, more than 1200 Palestinians and 13 Israelis have died, more than 5300
Palestinians have been wounded, and thousands have been displaced, and
WHEREAS, the majority of the dead and wounded have been civilians including
women and children, and
WHEREAS, while terrorism must be condemned on both sides, Israel's response is
causing a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, and
WHEREAS, the Israeli military is using U.S. weapons, and
WHEREAS, the resources wasted in this conflict could be used for rebuilding and
greatly enhancing the libraries and educational and cultural institutions of
Palestine and Israel, and
WHEREAS, the Middle East conflict can only be solved through diplomacy, and the
Gaza conflict decreases the chances for a meaningful peace process, now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library
Association
1. calls for the protection of libraries and archives in Gaza, and
urges the US Government to support the United States Committee of the Blue
Shield in upholding the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural
Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and
2. calls on the US Government to strenuously work for an immediate
permanent ceasefire, and
3. calls on the US Government to work toward disarmament in the
region, and
4. transmits this resolution to the U.S. President, U.S. Secretary of
State, all members of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield,
the library press, and other appropriate individuals and organizations.
Moved by Alfred Kagan, SRRT Councilor
Seconded by Elaine Harger, Councilor at-large
Understanding Gaza - One Conference, One Book - ALA Reads
WHEREAS, the world watched in horror the recent conflict in Gaza;
WHEREAS, the mainstream media in the United States has long refused to report
objectively on Palestinian and Israeli relations, preferring instead to promote
United States foreign policy toward Israel, thus depriving most Americans of a
full and accurate picture of the history and present state of affairs between
these two peoples;
WHEREAS, the American Library Association (ALA) has as a mission priority the
task “to help inform and educate the people of the United States on
[social] problems and to encourage them to examine the many views on and the
facts regarding each problem” and further commits ALA “to take a
position on current critical issues” (Policy 1.1);
WHEREAS, ALA states that “Libraries should make available and readily
accessible information on possibilities for disarmament and alternative ways of
solving conflicts” (Policy 50.10);
WHEREAS, ALA “encourages its members to help raise public consciousness
regarding the many ways in which disinformation and media manipulation are
being used to mislead public opinion in all spheres of life” (Policy
52.8);
WHEREAS, the Library Bill of Rights outlines basic principles requiring
libraries to include in collections materials on cultures, histories, and
viewpoints of all peoples, and to resist all efforts to censor or otherwise
abridge access to knowledge and ideas (Policy 53.1);
WHEREAS, even amongst ALA members discussion of issues related to Palestine and
Israel often falls short of an informed search for understanding, a fact that
suggests that we ourselves might benefit from exposure to information that the
mainstream media refuses to provide to the public at large; and
WHEREAS, there exists today throughout the United States and the world a
renewed sense of hope for the possibility of diplomacy and peaceful resolution
of conflict; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the American Library Association (ALA), in the spirit of
fostering historical and cultural understanding of the situation in Gaza
amongst its members,
1. request the Membership Meeting Committee to establish an ALA Reads
working group, inviting representatives from the Diversity Council and the
Social Responsibilities Round Table to work on the one conference, one book
project;
2. direct the working group to select for the Chicago 2009 annual
conference a book highly regarded for its fair, respectful and accurate
portrayal of the Palestinian people and their history for ALA members to read
before annual, inviting the book's publisher to join the effort as a
partner;
3. set aside part of one ALA membership meeting at annual 2009 for a
conversation on how libraries might best foster within our communities a more
accurate understanding of the Palestinian people, their history and culture;
4. promote this “Understanding Gaza - One Conference, One Book
- ALA Reads” event throughout the membership of ALA via all print and
electronic means at its disposal;
5. instruct the working group to evaluate the event and make
recommendations by Midwinter 2010 for its possible continuation.
Moved by Elaine Harger, Councilor-at-Large
Seconded by Al Kagan, SRRT Councilor
Tapscott, Don. Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World, New York: McGraw Hill, 2009.
Reviewed by Nancy Churchill, Librarian, Clarence Public Library
A sequel to his widely-read Growing Up Digital and a kind of companion to his well-acclaimed Wikinomics, Grown Up Digital focuses on the uniqueness of individuals born between 1977 and 1997. Tapscott, a consultant and authority on business strategy and organizational transformation, shares results of a private $4 million proprietary research project designed to better understand this population. Tapscott's impetus for the study was influenced by his own two children, now young adults. “I thought they were prodigies. Then I noticed that all their friends were just as talented.” He identifies their generation neatly:
“Eight characteristics, or norms, describe the typical Net Gener and differentiate them from their boomer parents. They prize freedom and freedom of choice. They want to customize things, make them their own. They're natural collaborators who enjoy a conversation, not a lecture. They'll scrutinize you and your organization. They insist on integrity. They want to have fun, even at work and at school. Speed is normal. Innovation is part of life.”
One could approach this book as a
typical Net Gener by opening it randomly, perusing the pages in any order
desired and by visiting www.grownupdigital.com to glimpse a
bit of Tapscott's web persona. Reading the book with potential distractions in
the background, such as music playing or conversation, while also accomplishing
some instant messaging or keeping an eye on Facebook could follow. Tapscott
explains why Net Geners manage this kind of multi-tasking differently than baby
boomers do. He details how the Obama campaign made use of social networking.
Although many are less supportive and even cynical toward these individuals,
Tapscott stands up strongly and specifically against many negative criticisms
for the way this group lives and deals with technology. He fully endorses them
and gives very pointed advice for parents, educators and employers. He provides
specific suggestions for better understanding and adapting to the needs, wants
and extraordinary abilities of this “largest generation” which
comprises 27% of the US population. “The bottom line is this: if you
understand the Net Generation, you will understand the future,” he
promises.
The design of this first edition hardcover is particularly functional and
fresh; it nicely reflects the expertise and enthusiasm with which Tapscott
reveals his findings. Grown Up Digital includes extensive chapter
notes, a lengthy bibliography and a very adequate index. When the book lays
open, black text with blue headings and coordinated illustrations are nicely
framed by fresh green fields showing from both insides of the dust jacket. The
entire work is a caring tribute to the Net Generation who will, most likely,
reshape the world.
Durrani, Shiraz. Information & Liberation: Writings on the Politics of Information & Librarianship. Duluth, MN: Library Juice Press, 2008.
Reviewed by Jenny Bossaller, Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science, University of Southern Mississippi
This volume is a collection of Durrani's writings, correspondence, and interviews spanning thirty years and two continents as an activist and librarian. In it, Durrani redefines the role of librarian, from a passive (or neutral) collector and provider of available information to an active contributor and collaborator in the world of culture and information:
“Thus the myth of the 'neutral' librarian needs to be exploded. There is no way that librarians are or can be neutral in the social struggles of their societies. Every decision they make-how much to spend on books, which books to buy, what staff to appoint, how to manage the service-is a reflection of their class position and their world outlook.” (p. 160)
His writings reveal a deep commitment to social justice through his
involvement with many different socially or governmentally oppressed groups.
His descriptions of his own involvement with these groups provide a
well-reasoned rationale for his inspirational visions for librarianship. The
book is laden with theory which provides fuel for thought, but perhaps the most
useful sections for the library practitioner are his concrete suggestions for
improving services for many different disenfranchised groups-from teenagers to
ethnic minorities.
Shiraz Durrani began his activist career in his native Kenya as a librarian and
writer, and political response to his writings caused him to seek political
asylum in the U.K. in the 1980's. His findings regarding politically motivated
suppression of information as both a journalist and a librarian shaped his
writings over the course of his career. This background and his descriptions of
personal experiences reminds the reader throughout the book of the social and
political context in which librarianship resides, and the effect that
librarians' complacency or activism can have on local groups in need of
information which is impossible to find in a homogenized, outsourced library
collection. The idea of information as text, as a tool of communication; as a
force for liberation, and a tool of suppression by the state permeates the
texts.
You might ask: how does Durrani propose that libraries become a force for
social inclusion within the trans-national, capitalist framework of our current
information landscape? He tells stories of oppression from around the globe and
then gives a lesson on how public libraries can take up the cause. A sampling
of the actions that he presents are:
• By providing tools for media production to capture the voices
of the oppressed, collecting multimedia formats that truly reflect their
voices, and then helping to save and disseminate their words;
• By collecting underground publications (including online
productions);
• By combating racism and social exclusion by actively opposing
supposedly neutral stances in regards to social and political oppression;
and
• By becoming involved with arts and cultural groups to redefine
librarianship as part of the cultural process.
Each general idea above is supported with a real-life explanation of a project
that he has been involved with. Durrani's book would be useful for any
librarian suffering from a professional spiritual crisis—some of the
suggestions could be easily implemented as a pilot project that might give a
library a renewed sense of place and purpose in the community. Sections of the
book would be equally valuable for library students and faculty, in courses
such as information ethics and program planning.
Corrections
Emily Drabinski, last issue's reviewer for Questioning Library
Neutrality (page 12) is Reference/Instruction Librarian at Long Island
University, Brooklyn Campus.
The date information for Issue 164/165 should read December 2008/January 2009.
This resolves the inconsistency between the masthead and the running footer.
Publication Information
SRRT Newsletter is published quarterly by the Social Responsibilities
Round Table of the American Library Association. It is sent to members of SRRT
as part of their membership and is available to others by subscription for
$15.00 per year. Subscription is open to both members and non-members of ALA.
ISSN: 0749-1670. Copyright © 2009 by the Social Responsibilities Round Table.
No part of this periodical may be reproduced without permission. Editor: Myka
Kennedy Stephens, mykaks(at)gmail.com.
Book Reviews Editor: Jane Ingold, jli4(at)psulias.psu.edu.
Views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ALA/SRRT. The
editors reserve the right to edit submitted material as necessary or as the
whimsy strikes.
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