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Ad Lib: Advocacy for Libraries

September 6, 2005

So was it bad judgment, or no standards?

ALA is reporting that the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library System’s governing commission has voted to “move ‘easy, easy-reader, and tween’ books containing ’sensitive or controversial’ themes to a special collection available only to ‘adults in authority.’” What books will be put in that collection is based on the always easy to identify “good judgment and community standards.”

If this is where you would start thanking your lucky stars your library isn’t in Oklahoma City, it’s important to remember that this could be far from an isolated incident. Back in May, North Carolina’s Rep. Jones introduced H.R. 2295, which would “prohibit a State from receiving Federal education funds unless the State has certain policies and procedures regarding the purchase or acquisition of library and classroom-based reference, instructional, and other print materials for use in elementary schools, and for other purposes.” Admittedly, this bill is short on co-sponsors (it has all of five), and has been stuck in committee with nary an action since it was introduced, but these things have a tendency to come to life unexpectedly.

Do you know how you would answer if your legislator called for your input on this bill?

posted by Alan at 9:46 am | Comments (0)

September 1, 2005

Bring the Patriot Act debate to your library–In a GOOD way!

As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, the ACLU is championing a librarian to be named later (we hope!) in a Patriot Act-related lawsuit. But what you might be wondering is, “What can I do about it?” Well, ALA’s Washington office has the answer: host a library event!

“Beyond the PATRIOT Act” is a 30-minute program designed to reveal how civil liberties affect real people everyday. It features stirring accounts of current cases, as well as well-known actors, activists and comedians. All the necessary tools for a successful event–publicity templates, invitations, event agendas, PATRIOT Act talking points-will also be available.

There’s an added opportunity for those who can schedule this event for next Thursday, September 8: Libraries and their patrons can get in on a conference call with the ACLU’s Executive Director.

That’s a pretty good—and easy—opportunity for your libraries to get involved.

posted by Alan at 10:03 am | Comments (0)

Oh, hello there!

Suppose it makes sense to make a welcome message, give you an idea of what this place and I are about.

So, this is the NSLS Advocacy blog; as the double-meaning title suggests, the content will (almost) exclusively deal with advocacy for libraries, and will (mostly) be made up as we go.

I’ll be your host and primary blogger for this site. If you’re wondering my credentials: I’ve been a part of the NSLS Advocacy Team for over two years now, and have been one of the major coordinators for the ISL’s Advocacy Relationship Program. On top of that, I’m a bit of a politics junkie, so I follow this stuff pretty closely.

I expect to have guest bloggers from the NSLS membership on occasion, so you’ll be meeting some other prominent people along the way, too.

And that’s about it. Hope you enjoy the adventure!

posted by Alan at 9:32 am | Comments (0)