   
Public Libraries Section
Country Report: United States
August, 2000Mary ShermanAmerican Library AssociationThe new President of ALA, Nancy Kranich, is using as her theme, "Libraries: The Cornerstone of Democracy" with a focus on information literacy and advocacy. She has produced a tip sheet called "Smart voting starts @ your library" providing tips and suggestions for how libraries can showcase their role in fostering an informed electorate. The booklet includes examples of what libraries around the country are doing to promote civic participation, ideas for programs and publicity, resource lists and more. It will soon be available online.New ALA PR CampaignALA is launching a five year campaign to educate the public about the value of libraries. There are three themes:Libraries offer one-stop shopping where users can find virtually any thing. Libraries are part of the American dream, offering free access to all Libraries are changing and dynamic places The "brand" for the campaign is the tagline "@ Your Library". Library of CongressThe Library of Congress celebrated its 200th birthday on April 24 with a day-long party that included a concert on the Capitol lawn, a luncheon for American "living legend" hosted by Cokie Roberts, and a dinner for donors. It marked a new Web site for children (www.americaslibrary.gov/) and opened an exhibit of items from Thomas Jefferson's personal library which formed the basis for the LC's early collection. The U.S. Postal Service issued a new 33 cent stamp depicting the library's main reading room and the U.S. Mint issued a set of commemorative coins.ALA Annual ConferenceThe annual conference, July 6-12, in Chicago drew 24,427 librarians and library supporters. The long-awaited, much-debated core values statement that was intended to identify and clarify the core values of the profession was not accepted. The ALA Council voted to launch an Association-wide discussion on the need for such a statement ending two years of effort by the committee charged with the document's development. The over 2,000 meetings and programs provided an avenue for networking and new ideas. The reception for International Librarians at the Harold Washington Library drew a record crowd with Robert Wedgeworth, Past President of IFLA, receiving the ALA International Relations Committee's John Ames Humphry/OCLC/Forest Pres Award for his significant contribution to international librarianship.Outsourcing Study ReleasedA research team has released a report that found no evidence that outsourcing, as such, has had a negative impact on library services and management. To the contrary , evidence supports the conclusion that outsourcing has been an effective managerial tool, and when the used carefully and judiciously, it has resulted in enhanced library services and improved library management. Instances where problems have arisen subsequent to decisions to outsource aspects of library operations and functions appear to be attributable to inadequate planning , poor contracting processes or ineffective management of contracts.To Filter Or Not To FilterLibraries across the USA are confronted with filtering issues from local citizens to local, state, and federal government legislation. The US Congress is currently debating the issue. It is always a popular hot topic at conferences.PLA National ConferenceThe National PLA Conference held March 28-April 1 in Charleston, South Carolina drew a record attendance of 7,500. It is a program only conference and is very popular with public librarians. Most programs had standing room only attendance. Sessions addressed cutting edge topics like e-books, filtering, and building and technology issues that will help libraries prepare for the future.PLA Launches Stategies for Recruitment of Public LibrariansThe Recruitment of Public Librarians Committee report to the PLA Board recommended short wins and long term strategies for both PLA and ALA. There is concern across the Association that as many librarians are nearing retirement age that it is becoming harder and harder to fill vacancies.Harry Potter ManiaThe new Harry Potter book is caused quite a stir not only in bookstores, but in public libraries as well. Libraries rushed to purchase copies and have them shelf ready as the book became available to the public.
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