American Library Association Stuff
2007 election | 2006 Annual | 2006 election
 

2007 ALA election

These are my picks. Just to let you know I am completely biased toward a few factors. There are good people running for whom I will not vote, because I am interested in seeing a change in the disproportionate leadership of administrators, men, and baby boomers. (I do value experience, but white male baby boom administrators don't need my help to get elected.)

President: No endorsement. 

Treasurer: Jo Ann Pinder.

Council:

Ballot Items:

#1: Bylaw amendment...reporting of candidates names -- Yes.
#2: Bylaw amendment...voting eligibility --  Yes.

 

ALA Annual Conference 2006

 

March 27, 2006
My choices in the 2006 ALA election:

President: Loriene Roy

Council:

  • Michelle Baildon
    "...we must admit that the profession has lagged in some ways regarding issues of diversity. ...the highly successful Spectrum Initiative--as well as to interact fruitfully with ethnic caucuses, GLBTRT, and other stakeholders." --from her statement

  • Tiffani Conner
    "...am currently creating two courses investigating information ethics and information as a human right." --from her statement

  • Kate Corby
    "Current government policies favor corporate interests and security needs over individual rights." --from her statement, which is one of the best I've ever read

  • Heidi Dolamore
    "As one of the nearly 10,000 student members of ALA, I'd like to see strong student involvement throughout all levels of the association. I am a soon-to-be MLIS graduate and can provide a recent perspective on LIS education." --from her statement

  • Rochelle Hartman
    "...even if it means being a pebble in the shoe of the Association from time-to-time." --from her statement

  • Avril N. Haughton  
    "It is my belief that information is the precursor to education and career success and that it can be used as a tool to transcend barriers. I am motivated by this belief to be an advocate for equitable library services for disadvantaged groups, particularly teens and women." --from her accomplishments 

  • Ria Newhouse
    "And they want you all to know the tattoos are staying." --from a Library Journal article co-written by April Spisak.

  • Dorothy Morgan
    Judith Sibio nominated Morgan, calling her "a shining star who champions for the improvement in status of library workers. She is a crusader who has worked tirelessly at local, regional, state, and national levels to focus on issues pertaining to support staff; namely, education, pay equity, certification, and career ladders." http://www.ala-apa.org/dynixwinner.html

  • Sandra Olson
    "ALA's role as the 'authority' in library issues should be expanded to cover not only issues of interest to librarians but also those issues pertinent to support staff." --from her statement

  • Felicia Smith 
    "People confuse my being an African-American, as the sum total of my diversity contribution. ... I am an 'Activist Librarian.' I don't believe librarianship is a passive profession. I am passionate about social issues." --from her statement

Our profession is predominantly female and yet is disproportionately govermed by men. I've decided not to contribute my votes to perpetuating this problem, even if there are a few men worth voting for (e.g. Trevor A. Dawes). 


Ballot Items
:

  • No to the dues increase (I didn't like Council's refusal to discuss dues based on earnings)

  • Yes to the Handbook amendment

  • YES to the Round Table representation on Council

  • Yes to the quorum wordsmithing


If anyone has any suggestions for ACRL or LSSIRT, please let me know.

 

August 2005
Run for ALA Council or President! Nominations were said to have closed on August 31, but the form will continue to accept applications at least through the end of September.

Here are some tidbits from my experience of serving, in no particular order:
*I learned a lot
*I helped impact U.S. librarianship's primary voice
*Council debate can be tedious and frustrating
*One vote can make a difference
*It's time consuming
*I got free wireless access in the convention center
*I got first dibs on conference hotel rooms
*I made connections with librarians I never would have met otherwise, including some influential ones.
*I contributed to a few resolutions, including the one creating National Library Workers Day
*I had fun in the back talking smack about Council with other Councilors
*I decided not to run again because I couldn't commit to another three years, but I think it's important that I took a turn, and I strongly encourage others to do so.

PS If you perceive a group with which you are affiliated or sympathize (NexGen, people of color, support staff, youth services, etc.) to be underrepresented on Council, the way to change that is to get involved yourself. You are not too young, too inexperienced, or too anything to give it a shot. Running takes very little effort. Just write yourself a kick ass candidate's statement and see what happens.

 

Bikes at ALA Annual 2005

My schedule Annual 2005. Radical Reference and zine activities.

Some dandy resolutions passed by ALA Council, June 2005:

My Schedule Midwinter 2005

Disney Protest at ALA Annual 2004

My Schedule Annual 2004