REACTION Libraries and the future of secure, distributed databases - p. 26 - American Libraries Magazine
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March/April 2019
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
-
REACTION
Libraries and the
future of secure,
distributed databases
p. 26
Top Tech Trends p. 34
LC’s New Digital
Direction p. 38
PLUS: Melinda Gates, VR for Seniors,
Game of Thrones Ephemera
WHAT IS
BLOCKCHAIN?
What does it have to do with libraries?
BLOCKCHAIN
Edited by Susan Alman and Sandra Hirsh
Technology experts and editors Alman and Hirsh build on their ongoing
research to discuss how blockchain’s potential use as a convenient sys-
tem for recordkeeping could lead to more government documents, histor-
ical records, and other pieces of information migrating to such a system.
They and their contributors also examine its possible consequences for
academic, public, school, and special libraries, as well as the information
professionals who sustain those institutions, making this book an excit-
ing read for everyone interested in the future of librarianship.
978-0-8389-1743-5
2019 | softcover | 96 pp | 5” x 7”
$24.99 | Members: $22.49
LIBRARY FUTURES SERIES
, ,
The Library Futures Series brings together library experts and innovators to explore the profession’s many
futures by focusing on emerging trends.
) Additional trends in the LIBRARY FUTURES SERIES
ANONYMITY RESILIENCE DESIGN THINKING
Alison Macrina Rebekkah Smith Rachel Ivy Clarke
and Talya Cooper Aldrich 978-0-8389-1792-3
978-0-8389-1633-9 978-0-8389-1634-6 2019 | softcover
2019 | softcover 2018 | softcover 80 pp | 5” x 7”
64 pp | 5” x 7” 96 pp | 5” x 7” $24.99
$24.99 $24.99 Members: $22.49
Members: $22.49 Members: $22.49
www.alastore.ala.org/library-futures
March/April 2019
American Libraries | Volume 50 #3/4 | ISSN 0002-9769
COVER STORY
BLOCKCHAIN
REACTION
How library professionals are approaching
blockchain technology and its potential impact p. 26
BY Carrie Smith
FEATURES
34 Tech Trends
Library tech leaders
recommend their
favorite tips and tools
34
BY Alison Marcotte
38 A New Digital
Strategy for
America’s Library
The Library of Congress
expands its online
42 offerings through letters,
maps, and colors
BY Greg Landgraf
42 Copyright for
Creators
How we built an arts-
focused program
38 at our library
BY Carla-Mae Crookendale, Hillary
Miller, and Sue Robinson
20 22 18
UP FRONT TRENDS PERSPECTIVES
3 From the 16 Ditching the Gender Data IN PRACTICE
Editor Why “male” and “female” are vanishing 46 Unintentional Inequity
A Digital Discourse from some library card applications BY Meredith Farkas
BY Sanhita SinhaRoy BY Anne Ford
DISPATCHES
6 From Our 18 What’s in a Building Name? 47 AI and Machine Learning
Readers University librarians and BY Jason Griffey
archivists contribute to reviews
of contentious namesakes YOUTH MATTERS
ALA BY Timothy Inklebarger 48 Spreading ‘Bookjoy’
BY Maricela Leon-Barrera
4 From the 20 Libations in the Library
President Alcohol-friendly events draw ON MY MIND
Exploring AI new, younger faces 49 Transform the High School Library
BY Loida Garcia-Febo BY Anne Ford BY Chiquita Toure
8 Update SPOTLIGHT LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY
What’s happening 22 It’s Not Such a Small World After All 50 Become Future Ready
at ALA Introducing older adults to virtual reality BY Karen Muller
Anne Ford
12 From the BY
Candidates SOLUTIONS
NEWSMAKER
Campaign statements 24 Melinda Gates 52 Ebooks Made Easy
from the candidates Philanthropist pens book on lifting up Budget-friendly acquisition models
for 2020–2021 ALA women to save the world
president and 2019– PEOPLE
2022 ALA treasurer PLUS
BY Julius C. Jefferson Jr.,
54 Announcements
17 By the Numbers
Lance Werner, Maggie
23 Global Reach
Farrell, and Andrew THE BOOKEND
K. Pace 25 Noted & Quoted
56 An Archive of Ice and Fire
16
Academy of American Poets Insert | Dominican University 21 | OCLC Cover 4 | Scannx 7 | University of Alabama 33 | University of Nebraska 11 | American Library
Association Editions Cover 2 | Graphics 5 | JobLIST Cover 3
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Address: 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611
Website:americanlibrariesmagazine.org
Email: americanlibraries@ala.org
A Digital Discourse
B
Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension
Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org
lockchain’s practical applications are still being
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER A vintage
Sanhita SinhaRoy
explored—not least by library professionals. In
What is your typewriter
ssinharoy@ala.org | x4219 our cover story (p. 26), Carrie Smith asks five
nerdiest MANAGING EDITOR 1970s Doritos librarians and information professionals about
possession? Terra Dankowski sleeping bag
tdankowski@ala.org | x5282 this emerging technology and its likely impact. We hope
SENIOR EDITORS A Russian
you find the discussion as intriguing as we did.
Amy Carlton copy of Paul For tech that’s more accessible in the here and now,
acarlton@ala.org | x5105
Santa Claus McCartney’s read our feature on some of the latest trends (p. 34)
George M. Eberhart
Conquers the CHOBA B
Martians LP
geberhart@ala.org | x4212 popping up in libraries across the country. Alison
CCCP album
Phil Morehart Marcotte talks with several members of ALA’s Library
A Sting action
pmorehart@ala.org | x4218 Sanhita SinhaRoy
Plastic shirt- and Information Technology Association about digital
figure from EDITOR-AT-LARGE
the movie Dune Anne Ford folding board citizenship, translation apps, and virtual reality (VR),
aford@ala.org | x4213 among other burgeoning tools. For instance, some library
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSISTANT workers are using VR to foster empathy by presenting
Fanny pack Carrie Smith
Ten years patrons with the opportunity to experience a tornado or
collection casmith@ala.org | x4216
of comic
ART DIRECTOR and anime walk through a refugee camp. As Joyce Kasman Valenza
First cellphone, Rebecca Lomax convention of Rutgers University School of Communication and
a Motorola rlomax@ala.org | x4217
lanyards
DynaTAC—massive! Information says in the story, this new technology can
ADVERTISING
Michael Stack mstack@ala.org | 847-367-7120 help “patrons go well beyond the four walls of the library.”
Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement.
ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising.
Similarly, in our Spotlight (p. 22), some older patrons
PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT
of Arlington Heights (Ill.) Memorial Library are bene-
Old-school fitting from a VR program that takes them on virtual
The Harry Mary Mackay
geometry
Potter books Associate Executive Director
set and vacations. It’s an especially heartwarming story, as many
Mary Jo Bolduc
Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 slide of these seniors are typically homebound by physical or
rule from cognitive limitations. One patron said he never thought
MEMBERSHIP middle
Lorelle Swader school he’d see the beach again until the library brought a VR
Associate Executive Director VR is being viewer to his memory-care facility.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Susan H. Polos (Chair), Salvador Avila, Joseph M. Eagan, used to foster Weighing in on artificial intelligence and machine
Sonja Eyler, Mary L. Hastler, Ben Allen Hunter, Jasmina Jusic, learning are ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo (p. 4)
Sigrid Kelsey. Intern: Lisa Anne Romano empathy, and librarian Jason Griffey (p. 47). We also profile the
Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2
INDEXED presenting Library of Congress’s new five-year digital strategy
Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, (p. 38) as well as offer an interview with philanthropist
H. W. Wilson, LexisNexis, Information Access, J STOR. patrons with Melinda Gates (p. 24), who speaks about empowering
SUBSCRIBE
the chance women and the vital role libraries play in providing
Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada,
and Mexico; foreign: $84. Subscription price for individuals
equal access to information. Gates is this year’s honor-
included in ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email to experience ary chair of National Library Week, in April.
membership@ala.org, or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues:
a tornado or If all this digital discourse has you craving analog,
ALA Member and C ustomer Service. Allow six weeks. Single
issues $7.50, with 30% discount for five or more; contact Carrie you may delight in our Bookend (p. 56), which show-
Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216 or casmith@ala.org walk through cases Texas A&M’s collection of items donated by best-
PUBLISHED selling author George R. R. Martin. The photo comes
American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times a refugee
yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library
complete with a sword and dragon figurine.
Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at camp. You can’t get more analog than that.
Chicago, Illinois, 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. ©2019 American Library Association. All
rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced
or republished without written permission from the publisher.
americanlibrariesmagazine.org | March/April 2019 3
from the
PRESIDENT
Exploring AI
How libraries are starting to apply artificial intelligence in their work
I
have recently started to hear more phrases such by AI. As Bourg says, it is important for academic
as, “I don’t have to visit a library; I just ask Alexa libraries to make their collections accessible to
[or Siri or Google Assistant] and it tells me AI tools like Alexa so that when someone asks
everything I need to know. I speak to it all day.” a voice assistant for information, reputable
The impact of even this early wave of artificial scholarly literature is available. To make this
intelligence (AI)—including voice assistants and successful, libraries will have to work to ensure
machine learning (ML)—is still uncertain in many scholarly information is openly accessible, not
fields, but it is time to include AI on our profes- locked behind paywalls.
sional agenda and in our national conversation. All this may be a lot of new information to
In talking with librarians working in this area, process. But Catherine Nicole Coleman, digital
Loida Garcia-Febo
it’s clear that while AI can be useful, it also raises research architect at Stanford Libraries in Palo
familiar concerns about privacy, intellectual free- Alto, California, has a good approach: Last year,
dom, authority, and access. And there are diver- Coleman conducted “Library AI Conversations” to
sity considerations, as well, including access for help library workers familiarize themselves with
people with different linguistic styles or abilities. the latest research and issues. She also worked
Fortunately, librarians are looking at AI from mostly with bibliographers, archivists, and
several perspectives. Some are using it to teach catalogers to explore the possibilities of AI for
information literacy and critical-thinking skills to metadata and collection development. Addition-
help patrons formulate questions for these devices ally, they are collaborating with computer science
and learn how to evaluate responses. University of faculty and faculty in the humanities and social
Rhode Island, for example, is housing its collabo- sciences to explore human–machine collabora-
rative efforts around AI in the library. tion, interaction, and interface (bit.ly/stanfordAI).
Cambridge (Mass.) Public Library (CPL) part- At ALA, we have resources to help library
nered with MIT Libraries and Harvard metaLAB to workers understand AI, these new devices, and
Library host the installation “Laughing Room,” in which the role of libraries. The Center for the Future of
participants enter an artificially intelligent room Libraries has written about voice-control devices
professionals that plays a laugh track whenever something is (bit.ly/CFLvoice); the January issue of Library
will need to said that the room’s algorithm deems funny. CPL Technology Reports (bit.ly/LibTechAI) explores AI
Director Maria McCauley says this helped people and ML; and many of our conferences—including
continue to to consider the impact of surveillance and AI on the Library and Information Technology Associ-
be at the their lives. To further engage library users with ation’s forum and the Association of College and
big issues in science and technology shaping our Research Libraries national conference—include
forefront society, the library will host a public dialogue sessions on AI.
to support about humor, culture, and AI with Harvard Law My fellow library workers, the future of libraries
School’s Cyberlaw Clinic this spring. will continue to be about the communities we
communities At MIT, Chris Bourg, director of libraries, is serve. Librarians and library professionals will
focusing on building a technical infrastructure so need to be at the forefront to support communities
as emerging
its collections are accessible by APIs and there- as these technologies transform our world. Let’s
technologies fore can be used by machine-learning algorithms. continue the conversation and learn together.
MIT Libraries is working with AI/ML research-
transform
ers at the university to analyze various library LOIDA GARCIA-FEBO is an international library
our world. tasks and workflows that might be enhanced consultant.
4 March/April 2019 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org
C E L E B R AT E
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
APRIL 7–13, 2019
This April, celebrate your library and its staff for the work
they do to respond to and build strong communities.
Libraries = Strong
Communities
Mini Poster
Melinda Gates
2019 National Library Week
Honorary Chair 2019 National Library
Week Poster
2019 National Library
Week Bookmark
Order National Library Week materials at
alastore.ala.org by March 20, 2019 to receive
your order in time using standard shipping.
from our
READERS
I’m just now
Not Representative
getting around of School Librarians
to reading the I was disheartened by your
Nov./Dec. issue of inclusion of Amanda Oliver as
@amlibraries and the sole representative of school
librarians in “Other Duties as
it’s alerted me to Assigned” (Jan./Feb., p. 40).
the existence of While I have no doubt her expe-
the Brewchive. rience sheltering 2nd-graders
during a suspected active
I have never
shooter scenario was terrifying, would’ve highlighted the strug- Bravo to our ALA presidents
heard of anything by her own admission she’d gles and rewards of a different for their efforts! We are rooting
cooler. #librarylife “been wanting to leave for a school librarian in your article. for you on behalf of the children
while, but that sealed the deal.” Susie Isaac and adults who depend on our
@MEGHAN1943 in
There are many of us in the Denver public libraries.
response to “Tapping
into Beer History” school librarianship role who Connie Estedes
(Nov./Dec., p. 22) persist despite the ways in which E-Content Advocates San Juan, Puerto Rico
we’re pulled. Yes, such a position On behalf of San Juan (P.R.) Com-
often demands we “come early munity Library, we wish to salute Living Our Mission
and stay late,” but it is our American Library Association As an early career librarian and
dedication to the children and (ALA) President Loida Garcia- an African-American woman,
teachers we serve that drives Febo and former ALA President it is beyond disheartening to
us to make these choices. You Sari Feldman for meeting with read news stories about African-
would be hard-pressed to find a major publishers regarding American students—many whom
classroom teacher who does not ebook and e-content acquisitions are studying library and infor-
also make these sacrifices. (“E-Content Challenges Ahead,” mation science, no less—being
As a teacher–librarian in a The Scoop, Dec. 14). We hope treated in discriminatory ways by
Title I school, I very much feel that they can be the agents of library staffers. Every employee
the pressure of being pulled positive change that our libraries represents and shapes people’s
in multiple directions—from a so desperately need. perceptions of librarians and the
full-time teaching schedule to While we all love digital library, so I cannot stress enough
applying for grants, from running content, it is unjust that it often how incredibly vital it is for all
after-school reading clubs to costs public libraries three library staffers to adhere to the
acting as the teacher in charge to five times more than the values of the profession and the
in administrators’ absence, from consumer retail price to acquire purpose of the institution. We
making calls to social services on ebooks and digital content. In must implement our mission on
behalf of students to organizing addition, we strongly object to a daily basis and behave in a way
book sales and author and illus- metered-access titles. It makes that does not turn library students
trator events. The list could go acquisitions both challenging and away from entering librarianship.
on. While it is challenging work, a misnomer, as we are really rent- It is hard enough to recruit and
it is highly rewarding. ing metered titles and spending retain library students of color
There are reasons we decide exorbitant sums on current or without calling the police on
to stay with this career. I wish you popular titles. them. Library professionals must
FOLLOW US: @amlibraries facebook.com/amlibraries pinterest.com/amlibraries
WRITE US: The editors welcome comments about recent content, online stories, and matters of professional
interest. Submissions should be limited to 300 words and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and length. Send
to americanlibraries@ala.org or American Libraries, From Our Readers, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795.
6 March/April 2019 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org
create a space for everyone. And imperative that we, stewards of must recruit and retain African- This set
yet, a universal and inviting space the great institutions that libraries American librarians and librarians
was not what Ashly Horace, are, communicate better. I believe of color so that library profes-
of interviews
a graduate student studying that both these situations would sionals reflect the patrons they was great.
library science, experienced in not have resulted in police offi- serve. Negative interactions with @KCROWE in
November while visiting the cers being called if the students library professionals do nothing response to “Other
West University branch of Harris were white. I also believe that to inspire future librarians. Duties as Assigned”
County Public Library in Houston each situation could have had a Jina DuVernay (Jan./Feb., p. 40)
to observe storytime as part of different outcome if the library Atlanta
her graduate work. professional decided to listen and
Nor is it what Juán-Pabló talk rationally to these students. CORRECTION
González, who is also studying The main concern that I had The as-told-to piece “Other
library science, experienced at the when I read about these students’ Duties as Assigned” (Jan./Feb.,
Catholic University of America’s interactions with library personnel p. 40) incorrectly asserted that a
law library in Washington, D.C., was that it might dissuade them manager at an unnamed branch
on October 10. In both incidents, from becoming librarians. I whole- of D.C. Public Library declined
police officers were called to the heartedly hope that they continue to take the position unless a
library to remove these students. to study library and information full-time police officer was hired
It is shameful for me to read science, as they are critically also. The manager never made
these types of stories. It is needed in this profession. We such a statement.
americanlibrariesmagazine.org | March/April 2019 7
ALA Launches New
Advocacy Storytelling
Resources
O
n January 25 the American Library Association
(ALA) released new and updated advocacy tools
and a redesigned ALA Advocacy web page (ala.org/
advocacy) to help libraries better tell their stories. The new
site features the first in a series of short videos on advocacy,
in which ALA member Tom Brooks, communications special-
ist at Cobb County (Ga.) Public Library System, highlights
how he built strong relationships with local news media to
promote his library. Resources on the site also show step by The new advocacy resources were commissioned as part
step how to contact journalists and leverage social media to of the campaign Libraries = Strong Communities by ALA
spread your message. President Loida Garcia-Febo, whose presidential advisory
The site provides plug-and-play resources and self-serve committee provided guidance and feedback as ALA under-
downloads including a calendar to assist in creating year-round took a redesign of the advocacy tools on the site. “The
advocacy plans, template letters, a congressional calendar, time is ripe for fresh resources to inspire and challenge
social media graphics, one-pagers, and policy briefs. These our advocacy,” Garcia-Febo said in the statement. “We all
examples of storytelling, relationship building, and year-round agree on the need to tell our library stories. ALA wants to
advocacy have been designed to empower ALA members and give members specific tools and guidance for how to do
library advocates to reach community influencers and decision that effectively.”
makers at all levels and encourage them to engage with ALA will continue to add new resources, including two
libraries, according to the January 25 news release. more advocacy storytelling videos, in the coming months. •
Moniz receives YALSA’s provides participants with an opportu- within library and information science.
2019 Innovation Award nity to build healthy relationships with Proposals are currently being accepted
The Young Adult Library Services peers while enhancing interpersonal for one-year research projects that will
Association (YALSA) has selected Ryan skills and reducing social isolation for an be undertaken July 1, 2019, through
Moniz, learning and growth librarian at-risk population. June 30, 2020.
at Markham Public Library in Ontario, For more information about the A jury of ALA members will evaluate
Canada, as the recipient of its 2019 award, visit bit.ly/YALSAInnovative. proposals and select up to three awards,
Innovation Award for his Essential Skills with grant recipients announced prior
program. Moniz will receive a $500 ODLOS Seeks Diversity to the 2019 ALA Annual Conference and
award, funded by Friends of YALSA. Research Grant Proposals Exhibition in Washington, D.C.
Moniz’s Essential Skills program The Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Proposals are due by midnight Pacific
is a free workshop series designed to Outreach Services (ODLOS) is solicit- time on April 15.
support teens on the autism spectrum ing proposals for the diversity research For examples of past projects and a
and those living with intellectual or grant program, a one-time $2,500 award complete list of criteria and proposal
cognitive impairments. It teaches digital for original research. Applications may instructions, visit bit.ly/ALADiversityRG.
literacy skills that can help to improve focus on any diversity-related topic that For more information or to inquire
quality of life for the learners. Through addresses critical gaps in the knowledge about possible research topics, email
group activities, the program also of diversity, equity, and outreach issues diversity@ala.org.
8 March/April 2019 | americanlibrariesmagazine.orgMAR. 25–29
Public Library Association
MLSA Reauthorized Leadership Academy | Chicago
bit.ly/PLALeadership2019
Through 2023 MAR. 30–APR. 6
Money Smart Week
O
n December 31 the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA), which moneysmartweek.org
reauthorizes the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services APR.
(IMLS), was signed by President Trump. School Library Month
The new legislation authorizes IMLS through fiscal year 2023 and contains ala.org/aasl/slm
improvements to enable more libraries on tribal lands to participate in IMLS
APR. 7–13
grant programs, permit use of IMLS funding for disaster preparedness and assis-
National Library Week
tance, and encourage greater use of data-driven tools to measure the impact
bit.ly/ALAnatlibweek
and maximize the effectiveness of library services.
The bill passed despite threats to stall it in December, in part thanks to APR. 9
persistent advocacy by ALA members, including extra efforts of advocates in National Library
then–House Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) district, who made calls and wrote Workers Day
ala-apa.org/nlwd
letters to the editor to raise awareness of MLSA’s importance to libraries and
their communities. APR. 10
The ALA Washington Office encourages members to thank Congress for pass- National Bookmobile Day
ing MLSA through ALA’s legislative action center (bit.ly/ALAActionCenter).• bit.ly/ALABookmobileDay
APR. 10–13
Association of College
and Research Libraries
United for Libraries The contest jury awarded the $1,000 Conference | Cleveland
Office Goes Virtual first prize to Mim Eichmann for her story conference.acrl.org
The United for Libraries office is now “Slomp.” The jury also awarded $500 APR. 21–27
virtual. United staff will both telecom- honorable mentions to R. L. Burke’s “The Preservation Week
mute from home and work onsite at Invitation” and Donald Ryan’s “Call It ala.org/preservationweek
Regus Business Centers in the Phila- What You Will.” All three juried winners
APR. 30
delphia area. The change was made to will be given the opportunity to have
El día de los niños/
save on rent, utilities, and other related their stories published in Short Édition’s
El día de los libros
expenses, and to improve efficiency by Short Story Dispensers.
dia.ala.org
eliminating the need for staff to perform Three readers’ choice winners were
MAY 1–7
maintenance tasks. also announced: “The Ship” by Jasmine
United for Libraries staff members’ Wheeler, “Bread Crumbs” by Jessica Choose Privacy Week
chooseprivacyeveryday.org
email addresses and phone extensions Normile, and “Quest” by Unoma Nguemo
will remain the same. Its new mailing Azuah. All 606 qualifying short story JUNE
address is 600 Eagleview Blvd., Suite submissions can be viewed on the contest GLBT Book Month
300, Exton, PA 19341. site (bit.ly/PLAshortstories2018). ala.org/glbtbookmonth
JUNE 20–25
PLA Short Fiction Contest ALSC Awards 14 Strengthening ALA Annual Conference and
Winners Announced Communities Grants Exhibition | Washington, D.C.
Six writers have been recognized for The Association for Library Service 2019.alaannual.org
their entries in the Public Library Asso- to Children (ALSC) has awarded 14 AUG. 24–30
ciation’s (PLA) National Short Fiction $5,000 Strengthening Communities IFLA World Library and
Contest. More than 600 writers from through Libraries mini-grants to support Information Congress
across the US submitted short stories on STEAM learning in libraries during out- Athens, Greece
the theme of courage. of-school time. ifla.org/annual-conference
americanlibrariesmagazine.org | March/April 2019 9UPDATE
The grantee libraries range in size
and location and represent ALSC
members from 11 different states. A Celebrate the CSK Book
Awards’ 50th Anniversary
full list of grantees is available at bit.ly/
ALSCsctl2018. For more information
about the grants, visit bit.ly/ALSCGrants.
O
DLOS and the Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round
PLA Offers Regional Table are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King
EDISJ Symposia (CSK) Book Awards in 2019. The awards serve as a guide for parents,
Social Justice and Public Libraries: Equity librarians, and caregivers, for the most outstanding books for youth by African-
Starts with Us, PLA’s symposium on American authors and illustrators that demonstrate an appreciation of and
equity, diversity, inclusion, and social jus- affirm African-American culture and universal human values. The CSK
tice (EDISJ) will be offered three times in Book Award titles promote understanding and apprecia-
2019: February 25–26 in Denver; August tion of the culture of all peoples and their contribu-
12–13 in Charleston, South Carolina; tion to the realization of the American dream of a
and October 28–29 in Chicago. pluralistic society.
Mia Henry—a facilitator and educator A 50th anniversary celebration toolkit with
who teaches self-reflection, relationship- program ideas, templates, and artwork is
building, and understanding social available at bit.ly/CSK50.
movement history—will lead the sympo- ALA Graphics is marking the anniversary
sium. Members of the PLA Task Force on with a new limited-edition T-shirt, available in
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will also black or yellow, and a gold-plated anniversary pin,
help guide each session. available at the ALA Store (bit.ly/CSK50th). •
Participants will build a shared under-
standing of core EDISJ concepts; develop
strategies to address their own biases
and learn how to share this knowledge; The grantees represent 46 public in 2019. More information on upcoming
develop regional connections; and use libraries, 13 school libraries, five com- opportunities and the program itself is
case studies and equity tools to create an munity college libraries, four academic available at bit.ly/ALA-TRHTGSC.
action plan for strengthening EDISJ prac- libraries, one prison library, and one cul-
tices in their libraries and communities. tural center library. Additionally, 50 com- 2019 Leadership Institute
Registration for each symposium is munity partner organizations including Applications Open
limited to 100, and attendance on both alternative schools, youth detention cen- Applications for the 2019 “Leading to the
days is required. The symposium is $150 ters, and other organizations that serve Future” ALA Leadership Institute, to be
for PLA personal members and $250 for youth, are participating in the project. held August 5–8 at the Hilton Chicago/
nonmembers. Limited financial support Participating libraries will receive Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference
for staff from small and rural libraries 11 copies of up to four books on the Center in Oak Brook, Illinois, will be
may be available. TRHT Great Stories Club reading list; accepted through March 8. The four-
For more information, including regis- a programming grant of up to $1,200; day immersive leadership development
tration instructions and lodging options, travel and accommodation expenses paid program for 40 mid-career librarians will
visit bit.ly/EDISJSymposia. for attendance at a two-day orientation be led by former ALA President Maureen
workshop in Chicago; and additional Sullivan and library and leadership con-
70 Libraries Named for resources, training, and support from the sultant Kathryn Deiss.
Great Stories Club Public Programs Office and ODLOS. Now in its seventh year, the institute
Seventy libraries have been selected to The libraries will work with small helps future library leaders develop and
participate in ALA’s Great Stories Club groups of teens in 2019 to read and practice their leadership skills through
series on Truth, Racial Healing, and discuss book titles on the themes “Deeper reflective and active learning. It offers
Transformation (TRHT), a thematic Than Our Skins: The Present Is a Conver- participants an opportunity to delve into
reading and discussion program series sation with the Past” and “Finding Your leadership practices, concepts, and frame-
engaging underserved teens through Voice: Speaking Truth to Power.” works, and to shape their own sustainable
literature-based library outreach pro- A final round of Great Stories Club leadership vision and ethos while build-
grams and racial healing work. grants for the TRHT series will be offered ing a learning community and network.
10 March/April 2019 | americanlibrariesmagazine.orgUPDATE
The application form and guide- of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The using the #ReadGraphic hashtag featur-
lines are at bit.ly/ALALeadershipInst. grants provide up to $3,000 for research, ing authors and illustrators.
Applicants may nominate themselves with successful recipients eligible to Booklist will partner with select
or be nominated by their employer. apply for up to $1,500 in additional fund- libraries to help bring authors and illus-
Participants also receive a free one-year ing for dissemination of their findings. trators to comics-related library events.
membership to the Library Leadership Applications are due April 25. More
and Management Association. information is available at bit.ly/ACRL New Workshop on
impactgrants. Mental Health
Academic Library Impact ALA Publishing eLearning Solutions
Research Grant Applications Booklist Announces Graphic will host a new workshop, “Dealing
The Association of College and Research Novels in Libraries Month with Mental Health on the Front Lines,”
Libraries invites practicing librarians In July 2019 Booklist will host Graphic with Loren Mc Clain, in two 90-minute
and information professionals employed Novels in Libraries Month, which will sessions on March 7 and 14.
in academic and research libraries to foster partnerships between libraries The workshop will cover how identify-
apply for funding for research on library and publishers and provide librarians ing mental illnesses and disorders in the
contributions to student learning and with tools to select, curate, and promote workplace and in the community lead
success through Academic Library Impact graphic titles for patrons of all ages. to a better understanding of how library
Research Grants. Proposed projects The program will begin at the ALA policies and procedures come into play,
should aim to build on the foundations of Annual Conference and Exhibition in and how you can create a more positive
the 2017 Academic Library Impact report Washington, D.C., with a panel and and supportive environment for your
and fill gaps in existing literature. meet-and-greets with authors and employees and the public.
In this round of grants, the committee illustrators. Throughout July, Booklist Registration is available at bit.ly/ALA
welcomes proposals related to issues will share original videos on social media mhwebinar19.
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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | March/April 2019 11from the
CANDIDATES
Julius C. Jefferson Jr.
Section head, Congressional Research Service, Library of
Congress, Washington, D.C. | jeffersonforalapresident.com
CANDIDATE FOR ALA PRESIDENT
L
ibraries are not just where we to be recognized as technologically development and leadership
work; they are sentinels of savvy, inclusive, innovative, passion- opportunities, using a communi-
our democracy, where lives ate, and diverse. Building that brand ties of practice model
are affected and our country’s means strengthening relationships 5. build a culture of inclusion by
ideals are upheld. I am reminded within our complex organizational strengthening relationships with
of this every day as I traverse the structure. divisions, round tables, affiliates,
entrance of the Library of Congress’s As president, I will address and member initiative groups
James Madison Memorial Build- internal and external concerns that 6. build and strengthen relationships
ing, where this inspiring quote is face ALA, focusing on supporting our with our chapters
inscribed: Knowledge will forever strategic directions by advocating for 7. lead our Association through the
govern ignorance: And a people policies that reflect our core values. on-boarding of a new executive
who mean to be their own gover- I will strive to: director
nours, must arm themselves with 1. help increase funding by building 8. lead ALA in our conversation
the power which knowledge gives. on the grassroots approach about better governance, ensuring
It is an exciting time to be a 2. strengthen equity, diversity, and all voices are heard
member of the American Library inclusion in our Association and in 9. provide fiscal guidance as we seek
Association (ALA). ALA can and the libraries where we work to ensure concrete benefits to
will play an important role at this 3. defend and protect privacy and members
critical juncture in the history of our intellectual freedom 10. recruit the next generation by
profession and our country, and it 4. champion the careers of library introducing K–12 students to a
must stand united to speak with one workers by providing professional career in librarianship
voice: to advocate for the education My commitment to libraries and
of an informed citizenry; to promote my ability to serve and lead ALA
freedom of expression and privacy; to members is reflected in my active
fight the constant threat of reduced ALA can and will participation within our Association.
funding for library programs; to sup-
port information policies that seek to
play an important I have served on the ALA Executive
Board, chaired ALA committees,
unite our country, rather than poli- role at this critical served and led affiliate organizations,
cies that divide, such as the repeal of and served at the local level. I cur-
net neutrality. juncture in the rently serve on ALA Council.
As ALA president, my focus will
be to build the Association’s brand.
history of our I stand prepared to serve the mem-
bers of ALA, providing leadership for
What is that brand? It is the 57,866 profession and a modern library association.
committed members—librarians and I ask for your vote for ALA presi-
library workers—who are and need our country. dent.
ALA ELECTION VOTE: March 11–April 3. More information at bit.ly/ALAelection19
12 March/April 2019 | americanlibrariesmagazine.orgfrom the
CANDIDATES
Lance Werner
Executive director, Kent District Library,
Comstock Park, Michigan | lancewerner.com
CANDIDATE FOR ALA PRESIDENT
W
e’re living in an partner, ALA’s future focus will help This is precisely what ALA can accom-
increasingly divided libraries with far-reaching goals and plish on a national and international
world that needs to be accomplishments. level. In doing so, our Association can
brought together and Step two: Help members gain a help libraries do the same locally.
where intellectual freedom must be seat at the table by leveraging their Too often, libraries may be
staunchly defended. greatest assets: kindness, empathy, invited to the party but not asked to
The American Library Association and love. Everything libraries do dance. To turn this around, we need
(ALA) and libraries are in a unique stems from those three traits and to make the first move by learning
position to help, heal, and lead. We values. These are the dance moves where the missions of other stake-
must bring more civility and critical that businesses want to learn. holders align, turning up the music,
thought into the world through Think about how kindness, empa- and asking them to dance!
kindness, empathy, and love. thy, and love apply to client service, As president of ALA, I will imple-
Libraries are on the front line, organizational culture, emotional ment this shoes-on-the-dance-floor
doing an outstanding job of serving engagement, and delivering real strategy. I’m ready to take the lead
the underserved. But there is also an value. These are the tenets that and inspire others to do the same.
opportunity to bring all stakeholders attract customers, investors, and I’ll accomplish this by:
closer together through engagement prosperity. In exchange for helping ■■ expanding ALA training to help
and advocacy. This is where ALA has teach these dance moves, libraries people employ advocacy and
the greatest opportunity to deliver can enjoy stronger alliances and inclusion for themselves and their
significant value for members, advocacy for furthering their mission. profession
helping with strategic engagement ■■ developing apprenticeship pro-
and advocacy. grams for real-world, on-the-job
To accomplish this, changes are ALA and libraries experience
due. Our rapidly evolving world ■■ guiding others in fast-track cre-
outpaces the old mode of merely can help, heal, and ation and implementation of ideas
promoting library service and
librarianship. It’s not enough to
lead. Let’s bring ■■ seeking input from ALA members
to explore answers to tough ques-
simply focus on our craft—we need more civility and tions about the future of libraries
new dance steps for change. Change can happen only if we
Step one: Ensure member voices critical thought are willing to change and willing to
are heard in updating the ALA
mission so it’s focused on the future
into the world take charge.
As ALA president, I will focus
rather than focused inward. Just as with kindness, on this for the benefit of libraries
a lead dancer looks in the direc- everywhere.
tion that he or she plans to take a empathy, and love. Let’s dance!
ALA ELECTION VOTE: March 11–April 3. More information at bit.ly/ALAelection19
americanlibrariesmagazine.org | March/April 2019 13from the
CANDIDATES
Maggie Farrell
Dean of university libraries, University of Nevada,
Las Vegas | maggieforalatreasurer.com
CANDIDATE FOR ALA TREASURER
I
am greatly honored to stand for critical importance is process: ensuring divisions and round tables. We need
election for American Library that we follow ALA policies, respond to use simple and clear language in
Association (ALA) treasurer and to to ALA Council referrals, and provide understanding and describing our
serve our profession by providing direction to the Finance office. As budget. Although ALA has many units
leadership for the financial well-being BARC chair, I have established the with revenue and nonrevenue activ-
of our Association. goals of transparency, clarity, and com- ities, our processes should be under-
ALA is at a critical time with munication as we focus on immediate stood by members. Transparency
changes in Association leadership and long-term goals. and clarity are at the foundation of
positions, increased operational As ALA treasurer, I will continue communication regarding Association
costs, flat-to-decreasing membership, this service with similar goals. Trans- finances. I will facilitate regular com-
and declining revenue. Librarians parency in our budget processes is munication to ALA leadership, includ-
and library workers have a variety of necessary as we consider not only the ing division and round table leaders.
choices for professional development, current financial state but how we As treasurer, I will continue this
service, and engagement, so ALA strategically invest in our infrastruc- pattern to provide regular and direct
needs to adapt to the changing expec- ture to modernize our work. As we communication for ALA members.
tations of the library profession if it is consider real estate options, we need In addition to my service on BARC,
to remain relevant and vibrant. This transparency in the financial details I have served on Council, on the
will require critical examination of in order to make an informed decision Association of College and Research
our conferences, activities, publishing, that will impact ALA for many years. Libraries executive board, and as chair
operations, and structure in order to I will strive to bring clarity to the of various committees and task forces.
meet the needs of our contemporary budget process. Clarity is essential for I have also held leadership posi-
profession. As your treasurer, I will making informed decisions with an tions in state and regional library
diligently work to provide analysis, understanding of processes through- associations and consortia. As library
support, and financial details that out the organization, including dean of three universities, I have
facilitate decisions on how we move broad budget experience and finan-
forward as an association.
Currently I am chair of the Budget
To remain cial expertise that complement my
MLS and master’s of public adminis-
Analysis and Review Committee relevant, ALA tration degree. My skills in facilitation
(BARC). In this role, I lead a team of and management will contribute to
members, working closely with the needs to adapt the dialogue of examining the finan-
ALA treasurer and Finance office to
provide oversight for the Association’s
to the changing cial infrastructure required to mod-
ernize our Association’s operations.
finances. This experience has provided expectations of Thank you for considering me for
me with insights into the financial and this critical leadership position, and I
organizational structures of ALA. Of the profession. ask for your vote.
ALA ELECTION VOTE: March 11–April 3. More information at bit.ly/ALAelection19
14 March/April 2019 | americanlibrariesmagazine.orgfrom the
CANDIDATES
Andrew K. Pace
Executive director, technical research, OCLC,
Dublin, Ohio | pacefortreasurer.org
CANDIDATE FOR ALA TREASURER
I
am honored to stand for election as Library and Information Technology the current ALA treasurer, Budget
treasurer of the American Library Association and its former president, Analysis and Review Committee,
Association (ALA), and I ask for I consulted with the division’s board and ALA Finance staff to ensure that
your support. regarding its financial future, urged its budgets and investments align with
ALA’s treasurer does what you might merger with other divisions, and helped organizational strategy and aren’t
expect, but there’s more to the job than create its budget review committee. simply numbers on a page. While ALA
many realize, especially in the coming Managing finances requires a level of invests in its future, it’s important to
three years. Of course, I will dedicate trust that I have worked hard to earn. have a leader with an eye toward fiscal
myself to ALA’s financial success. But Trust is also earned by devoting oneself responsibility as well as wise invest-
I will also help make sure ALA invests to creating a more inclusive environ- ment. As treasurer, I will work hard
its assets to align with key priorities: ment, both at our places of work and to ensure that the profession’s core
advocacy; information policy; profes- within the Association. I am commit- values are never compromised.
sional and leadership development; ted to viewing ALA’s initiatives through ALA faces an interesting paradox.
and equity, diversity, and inclusion. the required lens of social justice. On the one hand, it has suffered
I will do this by stressing the same Transformation. ALA mem- budget deficits in the wake of financial
three principles I used as an ALA coun- bership, governance, finances, IT crisis, de-professionalization from
cilor and Executive Board member: infrastructure, staff work spaces, and outside forces, and an organizational
transparency, trust, and transformation. conferences are in a state of major structure that is rooted in 19th- and
Transparency. Previous treasurers transformation. As an Executive Board 20th-century governance models. On
have helped make the financial work- member, I’ve been a key player in the other hand, its outstanding balance
ings of ALA more understandable— strategic discussions and the finan- sheet reflects the value libraries bring
from annual budgets and balance cial impact that comes with them. As to society and the profession, and a
sheets to the role of endowment trust- a member of the Finance and Audit devoted membership that embraces a
ees and relationships with divisions, Committee, I have worked closely with 21st-century focus and direction.
chapters, round tables, committees, I firmly believe ALA can leverage
and affiliates. My excellent working
relationship with Council, the Exec-
Trust is earned by its balance sheet to invest in financial
development, IT, and advocacy—
utive Board, and ALA leadership and devoting oneself the heart, body, and soul of the
finance staff will make ALA’s finances Association—to ensure both short-term
even more transparent. Members can to creating a relevance and long-term viability. I will
always expect an open mind, direct
communication, and candor.
more inclusive lead ALA’s embrace of a transparent
realism in its financial planning and
Trust. Professionally, I have environment at reporting that supports a shared com-
managed revenue budgets as high mitment to libraries, library workers,
as $30 million. As a member of the work and at ALA. and the future of the Association.
ALA ELECTION VOTE: March 11–April 3. More information at bit.ly/ALAelection19
americanlibrariesmagazine.org | March/April 2019 15“self-identified,” or write something
else on the line provided.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
and Transgender Round Table
(GLBTRT) of the American Library
Association (ALA) has since 2015
recommended that libraries refrain
from collecting information about
patrons’ gender identities if that
information is not truly needed to
provide service. Four years later,
some libraries have followed this
recommendation, others haven’t,
and still others have never collected
gender information to begin with.
At the 2019 Midwinter Meeting
in January, ALA Council passed a
resolution to address the proposed
definition of sex under Title IX by
Ditching the Gender Data the US Department of Health and
Human Services and the Justice
Department, and to affirm the Asso-
Why “male” and “female” are vanishing ciation’s support of civil rights pro-
from some library card applications tections for people of diverse gender
identities. “ALA is committed to
diminishing social exclusion, stig-
W
BY Anne Ford hat do we use ‘gender’ name, birth date, address, phone matization, and underrepresenta-
for?” number, and email address—and tion within the communities served
That might sound nothing else. by libraries through an increased
like the opening volley of a Just two states away, Joel Nich- understanding of gender,” the
gender-studies lecture. But when ols, administrator for data strategy
Erin Shea, supervisor of Ferguson and evaluation at Free Library of
Library’s Harry Bennett and Weed Philadelphia, had a very different “I expected to
Memorial and Hollander branches experience when advocating for
in Stamford, Connecticut, won- a gender-free library card appli- hear that we used
dered it aloud at a staff meeting last cation a couple of years ago. “My
October, she was waxing practical, department was saying, ‘We’re [gender data]
not theoretical.
Specifically, she was question-
never going to use this gender
information,’” he says. “But there
for statistics. But
ing a common procedure followed were strong objections from other the answer was:
by her library and many others: people” based on “the notion that
requiring patrons to specify their this data might somehow, someday ‘Huh. We don’t
gender on library card applications.
“I expected to hear that we used
be worth something.”
Though it’s the official policy
really use it.’ ”
[gender data] for statistics,” she of Free Library of Philadelphia to ERIN SHEA, supervisor of
Illustration: Tom Deja
Ferguson Library’s Harry Bennett
says. “But the answer was: ‘Huh. process any library card application and Weed Memorial and Hollander
We don’t really use it.’” Ever since, where the gender field is left blank, branches in Stamford, Connecticut
applying for a library card at Fer- the paper form still asks appli-
guson has meant submitting one’s cants to choose “male,” “female,”
16 March/April 2019 | americanlibrariesmagazine.orgresolution states. “[ALA] encour- be specified or collected. “It was
ages libraries to create welcoming easy to see how that was part of
and inclusive spaces to meet the our strategic plan—to promote the
information needs of people of
diverse gender identities.”
library as a welcoming and safe
space where all are included,” she Money Smart Week
Advocates say having a data says. “I feel very grateful to work
field for gender at best singles out
transgender patrons and signals
here, because everyone was like,
‘Oh yeah, that’s a great idea.’” 1,000
that they are not welcome in the Since gender has disappeared Approximate number of libraries that participated
library, and at worst can lead to from the library’s card applications, in Money Smart Week activities in 2018. This
harassment or physical violence if she adds, the only feedback she’s year it will be observed March 30–April 6 and will
patrons are forced to disclose their gotten has been positive: After the include thousands of free programs and events
transgender status. Stamford Advocate newspaper ran a across the country to help educate consumers on
“I see gender on the library card story about the library’s decision, a how to better manage their personal finances.
as a barrier to access that I person- local mom called to say thanks.
ally am working to undo,” Nichols
says. “It is slowly changing.”
Shea believes the change is
having additional positive effects, 2002
even if they’re not immediately Year the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
‘A welcoming and apparent. “Lots of people are not started Money Smart Week. The American
safe space’ going to notice the change, but the Library Association has been a national
Removing gender from library people it matters to will notice, and partner of the event since 2011.
card applications was not the even if they don’t comment on it,
first step that Ferguson Library
took to help transgender patrons
those are the people we made the
change for,” she says. 3
feel more welcome. That pro- Age at which kids begin understanding the
cess began in 2016, when Shea Approaches to avoid concepts of saving and spending, according
converted the Weed Memorial and misgendering to Beth Kobliner, author of Make Your Kid
Hollander branch’s existing single- Conversely, some libraries are a Money Genius (Even If You’re Not).
user restrooms into all-gender adding—rather than subtracting—a
30%
restrooms. “I was like, ‘This is low- particular data field from their
hanging fruit,’” she recalls. “We applications in hopes of making all
just had to buy new signs.” patrons feel more welcome. Percentage of US adults—or approximately
Afterward, “we did get push- “We are adding ‘preferred name,’” 73 million people—who report that they
back [from patrons], but it wasn’t explains Deb Sica, deputy county are just getting by financially or are strug-
coming from a place of hate. It was librarian for Alameda County gling, according to a 2017 Federal Reserve
coming from a place of ignorance,” (Calif.) Library. The change, which Board report.
she says. “I hadn’t really taken time is under way, will allow any
44%
to educate the staff about why this patrons—not just trans-
was happening, and the staff in gender ones—to indicate
turn are the ones who educate the the name by which they Percentage of Americans
public.” So she invited a presenter wish to be addressed by who don’t have enough
from Norwalk, Connecticut–based library staff. cash to cover a $400
Photo: © igorkol_ter/Adobe Stock
Triangle Community Center, a “It’s always a little off- emergency.
provider of LGBTQ programs and putting when you have
services, to speak to her staff about a specific name [you like
ways to be more gender inclusive. to be called], and you’re $37,000
It was the presenter, a transgender called your official name Average dollar amount that
man, who introduced the idea a student borrower owes
that gender seldom truly needs to Continued on page 19 upon graduating college. •
americanlibrariesmagazine.org | March/April 2019 17You can also read
