MIDWINTER PREVIEW Archiving Home Movies If ICE Shows Up - American Libraries Magazine
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January/February 2020
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
MIDWINTER
PREVIEW+ PHILADELPHIA DINING GUIDE
p. 50
Archiving
Home Movies
p. 40
If ICE Shows Up
p. 46
PLUS: 2019 Year in Review,
Referenda Roundup,
Longest Table Conversations
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January/February 2020
American Libraries | Volume 51 #1/2 | ISSN 0002-9769
COVER STORY
50 2020 Midwinter
Preview
Prepare for a knockout
meeting in the City
of Brotherly Love
EDITED BY Greg Landgraf
58 The Philly Food Scene
Where to dine during
Midwinter
BY Reid Bramblett
FEATURES
28 2019 Year in Review
A look back at the stories
that affected libraries
32 Referenda Roundup
How states performed on
library measures in 2019
BY Anne Ford
28
40 Uncovering the Past
With digitization, libraries
bring treasures to light
BY Lauren Emily Whalen
46 Know Your Rights—
and Theirs
40 How libraries prepare for
possible ICE activity
BY Claire Zulkey
32 46 ON THE COVER: Photo ©F11Photo/Adobe Stock
22 72 16
UP FRONT TRENDS PERSPECTIVES
3 From the 16 Tables of Content IN PRACTICE
Editor Longest Table meals bring 64 Your Library’s Story
Inspiring Resolve communities together BY Meredith Farkas
BY Sanhita SinhaRoy for civil dialogue
BY Lara Ewen
DISPATCHES
8 From Our 65 Understanding Blockchain
Readers 20 Free Speech—or Free-for-All? BY Michael Meth
“First Amendment audits”
push privacy limits YOUTH MATTERS
ALA BY Taylor Hartz 66 Making Room for Inclusion
BY Tricia Bohanon
4 From the 22 On the Zine Scene
President Libraries partner with festivals for ON MY MIND
Forward Together community expression 67 Get with the Programming
BY Wanda Kay Brown BY Diana Panuncial BY Terrilyn Chun
5 From the 24 Ready to Binge-Watch? LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY
Treasurer Circulations soar as libraries add 68 Digital Strategies for Librarians
Achieving Our Vision binge boxes to collections BY Anna Gooding-Call
BY Maggie Farrell BY Timothy Inklebarger
6 From the NEWSMAKER PEOPLE
Executive 26 Rainbow Rowell 70 Announcements
Director Building worlds with
Reflecting on Spotify and specificity THE BOOKEND
Our Mission BY Alison Marcotte
BY Mary Ghikas
72 Medical Marvels
PLUS
10 Update 17 By the Numbers
What’s happening 25 Global Reach
at ALA
27 Noted & Quoted
26
Connectrac Cover 3 | Crowley 21 | Ingram Cover 4 | Library of Congress Federal Credit Union 13 | Modern Language Association Cover 2 | University of Chicago
Press 15 | US Census 14 | American Library Association American Libraries 13 | Association of Specialized, Government, and Cooperative Library Agencies 21
Development Office 38–39, 45 | Public Library Association 19 | Public Programs Office 7
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Address:
Website:
Email:
50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795
americanlibrariesmagazine.org
americanlibraries@ala.org
Inspiring Resolve
Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension
Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org
H
appy new year—and happy Midwinter Preview
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Tina Fey issue (cover story, p. 50). If you’re attending
Sanhita SinhaRoy
ssinharoy@ala.org | x4219 the upcoming conference in Philadelphia, be
What is
your favorite MANAGING EDITOR Gritty sure to check out the session highlights and
Terra Dankowski
Philadelphia tdankowski@ala.org | x5282 dining options (p. 58) found within these pages, and
export?
SENIOR EDITORS Joan Jett also to keep an eye out for our Daily Scoop e-newsletter,
Amy Carlton
acarlton@ala.org | x5105
which will bring four days of our team’s onsite reporting
George M. Eberhart straight to your inbox. The first email arrives January 25.
geberhart@ala.org | x4212 Other perennial favorites in this issue: Year in
American Phil Morehart The Roots
Bandstand pmorehart@ala.org | x4218 Review (p. 28) and Referenda Roundup (p. 32), for
Sanhita SinhaRoy
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
which American Libraries again partnered with the
Cheesesteaks Sallyann Price Public Library Association to provide extensive cov-
sprice@ala.org | x4213
erage of how state ballot measures fared around the
EDITOR-AT-LARGE
country. Anne Ford tracked more than 100 elections to
Tastykakes Anne Ford
aford@ala.org bring you the results.
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE With a new political season under way, some libraries
Carrie Smith
casmith@ala.org | x4216 will likely face a troubling trend of so-called First Amend-
Fresh Air
ART DIRECTOR with Terry ment auditors visiting their facilities to videotape and
Rebecca Lomax Gross post alleged infractions or document perceived bias. In
Bifocals rlomax@ala.org | x4217
“Free Speech—or Free-for-All?” (p. 20), Taylor Hartz
ADVERTISING
Michael Stack mstack@ala.org | 847-367-7120 examines what libraries are doing to prepare.
Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. Preparation is also the name of the game for libraries
ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising.
PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT
hosting bystander trainings to tackle harassment, par-
Mary Mackay ticularly that directed at immigrants. As Claire Zulkey
Associate Executive Director reports in “Know Your Rights—and Theirs” (p. 46),
Mary Jo Bolduc
Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 several libraries “hoping to empower and protect their
MEMBERSHIP
Library-led communities” have begun educating staffers on their
Melissa Kay Walling, Director
Longest rights and responsibilities should a raid by US Immigra-
ADVISORY COMMITTEE tion and Customs Enforcement take place.
Susan H. Polos (Chair), Helen Ruth Adams, Salvador Avila, Table meals In stark contrast to the divisiveness is the civil dia-
Crystal Chen, Sonja Eyler, Janie L. Hermann, Jasmina Jusic,
Sigrid Kelsey. Committee associate: Rachel Beth Wykle
are fostering logue fostered at Longest Table meals throughout the
Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2
country. Lara Ewen describes how library workers are
INDEXED diversity, helping communities break down walls while breaking
Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, H. W. Wilson,
LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR.
respect, bread in “Tables of Content” (p. 16).
SUBSCRIBE And finally, you’ll notice we’ve made small design
Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, and
Mexico; foreign: $84. Subscription price for individuals included in
compassion, changes in this issue, including a new look for our
ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email membership@ columns (starting on p. 64). We’re also reintroducing
ala.org, or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: ALA Member and and empathy
Customer Service. Allow six weeks. Single issues $7.50, with 30% our Librarian’s Library column (p. 68), with Reference
discount for five or more; contact Carrie Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216
or casmith@ala.org
to help and Technology Librarian Anna Gooding-Call as the first
of three new writers. Let us know what you think. As
PUBLISHED unify their
American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times yearly always, we welcome and appreciate your feedback.
with occasional supplements by the American Library Association
(ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois,
communities. See you in Philly.
and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Personal members:
Send address changes to American Libraries, c/o Membership
Records, ALA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795. ©2020
American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of
this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written
permission from the publisher.
americanlibraries.org | January/February 2020 3
from the
PRESIDENT
Forward Together
Charting a path to a more vibrant and effective organization
M
eeting members and learning how and that the ALA described in Forward Together may
where they found their place in ALA take away levers of power. These members have
has given me the opportunity to reflect given much through their service to ALA within
on my own path. I was lucky enough to the current structure and may be less receptive to
be guided and mentored early on by members of change. We do understand that. However, we feel
the Black Caucus of the American Library Associ- strongly that this plan can and will work. While we
ation, and through my involvement in that group, continue to review and refine our recommenda-
I found a path for engagement and leadership tions, we are weaving in some of the strategies we
that brought me to where I am today. are so excited about.
But as we hear often, many members find the We currently have no exact correlation for
Wanda Kay Brown
path to engagement too confusing, too insular, the proposed leadership assemblies described
and too expensive. How do we address these in Forward Together, but they seek to be direct,
concerns while also modernizing the way our open lines of influence to the Board of Directors.
Association functions? Leadership assemblies maintain the functions and
This is where we start. For the past 18 months, strengths of existing groups such as ALA Council,
as a member of the Steering Committee on Orga- the Chapter Leaders Forum, and the Round Table
nizational Effectiveness (SCOE), I’ve been on the Coordinating Assembly. (In fact, this is already
front lines of a once-in-a-generation opportunity happening: In October 2019, leaders convened
to create a more vibrant and effective Association virtually for the first Chapters Assembly, and I
that supports libraries and library workers in a heard great things about it from participants!)
society and culture that was almost unimaginable What this means practically is that the first
when our current structure was developed. To Council vote on the adoption of these recom-
help realign our Association with the world we mendations will likely not take place at the 2020
The aim of live in today, we have collected recommendations Annual Conference in Chicago as originally stated
the new called Forward Together. but instead at the 2021 Midwinter Meeting.
It wasn’t easy to get here. As a committee This extended timeline provides the oppor-
Forward member, I can assure you we didn’t always agree tunity to do an in-depth financial review. It also
Together with one another. But I watched as we struggled allows the votes to happen with the same Council
with our differences and focused on the greater rather than a split group. One of SCOE’s stated
plan is to good. Each of us represents a distinct perspective, goals was to “enable sustainable, long-term
encourage discipline, or library type, and we used our back- change (including evaluation of progress and
grounds to ensure our final recommendations more frequent future adjustments).” We are mod-
those who will work for all members, not just ourselves or eling that by trying and doing as we go.
don’t feel people who think like we do. Changing culture takes time and intent. I
Our aim is to encourage those who don’t feel invite you to read the report and engage with its
they have a they have a place in ALA to participate and flour- conclusions at forwardtogether.ala.org. I believe
ish. Forward Together codifies an institutional our work will help many more members find
place in ALA
commitment to diversity in our governing bodies their place within ALA.
the ability to and builds safeguards against homogeneity.
Not everyone will agree with our recommenda-
participate WANDA KAY BROWN is director of library services
tions. We understand there are a few caring and at C. G. O’Kelly Library at Winston-Salem (N.C.) State
and flourish. extremely involved members who are concerned University.
4 January/February 2020 | americanlibraries.org
from the
TREASURER
Achieving Our Vision
To build a financially stable Association, we must work together
I
t is my honor to serve as your treasurer and to on our priorities. This work has already started,
receive the baton from Susan Hildreth. Susan as Executive Director Mary Ghikas has noted in
provided strong leadership for our financial past columns about the streams of change.
operations with expertise and diligence, and her Members are considering our Association
collegiality is a model for me as we—ALA offices, structure through intense conversations related
divisions, round tables, and other units—work to the Steering Committee on Organizational
together toward a financially stable Association. Effectiveness (SCOE). We have examined the
I start my tenure by reporting mixed results for costs of the ALA headquarters building in Chi-
our finances, but I am optimistic about the work cago, noting the significant maintenance and
being done to advance libraries. modernization costs compared with favorable
Maggie Farrell
In 2018, the ALA Executive Board approved a leasing rates and the ability to significantly add
plan to strategically invest in three critical areas: to our ALA endowment.
information technology, advocacy, and develop- Together, we are creating a strong founda-
ment. Over a three-year period already underway, tion for the future through better technology,
$8.8 million has been dedicated to upgrading increased member engagement, and increased
software and capabilities to better manage private revenues.
Association operations that improve member As members, you have been engaged in such
services. Funding for advocacy will strengthen efforts in your own libraries—determining priori-
relationships with key D.C. stakeholders for proac- ties, staffing activities that advance your mission,
tive and targeted interactions that support library examining operations, and dealing with aging
issues. And expanding development activities will facilities. That is why your input on SCOE, service
increase private and corporate donations for our for ALA, and involvement are so critical in these
Association, furthering vital initiatives and build- efforts. Your insights into operational effective-
Strategic ing endowments to contribute to our future work. ness and experience in making difficult decisions
investments This has been a bold move. The Budget Analysis contribute to our broad conversations about how
and Review Committee (BARC), chaired by Peter we engage members to further our libraries.
are necessary, Hepburn, is working closely with ALA offices and Financial information is available on the ALA
but they the Executive Board to develop metrics to assess website on the Executive Board, Finance and
these investments. Their work will be presented at Audit Committee, and BARC pages. Peter and I
alone cannot the ALA Midwinter Meeting, and it is my commit- are working to make our financial information
make up for ment to keep members aware of our progress. readily available and easier to understand, but
Strategic investments are necessary and over- please do not hesitate to contact me directly at
increased due, but they alone cannot make up for increased any time if you need more information.
costs, new operational costs, new ways of working, and a I am excited about the future of ALA because
different economic environment that impacts of members like you who are talented, creative,
ways of Membership, Publishing, and conferences. dedicated, and smart. Your involvement in
ALA is examining operations to determine streams of change will enable us to collectively
working, and
possible streamlining and efficiencies. With the build the Association that our profession so
a different Executive Board, ALA is asking difficult questions richly deserves.
about how we fund activities, staff operations,
economic
and conduct our work. During the next three MAGGIE FARRELL is dean of university libraries at
environment. years, we will need to make difficult choices based University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
americanlibraries.org | January/February 2020 5
from the
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Reflecting on Our Mission
Enter the new year with purpose and strategy
A
s we move forward into 2020, it is He defines “mission gap”—which we should
worthwhile to stop, take a deep breath, collectively seek to close—as the difference
and ask ourselves those perennial between the ideal and the current reality.
questions about why we exist, what we So as we begin 2020 together, it is a good time
are meant to accomplish, and by what strategies. to consider and talk with one another about our
Like other nonprofit, tax-exempt organiza- community aspirations.
tions, ALA exists because we seek to accomplish ■ Where are we succeeding (and where are
a mission, initially defined in ALA’s Constitution, we failing) in achieving our mission?
“to promote library service and librarianship.” ■ Where are we succeeding (and where are
That critical social purpose was later more we failing) in achieving those overarching
Mary Ghikas
expansively stated in ALA Policy Manual, goals that mark our major roads to mission
section A.1.2: “The mission of the American achievement: advocacy; equity, diversity,
Library Association is to provide leadership for and inclusion; information policy; and
the development, promotion, and improvement professional and leadership development?
of library and information services and the ■ Now that we’re almost 20 years into the
profession of librarianship in order to enhance 21st century, if we were to revisit our
learning and ensure access to information for mission, how would we organize the
all.” Like other nonprofits, our mission is meant Association today to achieve that mission
to make a difference for society. and accomplish our strategic directions
We are, additionally, a particular kind of non- and goals?
profit, tax-exempt organization: an association. ■ Where are new opportunities for mission
We are a membership organization—based on achievement?
the belief that individuals coming together with ■ What new internal capabilities do we need
purpose and strategy provide the critical force for to develop?
social improvement and achieving a mission. ■ Do we need to establish new short-term
ALA members—librarians and library staff “stretch” goals related to our mission and
from a growing range of backgrounds, library organization?
As we trustees, Friends and advocates, leaders of ■ How do our goals, initiatives, and plans fit
library-related businesses—are at our organiza- together to form a coherent strategy?
begin 2020 tional core, working collaboratively with ALA Each of us brings to this community a unique
together, it is staff, external allies, and stakeholders. perspective, based on our individual lived
So why should we stop periodically to examine experience. To be an effective force, to improve
a good time what seems obvious to so many of us? In Mission the society in which we live through striving to
to consider Impact: Breakthrough Strategies for Nonprofits, achieve our mission, it isn’t enough for each of us
Robert M. Sheehan Jr., academic director at Uni- to individually engage in year-end reflection; we
and talk with versity of Maryland’s business school, outlines a need to talk with—and listen to—one another,
“mission accomplishment” approach to articulat- to reflect together, to craft a shared community
one another
ing and measuring impact. narrative, and to then move confidently into the
about our Sheehan defines carrying out a mission as new year.
the “core purpose” of an organization, and
community MARY GHIKAS is executive director of the American
nonprofits must measure the progress toward
aspirations. achieving that mission. Library Association.
6 January/February 2020 | americanlibraries.org
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (noun)
The process of working collaboratively with community
members — library users, residents, faculty, students and/or
local organizations — to address issues for the betterment
of the community.
GRANT-FUNDED PROJECTS
MAY INCLUDE:
• developing community engagement
programs and services
• partnering with a community
APPLY BY agency that builds the capacity
of the community to address an
important issue
FEB. 3, 2020, AT • creating an event that connects the
ALA.ORG/LTCEG library to a community-identified
aspiration or concern
• and much more
from our
READERS
Lots of
Mismatched Coverage
interesting I was glad to see “From the
suggestions Library with Love” (Nov./Dec.,
for browser p. 18). I found my own sweetie
extensions that on OkCupid in 2015, when I was
71 and he was 85. For some time,
will flag fake news libraries have helped patrons
online. Currently navigate the digital universe. It
checking out makes sense for libraries to help
older adults understand how
NewsGuard
common and successful online particularly the author’s attitude are paid fairly. “Putting teens
extension. Thanks, dating has become and how it toward the deprofessionaliza- first” is an admirable goal. Union
@amlibraries! can work. tion of librarianship. A common contracts promise living wages
#tlchat #edchat A few things, however, struck complaint for administrators and and vital benefits for the pas-
me as off-base. First, the graphic management is the lack of flex- sionate professionals pursuing
@DRTLOVESBOOKS in
draws on cutesy stereotypes. ibility in union contracts—that that goal.
response to “Check Your
Few patrons—or even older is, that these contracts make it Wesley Fiorentino
Facts” (Nov./Dec., p. 36) Boston
librarians—would identify with more difficult to exploit workers.
these mocking caricatures. This seems to be the underlying
Few things Second, the subheading “Strat- concern of the suggestion that Embargo Embitters
move my soul egies for successful swiping” is “volunteers and nondegreed Library Community
misleading. In the current envi- staffers” can do the work of pro- In all the coverage of the ebook
like a visually
ronment, there is much online fessional librarians. embargo (“ALA Responds to
appealing library. discussion about swipe-based I have worked with many Macmillan Letter,” The Scoop,
@THEBIGBABOOSKI mobile apps (like Tinder and talented and passionate parapro- Oct. 31), no one seems to be
in response to “2019 Bumble, although OkCupid has fessional library workers, and they addressing that the publishing
Library Design Show- added a swiping feature) versus play important roles in libraries. process for ebooks is pretty
case” (Sept./Oct., p. 32) programs that don’t involve swip- They are often paid far less than frictionless for the publisher! No
ing; the latter seem to facilitate degreed librarians to work less printing press, no warehouses,
connections based on personality desirable and consistent hours, no workers needed to pack and
and shared interests more than often without union protections. ship books. This is a money grab
photos. In any case, knowing the This is a destructive pattern that on the part of the publisher. I
difference between the two types devalues the work we do and applaud the systems that are
of apps is important, and I would contributes to the exploitation of boycotting, but I also wonder if
never recommend that older young people. It is also very tell- they are not further restricting
adults start by swiping. ing that it is a library director, not access for their customers. Then
Martha Cornog a front-line librarian, complaining again, it’s nice to do something.
Philadelphia that union contracts prevent the Danielle Stanley
hiring of “youth of color.” Phoenix
Fair Contracts for To diversify our field, we must
Fairer Libraries make education more affordable Bad News for Libraries
I was disappointed with “Contract and ensure that professionals ALA’s statement (“ALA Responds
Concerns” (Nov./Dec., p. 58), (and prospective professionals) to Citrus County New York Times
WRITE US: The editors welcome comments about recent content, online stories, FOLLOW US:
and matters of professional interest. Submissions should be limited to 300 words and @amlibraries
are subject to editing for clarity, style, and length. Send to americanlibraries@ala.org
facebook.com/amlibraries
or American Libraries, From Our Readers, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795.
8 January/February 2020 | americanlibraries.orgon our
WEBSITE
Block,” The Scoop, Nov. 5) reads and don’t provide articles where
like a regurgitation of existing the bad advice drowns out the
What You’re Reading
policy and provides no condem- good advice.
1
Librarians, Start New Game See how aca-
nation of the commissioners Elissa Moritz
Ashburn, Virginia demic librarians are building collections for
responsible, and effectively
videogame scholars. bit.ly/AL-videogame
states that the Citrus County
libraries are on their own. ALA Automation Frustration
2
Media Literacy in an Age of Fake News
had a chance to stand up and “Automatic for the People” A review of the latest books, courses, and
fight back but instead chose to sit (Sept./Oct., p. 48) portrays other resources for librarians. bit.ly/AL-medialit
down and lob a weak response. unstaffed, self-serve libraries as
Laura Deshler Lambert novel yet flawed. The impact of
3
Connecting with Congress Librarians are
Lake Elmo, Minnesota automation is certainly worth using year-round advocacy skills to build
ALA’s Office for Intellectual exploring, but I worry about relationships with elected officials at all
Freedom issued this response: the need to surveil patrons. levels of government. bit.ly/AL-yr-advocacy
“ALA stands firmly in opposition The layout opens with security
of censorship, particularly when camera screen-grabs, setting the
it threatens the First Amend-
ment rights of a library commu-
tone for an article that regret-
tably omits a discussion on the
In Case You Missed It
nity. In any specific situation, we privacy implications of unstaffed Newsmaker: Debbie Harry The
work in partnership with local libraries. Privacy is one of the Blondie bandleader spoke with us
librarians and state association casualties of our reliance on con- about art, music, libraries, and how
leaders to support constructive venience and the lionization of climate activists are the new punk.
dialogue that is focused on a technology. Sure, the extended bit.ly/AL-Blondie
resolution that promotes library hours are popular, but through
users’ rights and access to infor- the paradigm of the internet-at- How the CPS Strike Affected Chicago
mation, and we will continue to large we’ve been conditioned School Librarians More than 80% of Chicago
do so in this and other situations to acquiesce to ease of use. Public Schools still lack a librarian. What’s next for
in the future.” Why sacrifice a core value of the district? bit.ly/AL-CPS-strike
librarianship when some elbow
Challenging Advice grease and outreach can achieve Can My Library Ban Guns? Our
The article “Up to the Chal- the same ends? online Letters of the Law column
lenge” (Sept./Oct., p. 52) left Ross Sempek debuts with questions about Narcan
me speechless. Telling a school Portland, Oregon and guns. bit.ly/AL-LetterLaw1
librarian to deal with books that The rise of self-service might not
Division conference coverage Reports from
are often targets for challenges have a major effect on librarians,
November’s YALSA Symposium (bit.ly/AL-yalsa19)
by rearranging books on shelves but it does reduce the need for
and AASL’s National Conference and Exhibition
is not only foolish, it is not practi- clerical and support staff, and
(bit.ly/AL-aasl19).
cal. Why wouldn’t the author use that is not a social good.
the tools described in the book Unlike librarians, these staffers
to promote sound collection are usually people who grew up
development guidelines and a in the area and have their fingers
Coming Soon
strong reconsideration process on the pulse of the community. Check The Scoop for our full team coverage of
to help guide school librarians? It’s also one of the all-too-rare ALA’s Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in Philadelphia,
If a school librarian must hide or jobs not requiring a degree that January 24–28, and reports from the PLA 2020
restrict a book from the school carries decent benefits and often Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, February 25–29.
population, then the book should a pension. I hate the idea of these
not be in the school’s collection. jobs disappearing.
Please give school librarians Susan Levy
more credit for the work they do, Brooklyn, New York AMERICANLIBRARIES.ORG
americanlibraries.org | January/February 2020 9ALA Turns to Congress Amid
Macmillan Ebook Embargo
O
n November 1 Macmillan Publishers began to limit collective voices. We will continue to advocate and fight on
access to ebooks through America’s libraries by institut- multiple fronts for fair prices and terms to help ensure equita-
ing an eight-week embargo on library ebook purchases, ble access to information and resources.”
despite robust public demand to reverse the policy. Regardless In response to Macmillan’s decision, ALA has collected
of the size of the library, Macmillan will sell only one copy of a signatures on ebooksforall.org and gathered stories about how
new ebook title for the first two months after its release. the ebook embargo is affecting communities. In addition to
In October, the American Library Association (ALA), the the public awareness campaign, ALA has deepened legislative
Public Library Association (PLA), and other allies delivered engagement on Capitol Hill.
nearly 160,000 petition signatures from all 50 states and The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on
Canada, demanding equitable access to digital content (that Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law announced a
figure had risen to more than 216,000 by November 27). bipartisan investigation into competition in digital markets
“We want a fair path forward for readers, libraries, authors, in June 2019. On October 15, ALA released a report (bit.ly/
and publishers,” said ALA President Wanda Kay Brown in a DigitalMarketsReport) in response to that inquiry that
November 1 statement. “ALA urged the publisher to suspend denounces embargoes by companies like Macmillan and
the embargo, but Macmillan is determined to go through with Amazon, which refuses to sell any of its published content to
the new policy.” libraries. Such restrictions threaten Americans’ right to read
In that statement, PLA President Ramiro Salazar said he is what and how they choose and imperil other fundamental
“disappointed and extremely upset Macmillan has ignored our First Amendment freedoms, the report said. •
New Publications Respond public libraries across the US that have Exchange, the Exchange will be held
to Opioid Crisis employed various strategies to address May 4, 6, and 8 with the theme “Build-
In October, PLA and OCLC released the epidemic. ing the Future Together.” Participants
two publications that detail how public The report highlights findings from in the Exchange will share the research,
libraries are responding to the opioid these case studies, identifies emerging trends, and developments in collections,
crisis, including a summary report (bit practices among responding libraries and leadership, technology, innovation,
.ly/PLAOCLCreport) and supplemental their community partners, and identifies sustainability, and collaborations. Submit
case studies (bit.ly/PLAOCLCstudies). considerations for libraries aiming to proposals and find more information at
With financial support from the Insti- ramp up their response. bit.ly/ExchangeProposals.
tute of Museum
and Library Divisions Collaborate LITA to Honor Student Work
Services, the two on Virtual Forum LITA will offer an award for the best
organizations The Association for Library Collections unpublished manuscript submitted by
partnered in and Technical Services (ALCTS), Library a student or students enrolled in an
September 2018 and Information Technology Association ALA-accredited graduate program.
to collect and (LITA), and the Library Leadership and Sponsored by LITA and Ex Libris, the
share information Management Association (LLAMA) have award consists of $1,000, publication in
and resources to collaborated to create the Exchange, Information Technology and Libraries, and
support public libraries and their com- an interactive, virtual forum designed a certificate.
munities in addressing this public health to bring together experiences, ideas, The award, intended to enhance
crisis. Over 12 months, PLA and OCLC expertise, and individuals from these students’ professional development, rec-
conducted a research study of eight divisions. Modeled after the 2017 ALCTS ognizes superior writing. The manuscript
10 January/February 2020 | americanlibraries.orgJAN. 24–28
ALA Midwinter Meeting &
ALA Responds to Citrus Exhibits | Philadelphia
alamidwinter.org
County New York Times Ban FEB. 25–29
T
he Board of Commissioners of Citrus County, Florida, voted in late October Public Library Association
to prohibit the county’s public libraries from purchasing digital subscriptions Conference | Nashville, Tennessee
to The New York Times, which one commissioner labeled “fake news.” On placonference.org
November 5, ALA issued a statement in response to the decision. MAR. 16
“Both ALA’s Library Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics encourage libraries and Freedom of Information Day
librarians to ensure that the criteria used to select materials do not discriminate ala.org/advocacy/foi-day
on the basis of factors such as political or religious viewpoint or the background, APR.
identity, gender, or beliefs of the publisher or author,” the statement read. School Library Month
“Public libraries are government agencies subject to the First Amendment. ala.org/aasl/slm
Rejecting or censoring a publication based upon its political viewpoint represents
APR. 4–11
both content and viewpoint discrimination that is contrary to the spirit of the First Money Smart Week
Amendment’s promise of freedom of speech and freedom of belief. Our consti- moneysmartweek.org
tution and Bill of Rights promises every person the right and equal opportunity
APR. 19–25
to discover, develop, and defend their own political, social, and religious beliefs.
National Library Week
A government official’s decision to prevent access to a particular publication
ala.org/nlw
based on partisan disapproval of that publication denies this right. We stand by
our Freedom to Read Statement: We believe that democratic societies are more APR. 21
safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by National Library Workers Day
ala-apa.org/nlwd
governmental prerogative.” •
APR. 22
National Bookmobile Day
ala.org/aboutala/bookmobileday
can address any aspect of libraries and standards and will be posted on the APR. 26–MAY 2
information technology. The deadline for portal as they are completed. AASL also Preservation Week
manuscript submission is February 28; plans to create professional learning ala.org/preservationweek
the winner will be announced in May. resources to assist practitioners in devel-
APR. 30
Guidelines and application form at bit.ly/ oping their own local plans as needed
El día de los niños/
LITAaward. to supplement the national changes
El día de los libros
published by the division. dia.ala.org
AASL Standards Alignment
MAY 1–7
In an effort to provide school library ASGCLA Seeks Presenters
Choose Privacy Week
professionals the materials and resources The Association of Specialized, Gov-
chooseprivacyeveryday.org
needed to implement the National School ernment, and Cooperative Library
Library Standards, the American Asso- Agencies (ASGCLA) invites librarians MAY 4–5
ciation of School Librarians (AASL) has and subject-matter experts to submit National Library Legislative
released a plan to align the AASL Stan- proposals for 2020 Annual preconfer- Day | Washington, D.C.
dards to the Next Generation Science ences or 2021 Midwinter institutes ala.org/advocacy/nlld
Standards. The plan and accompanying (bit.ly/ASGCLAproposalform). Accepted JUNE
how-to-read document are available for proposals will be presented at either GLBT Book Month
download on the AASL Standards Portal the 2020 ALA Annual Conference and ala.org/glbtbookmonth
(bit.ly/AASLcrosswalk). Exhibition in Chicago or the 2021 ALA JUNE 25–30
Other national teaching and learning Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in Indi- ALA Annual Conference
standards are being reviewed by AASL anapolis. Librarians and subject matter and Exhibition | Chicago
for possible future amendments to the experts are also encouraged to submit alaannual.org
americanlibraries.org | January/February 2020 11UPDATE
proposals for ASGCLA’s webinars (bit.ly/ identify possible areas of causal align- certificate and will be recognized at the
ASGCLAwebinar) and online courses ment warranting further investigation. NMRT Student Reception at the 2020
(bit.ly/ASGCLAonline). In their paper “The Preparation and Annual Conference.
Proposals are sought in the following Certification of School Librarians” The deadline to apply is March 2. Sub-
key areas of training: veterans; accessibil- (bit.ly/AASLprepreport), the authors mission forms and additional informa-
ity; consortia management; and health, contend that individual educator attri- tion available at bit.ly/NMRTSCOTYA.
particularly mental health, substance butes may have a direct effect on what
abuse, degenerative neurological dis- and how much their students learn. United for Libraries to
eases, and aging in place. Honor Notable Trustee
NMRT Seeks Outstanding The ALA Trustee Citation, established in
New AASL Research Student Chapter 1941 to recognize public library trustees
New research published in AASL’s peer- ALA’s New Members Round Table for distinguished service to library devel-
reviewed online journal School Library (NMRT) is seeking nominations for the opment, honors the best contributions
Research examines how to define a Student Chapter of the Year Award, and efforts of the estimated 60,000 people
high-quality school librarian (ala.org/ presented in recognition of a chap- in the US who serve on library boards.
aasl/slr). ter’s outstanding contributions to the United for Libraries is accepting nomina-
An eight-member team researched Association, their library school, and tions for the 2020 ALA Trustee Citation
how studies of high-quality teachers the profession. All interested appli- through January 10 (bit.ly/UFLcitation).
can inform studies investigating school cants must be accredited ALA Student Trustee service may have been
librarians’ impact on student outcomes. Chapters. The winner will receive $1,000 performed on the local, state, regional,
The team compared findings from causal to help defray travel expenses to ALA’s or national level or at a combination
educational research to findings from Annual Conference. The winning chapter of levels. Equal consideration is given
descriptive school librarian research to and the runner-up will each receive a to trustees of libraries of all sizes. The
citation will be presented during the
Opening General Session of the 2020
ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.
Google Grant to Support Applications Open for
2020 AASL Awards
Library Entrepreneurship Applications for AASL’s 2020 awards are
now available. AASL awards and grants
A
LA received a $2 million grant from Google.org, announced October 3, to recognize excellence and showcase best
develop library entrepreneurship centers and enable libraries across the practices in the school library field in
country to increase support for people looking to start new businesses. the areas of collaboration, leadership,
Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the funding is part of a $10 million pledge to help and innovation. AASL members are
entrepreneurs from low-income and underrepresented groups. encouraged to nominate a colleague or
The grant enables ALA to fund a cohort of 10 libraries with established models themselves.
to increase the number of business creators they serve. Participating libraries The Collaborative School Library
will work to establish new partnerships with community-based organizations Award, now sponsored by Scholastic
and integrate library resources with their communities. Through this initiative, Book Fairs, recognizes school librarians
libraries will directly support 15,000 people looking to start or grow businesses. who collaborate with other educators in
The grant will also support the development of a playbook for successful meeting goals outlined in AASL’s National
library-entrepreneurship programs. It will contain a set of best practices and School Library Standards for Learners,
common metrics to evaluate success. ALA also plans to build a peer-learning net- School Librarians, and School Libraries
work for librarians interested in developing their own entrepreneurship programs. through joint planning of a program,
“This funding will enable ALA to expand library entrepreneurship programs unit, or event in support of the curricu-
in a handful of places where they already thrive,” said ALA President Wanda lum and using school library resources.
Kay Brown in a statement. “We are creating a path to success for aspiring Honorees receive $2,500 and recognition
entrepreneurs everywhere—in particular, those with the fewest resources to at the AASL Awards Ceremony.
chart new territory on their own.” Find grant guidelines and application infor- AASL’s Past-Presidents Planning Grant
mation at bit.ly/AL-GoogleGrant. • enables affiliates to design an event,
initiative, or activity focused on the
12 January/February 2020 | americanlibraries.orgUPDATE
D.C. Circuit Court Ruling Mixed on Net Neutrality
O
n October 1, the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. courts for more than a decade. In the current court case, ALA
Circuit upheld the Federal Communications Commis- joined higher education and other library groups in filing an
sion’s (FCC) authority to issue its 2018 order elimi- amicus brief in support of the petitioners seeking to defend
nating net neutrality protections while also vacating parts of net neutrality.
the order and remanding other parts. Importantly, the court “Without strong and clear net neutrality protections in
vacated the portion of the order in which the FCC attempted place, there is nothing to stop internet service providers from
to preempt state or local efforts to protect an open internet. blocking or throttling legal internet traffic or setting up com-
In the case—Mozilla et al. v. the Federal Communications mercial arrangements where certain traffic is prioritized,” said
Commission—consumer groups and some companies sought ALA President Wanda Kay Brown in an October 1 statement.
to restore net neutrality protections passed in 2015 but “ALA and the nearly 120,000 libraries across the country
eliminated in 2017. ALA has been on the front lines of the will not stop until we have restored net neutrality protections—
net neutrality battle with the FCC, Congress, and the federal •
whether in the states, Congress, or in the courts,” she said.
implementation of the AASL Standards. the Distinguished Service Award, the Reading Grant, and the Ruth Toor Grant
Recipients receive $2,500 and recogni- Intellectual Freedom Award, and Roald for Strong Public School Libraries.
tion at the AASL Awards Ceremony. Dahl’s Miss Honey Social Justice Award. Applications for the National School
Other award opportunities include Grant opportunities include the ABC- Library of the Year Award are due
the National School Library of the Year, CLIO Leadership Grant, the Innovative January 1. All other applications and
Join American Libraries Senior Editor Phil Morehart
as he hosts conversations with librarians, authors,
thinkers, and scholars about topics from the library
world and beyond. Listen to these recent episodes:
EPISODE 44 EPISODE 42
Advocacy: Libraries of All
Anyone Can Do It Shapes and Sizes
EPISODE 43 EPISODE 41
It’s a Mystery Beyond Our Borders
Listen at bit.ly/deweydecibel
americanlibraries.org | January/February 2020 13UPDATE
nominations are due February 1. Find
award criteria and submission forms at
ala.org/aasl/awards. Library Community Stands
Literary Landmarks Added Against Racial Violence
United for Libraries, in partnership with
A
LA and several professional affiliates—including the American Indian
Connecticut Center for the Book, Con- Library Association, Asian Pacific American Librarians Association,
necticut Humanities, and Hartford Public Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Chinese American
Library, designated two Connecticut Librarians Association, Joint Council of Librarians of Color, and Reforma: the
Literary Landmarks in a joint dedication National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos
ceremony in October: the Mark Twain and the Spanish Speaking—contributed funds to libraries on the front lines of
House and Museum and the Harriet defending equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Beecher Stowe Center, both in Hartford. In response to racist acts of abuse and violence in 2019 in Baltimore; Dayton,
The Mark Twain House and Museum Ohio; El Paso, Texas; Gilroy, California; and Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, ALA
is the 11,000-square-foot home built President Wanda Kay Brown and ALA affiliates each donated $500 to support
by Samuel Clemens, who used the pen library programming that aims to bridge cultural divides.
name Mark Twain. The Harriet Beecher The group released the following joint statement: “We stand united in
Stowe Center preserves and interprets unequivocally condemning the senseless loss of life and the trauma of the mass
the home of the author of Uncle Tom’s shootings targeting religious institutions and the African-American and Latinx
Cabin, and showcases its collections. communities. These frequent incidents remind us that there are still enormous
Any library or group may apply for challenges ahead as we take steps to eradicate racism and cultural invisibility.
a Literary Landmark through United “We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in affected communities, as well
for Libraries. More than 150 Literary as the hundreds of library users who rely on their support and compassion
Landmarks across the United States have
been dedicated since the program began
during this time of healing.” •
in 1986.
Round Table Highlights List. The inaugural year of the read- diverse comics creators, and aid library
Best Graphic Novels ing list will highlight the best graphic staff in the development of graphic
ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Round novels for adults published in late 2019 novel collections. The first list will be
Table (GNCRT) has announced a new through 2020, increase awareness of the announced at the 2021 ALA Midwinter
Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading graphic novel medium, raise voices of Meeting & Exhibits in Indianapolis.
2020 Census: Why It Matters
Libraries. Hospitals. Fire departments. Schools. Even roads and highways.
The census can shape many different aspects of your community.
Join us in ensuring everyone is counted.
Interested in partnering? Stop by
Booth #1703 or visit 2020census.gov.
14 January/February 2020 | americanlibraries.orgUPDATE
List selection will be determined by a includes information about layout, Grant, which supports a library initiat-
committee of GNCRT members with a programming, collection development, ing a graphic novel service or program.
background in graphic novel selection technology, communications, budgeting, Recipients each receive a $4,000 grant
and use for adults. and stakeholder engagement. for programming and collection develop-
ment, a collection of Will Eisner’s works
Tools for Tiny Libraries Eisner Grant Celebrates and biographies, and a selection of the
The new Tiny Library Toolkit, developed Graphic Novels graphic novels nominated for the 2020
by Meridian (Idaho) Library District, ALA and the Will and Ann Eisner Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards at
shares that library’s experience creating Family Foundation are now accepting Comic-Con International. The grant also
a “lighter, quicker, applications for the 2020 Will Eisner includes a travel stipend for a library
cheaper” means Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries, representative to travel to the 2020 ALA
of installing a which recognize libraries for their role Annual Conference and Exhibition in
library service in the growth of graphic literature. The Chicago to receive recognition from the
point using an grant honors the legacy of Will Eisner, a Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation.
upcycled shipping cartoonist whose career spanned nearly An applying librarian or their institution
container (bit.ly/ eight decades. must be an ALA member to be eligible,
TinyLibToolkit). Three grants will be awarded: Two and the grants are now open to libraries
The development recipients will receive the Will Eisner in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
of the toolkit was funded by the 2018 Graphic Novel Growth Grant, which The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants
Future of Libraries Fellowship from the supports libraries in expanding their for Libraries are administered by GNCRT,
ALA Center for the Future of Libraries. existing graphic novel services and and submission information is available
The toolkit documents the library’s programs, and one recipient will receive at ala.org/rt/gncrt. The application
development of its tiny facility and the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation deadline is February 9.
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americanlibraries.org | January/February 2020 15Howard County (Md.) Library Sys-
tem’s Longest Table 2019, held at
Howard Community College on
September 21, drew 231 guests.
Longest Table event in 2017. Chris-
tie P. Lassen, director of communi-
cations and partnerships at Howard
County Library System, says she
was inspired by the Tallahassee
event and another in Dayton, Ohio.
Lassen’s library has now hosted
three dinners, including one on
September 21 that drew 231 guests.
Typical fare includes chicken and
vegetarian entrées, salad, bread,
and dessert.
Both Howard and Harford coun-
ties’ events are organized under
the umbrella of Choose Civility, a
library-led initiative that values
diversity, respect, compassion, and
empathy as essential to the commu-
Tables of Content nity’s quality of life, according to
choosecivility.org.
The best part of the Harford
Longest Table meals bring communities County brunch, based on attendee
together for civil dialogue comments, was the camaraderie.
“I learned a lot from people who
have different backgrounds and
A
BY Lara Ewen ttendees of the May 2019 county leaders, local nonprofit The experiences,” said one guest.
Longest Table brunch Village Square, and Leadership Another wrote that the day was “a
hosted by Harford County Tallahassee. Then-Tallahassee wonderful opportunity to discuss
(Md.) Library System weren’t Mayor Andrew Gillum imagined the my home with people I don’t usu-
simply fed; they were nurtured. night as a way to bring members ally get to speak to.”
Photo: Geoffrey S. Baker/Howard County Library System
That’s because the day wasn’t just of the city’s diverse communities In September 2019, Amy Rodda,
about a shared meal of eggs, pan- together—in the wake of the 2014 director of adult services at Pikes
cakes, and fresh fruit. It was also riots in Ferguson, Missouri, and the Peak Library District (PPLD) in
about community. 2012 murder of Trayvon Martin— Colorado Springs, Colorado, made
The origins of these events can to let their guard down and speak Longest Table part of the 40th
be traced back to communal meals openly and civilly with one another anniversary celebration at its Foun-
such as the World’s Longest Lunch, while sharing food. tain branch. And Brian Shepard,
held annually across Australia. Longest Table meals have since executive director of Indian Trails
In 2015 the first Longest Table spread to libraries across the coun- Public Library District in Wheeling,
meal served 400 people along a try. Mary Hastler, CEO of Harford Illinois, says he plans to host his
two-block stretch of downtown County Library System, says she first Longest Table in 2020. “The
Tallahassee, Florida. That inaugural got the idea from nearby Howard Longest Table, for me, came from
evening was organized by city and County (Md.) Library System’s first trying to find a way to bring our
16 January/February 2020 | americanlibraries.org“There’s a lot of by charging $10–$15 admission, Literary Philadelphia
although free tickets are made
power in bringing available. Event costs can also vary
widely: The dinner budget at PPLD’s
6
people together Fountain branch was $1,800, which
Number of years since the American Library
Association last held its Midwinter Meeting &
covered catering plus table and
over a meal.” chair rentals, Rodda says. Exhibits in Philadelphia.
BRIAN SHEPARD, executive director
of Indian Trails Public Library
District in Wheeling, Illinois
Setting the Table
Rodda, whose 90-person dinner
6 million
Number of visits the Free Library of Phila-
was free to the public, says the con- delphia’s (FLP) 54 locations receive annually.
versation is what makes the events
special. PPLD assigns random
community together to facilitate seating to encourage new interac-
civic engagement and conversation tions. “If people came with family
and break down walls between members or spouses, we tried to
people,” he says. “There’s a lot of spread them out,” she says.
power in bringing people together Lassen says that in addition to
over a meal.” random seating, it’s important to
Organizing and funding an event keep guests in their chairs. She has
like this requires extensive plan- her meals served family-style, with
ning as well as coordinating the large plates of food passed from
calendars of several stakeholders,
says Hastler. She adds that local
person to person. “That’s meant to
foster interaction and discourage
130,000
Number of current and historical maps in the
Minor League Baseball team the people from moving around too Map Collection at FLP’s Parkway Central Library.
Aberdeen IronBirds hosts Harford frequently,” she says. “We wanted
County’s Longest Table brunch
events in its stadium when there’s
that to encourage conversation.”
Howard County also recruits “table 2010
no game scheduled. hosts” and strategically places them Year the Black Writers Museum—the only US
For the past three years, Lassen to promote interactions. “They museum to focus exclusively on black literature
has partnered with Howard Com- get some training and help ahead by classic and contemporary writers—was
munity College, which hosts the of time to facilitate the conversa- established. Its Ida B. Wells Library and Resource
dinners in its parking lot. Space, tions,” Lassen says. Table runners Center contains works from Jacob H. Carruthers,
however, is only one part of the have questions on them to make Zora Neale Hurston, and Sapphire.
puzzle. Libraries say the funding for sure diners always have something
these events comes from a combina-
tion of grants, ticket sales, private
to talk about. For her most recent
event, Lassen also added a social
11
Number of years that Apiary
donors, and in-kind donations. hour before dinner, with a pop-up Magazine—an all-volunteer,
“We probably have a $10,000 library, games, and an interactive free literary magazine published
budget range, and a good part of public art piece. for and by Philadelphians—
that is food,” Lassen says. Lassen
has been in existence.
Photo: Free Library of Philadelphia
and Hastler have each received Overcoming challenges
$5,000 grants from Maryland No matter how much planning goes
State Library as part of the Choose into the event, the one thing that 532
Civility initiative. To supplement can’t be predicted is the weather. North 7th Street address where Edgar Allan Poe
her funding, Lassen was helped by “We had this long table set up out- lived in a red-brick home with his wife, Virginia,
a local business donor as well as side, and of course at the 11th hour, and mother-in-law, Maria Clemm. The house—
the library’s Friends and Founda- designated a National Historic Site in 1962—
tion. She additionally offsets costs Continued on page 18 is where Poe penned “The Black Cat.” •
americanlibraries.org | January/February 2020 17You can also read
