ALA Council III & The End!

My last meeting was ALA Council III!  Hooray!

We passed a resolution for "Library directors to encourage their trustees and friends to join United for Libraries" as well as a resolution "Denouncing the recent attack on Charlie Hebdo and Other Attacks on the Freedom of Expression" and voted down the Gaza resolution I mentioned in my last post.

During the Committee on Legislation's report, Past-ALA President Barb Stripling also brought to our attention the upcoming re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary School Act, reminding us that legislation and approval will be coming quickly, probably within the month.  Comments are currently being accepted and the ALA Washington Office has sent in pages of edits which I can share if you're interested.

We were all business and no procrastinating, so Council III let out early and I was able to have a quick lunch before heading to the airport...

Just in time for this!

Luckily we were only delayed an hour and a half...

Thanks for following along with me on this conference -- It was one of the best ones I've been too in awhile.  It was affirming, rejuvenating, and action-packed and I'm ready to apply the things I learned to our job at hand.

As always, if you want more information, just ask!

Monday, Monday, Monday: YMAs & ALA Council II

After the MLK Sunrise Celebration, Monday was really just dedicated to Council Activities and smaller meetings to hash out specific projects for APALA, the Committee on Diversity, and Spectrum Scholars, so I'll combine all of things to note for the day in this one space.

Youth Media Awards:  I didn't attend the YMAs because after waiting in line for my book to be signed by Dr. West (he remembered me from the night before!), I was super hungry and wanted to get to Council early to start working on blogs, but I picked up the morning's edition of Cognotes and was SO EXICTED to see that Dan Santat, author of Beekle had won!  Dan Santat lives and works in LA, is an all around nice guy, and looks surprisingly similar to our mutual friend who is also an artist and works at Glendale Library.  I squealed with delight in the Council chambers when I saw Beekle listed and now I also have lots of other books to read.  I am also SO happy to see so many books about POCs and POCs as award winners this year.  It's really unprecedented.

ALA Council II:  This was mostly a business meeting with most actions relating to very ALA-specific policies and procedures, such as term-limits for members of BARC, updated standards of accreditation for LIS programs, and whether or not we should switch from Sturgis to Robert's Rules of Order.  

The Freedom to Read Foundation updated us on several cases they are participating in with other organizations such as:

Antigone Books v. Horne - "...challenges an Arizona statute that makes it a crime to publish, sell, loan, or disclose images that include nudity without the depicted person's consent for each distribution.  Although intended to target "revenge porn," the law, as written, potentially makes criminal the dissemination of a large number of historic, artistic, educational, and other newsworthy images."  (Case is pending)

Arce v. Huppenthal - "...against the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction and other state officials that challenges the constitutionality of the Arizona statute prohibiting the use of class materials or books that encourage the overthrow of the government, 'promote resentment toward a race or class of people,' are 'designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group,' or 'advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of pupils as individuals.'  The plaintiffs sued after TUSD was forced to cease its Mexican American Studies program and remove books from its classrooms.  An opinion should be issued sometime in March or April of 2015."

For more information on these cases, visit: http://www.ftrf.org/?Current_Cases

California Councilors Meeting + ALA Council Forum:
Before Council Forum, CA Chapter Councilor Patty Wong gathered as many of the California-based councilors as possible just for a little meet and greet and to see if there were any pressing California issues that we needed to address.  It was also good for the new councilors to get some background on Council procedures, resolutions, and things of that nature.  Thanks to Patty for organizing us!

ALA Council Forum was a little heated as SRRT (Social Responsibilities Round Table) brought forth a resolution deploring the attacks on schools and libraries in Gaza in 2014.  Really, all forum is is a place to discuss the next day's issues, work out kinks in resolutions, and have more time for debate so that we don't waste the time of Council on the floor.  As you can imagine, based on the subject matter, the Gaza/Israel conflict it is a complicated issue and the conversation was complicated with emotions running high.  For the most part everyone was civil, and everyone listened to the other's points, but I don't know that the conversation necessarily changed anyone's mind about how they were going to vote on the resolution.  The main discussion was on the one-sidedness of the issue as presented in the resolution was well as resolutions that have already been in place deploring such attacks on international libraries and places of education.  

A brainstorm ideas that came out of my various smaller meetings:

One activity I'm going to be taking up for the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature is creating a Pinterest page of our recommended reads lists.  I know we currently use our Pinterest account for lots of promotion of our events and PALS, but I wonder if maybe we would want to start making some boards with our recommended reads lists, programming ideas we love, or things going on around the city?  I'd be happy to help with this if we feel like it would be a worthwhile endeavor.  We could easily link the images to our catalog, making it super easy for our patrons to find materials.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Dr. Cornel West

On Sunday night, at the height of the blizzard, I had the privilege and honor of meeting Dr. Cornel West.  One of my friends had been invited to "Drinks with Dr. Cornel West", and, since she knows how much I admire him, she graciously allowed me to be her plus one.  I expected it to be a large, awkward cocktail party, as many events like this are, but he was so personable and friendly and genuinely interested in meeting us and talking to us that it was not only a highlight of the conference, but possibly my life.  5 of us talked to him about the importance of libraries, BCALA and the Coretta Scott King Award, Interracial Relations in Chicago in the 1940s, and the recent protest at the Port of LA a few weeks ago.  We talked about his talk at the University of Chicago earlier in the day where 2,000 people came out in the storm to hear him speak and his slow slow cab ride from there to meet us at the convention center.  We could've probably sat there all night if his publisher hadn't broken us up due to their dinner reservation.

The next morning, we all, along with a few hundred others, celebrated the life and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Sunrise Celebration.  This is the second year I've attended, and even though it's at the crack of dawn -- hence the name, it is so worth attending.  I won't give all the secrets away, but I'll just say it's a very moving event and if you can muster the energy to listen to the alarm clock and you're ever at Midwinter, do attend.

At the Sunrise Celebration, Dr. West was the keynote speaker and spoke on breaking fear and spreading love.  Remember to pay respect to those who came before you and loved you and helped you to where you are today.  He also spoke to moral consistency, knowing what you want your message to be and living the message and doing everything to better our communities locally and nationally.  We need to have a militant tenderness and be rooted in the right reasons for all we do with a deep sense of humility and determination.  We need to maintain integrity in a world where everything is for sale and make sure we protect those children who deserve a deep education and not cheap schooling.  There is something sweet about librarians, Dr. West said.  And that sweetness is what has helped us grow and change into what the community needs.

After Dr. West, Satia Orange, past director of OLOS, gave the call to action.  What really resonated with me was that she said "conference should be more on focusing on resources for delivery of services for those suffering from exclusion of opportunity -- not on promoting our careers and maintaining our institutional positions...More than ever, the people back home need us".

At the end of every Sunrise celebration, attendees are asked to create a circle around the room and join hands as we sing "We Shall Overcome".  This is that part that gets me and many others everytime.  The unity in the room makes you feel like you can go home and do anything and make a difference for your community.  That what you learned here will help change the world.  The photo below isn't from this year, but from last year.  This year the circle was so large we had to double up and join two circles together.  It was an amazing experience.

3D printers

3D printers were everywhere!

Denver Public Library's Program Coordinator, Nate Stone, gave demos on the free software he uses to create 3D models at DPL in its makerspaces.

They use SketchUp .stl software which is free but not open source. SketchUp

This is used to create the .stl files which are the ones the 3D printers can read.
All the steps are on his website:  Natestone's website

I stayed for the demo and created the 3D model below.  It was pretty easy to use.

Extensions to SketchUP that he recommended:

Cleanup Cubed: cleans up projects internally (gaps and such that aren't visible)
 Cleanup-Cubed

Solid Inspector: checks a model to ensure it is watertight. Points our gaps.
Solid-Inspector

Melvin, he'd be happy to chat about what he's done/learned so far.
He's also interested in how the Cube Models we received with the grant work out.  

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within the Profession

Aspirations for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - a Discussion

Sponsored by ALA’s Task Force on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Dr. Jorge Reina Schement, vice president for institutional diversity and inclusion at Rutgers University and former dean of the School of Communications & Information, and

Nancy Kranich, lecturer and special projects librarian at Rutgers University and chair of the ALA Center for Civic Life, facilitated the discussion.

(ALA is seeking your feedback on these topics.  Consider taking the survey before Feb. 16: Survey link  You do not have to be a member to take the survey.

Participants were divided into small groups, presented with a few ALA stats, and given questions to facilitate discussion amongst our small groups.

According to ALA Membership Stats: ALA stats

In 2005, approx. 81% of members checked the little box for White, stating that this was the race they identified with.

In 2014, approx. 87% of members checked this same box. This is equal to the number in 1970.

According to these stats, there has not been a significant increase in the racial diversification of ALA’s membership since 2005.

These were some of the questions/concerns discussed:

 -Do we believe these stats accurately reflect the library profession nationwide?

-Do they accurately reflect library professionals in our respective state?

-Is this reflected in our workplace?

Also consider that these #’s only take into consideration racial diversity.   We know that diversity refers to much more than race.

And.. (I thought this was the most important question)

-Is the focus on increasing diversity within the library profession misguiding us?   

-Should our focus be on inclusion instead? 

Inclusion was defined as unconditionally accepting someone as who they are, while allowing them to determine who they are.

“If you show up, I will accept you for who you are, and you will decide who you are."

As the group discussed these questions, notes were taken that would be shared with the task force members.   

Further discussion and forums centered on these topics will occur at ALA Annual. 

If you are an ALA member, you can follow the task force’s discussions via ALA Connect.   

Random House Book Buzz

Thanks to my children's book selector friend from another library system, we got to also attend the Random House Children's Book Buzz, previewing some upcoming titles.  Also, thanks to the Blizzard, I got to stay the whole time since the Pre-School Services discussion group I was going to try to attend for Wess was a little far to travel to and would have been difficult for me to get to my next destination.  It was a true vendor party experience with free Books, Boos (beer and wine), and Authors.

Some of the titles I'm most excited about that they presented:

There's No Such Thing as Little by LeUyen Pham

• One of my very favorite illustrators

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman

• Website will have an accompanynig mother/daughter book club discussion guide

Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans by Laurence Yep & Joanne Ryder

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

Denton Little's Death Date by Lance Rubin

• Everyone in Denton Little's town knows when they're going to die -- it's just a fact.  For Denton Little, that's in 2 days -- just before prom.  Except, spoiler alert, he doesn't die!
• VERY YA title 

Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

• Marketing it to be the next Hunger Games/Divergent

Blizzard!

Starting Saturday night through Monday morning, we experienced the 5th worst storm in Chicago's history.

Bad news for Chicago.  Exciting news for this So Cal girl who was experiencing only her second snowfall EVER.

One major problem with the snow on Sunday was that I didn't get to go to everything that I wanted to, like the Pre-School Services discussion group which was at a conference hotel with limited access.  But I made up for it at the Random House Children's Book Buzz which will get it's own blog.

Some photos of the snow over the 3 days just for fun...

Saturday Night @ 9pm...

Saturday Night @ 10pm...

Sunday Morning

Sunday night...

Monday afternoon...

ALA Council I

This blog is in reference to my role as an ALA Councilor.  For more information, see this blog

The majority of Council I was actually spent in a strategic planning session to decide what success would look like, how can we get there, and how can we (our community, ALA division, round table, etc.) help ALA get there.

The planning was focused around 3 identified priorities:
Advocacy
Information Policy
Professional and Leadership Development

You can contribute your own comments here, whether or not you're an ALA member.

Under advocacy, my group (which was 50% Californians), discussed:

• Creating an engaged membership by better outlining legislation
• Better public awareness of who we are/what we do
• Helping librarians learn how to talk to power
• Getting corporate and other types of partners that may not be directly related to the library world
• One example was PA Forward from the Pennsylvania Library Association which focuses on different "literacies" each year and provides resources, etc.
• Create form letters, guides, etc. on contacting your officials

Under Information Policy, we discussed:

• E-rate/Broadband access for all
• Navigating the ALA Washington Office website and highlighting the resources that ARE available

Under Professional and Leadership Development, we discussed:

• Affordable webinars and trainings (more of an InfoPeople model -- other state library associations also do this really well)
• Encouraging diversity within the profession and programs such as Spectrum Scholars and Emerging Leaders
• Support for mid-career librarians and retention

We were so busy discussing that my notes from this aren't great, but ALA is supposed to compile everything and I can share the info if anyone is interested.

LeVar Burton and the Importance of Reading as a Family

LeVar Burton

Sponsored by Reading Rainbow

Main points:

*Parents need to read in front of their children

* Always ask, ‘What message are we sending our kids by doing, saying, or exposing them to xyz?'

*There's a need for children’s literature to address difficult topics in age appropriate ways

Inspired by the world we live in today

LeVar began by reading his latest book, The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm. He said he was inspired to write for children about “when bad things happen to good people – which happens often in life.” He means to help children deal with traumatic events such as natural disasters.  

He believes this was one of Fred Roger’s greatest contributions.  Fred addressed difficult topics for children in age appropriate ways.

The importance of FAMILY literacy

When he is asked by a parent- ‘How can I help my reluctant reader read more, better, learn to love books, etc?…’

He always asks the parent:

1.     How often does your child see YOU read? We must read in front of our children. This can’t be stressed enough.

*How can we(RCPL) get more parents to realize the importance of this?

How often do your children, nephews, family members, friends see you read?

Do you read together as a family?

Do you make reading a priority?

This brings to mind our SRP. We have what appear to be (patron perception or my perception?) 3 separate/different reading programs (Children, Teen, Adult).  How do we stress that the whole family should sign up- not just parents signing up their kids.  ‘Jimmy, let’s sign you up.- change that to…Jimmy, this is where you sign up and this is where I sign up. So we can read together.’   Parents need to be deliberate and set the example for their child. Children need to see that it is as important for their parents to read as it is for them to do so.

My personal impression-from last year- The adults who signed up for adult SRP weren’t necessarily the same ones bringing their children in to sign up for children's/teen SRP.  How many parents walked over to the adult sign ups after registering their children?

*How do we address this?

and...

2.    Find your child’s passion. This will encourage them to love to read.  Like LeVar said, “If your child loves superheroes…then dammit get your child some comic books!”

LeVar’s favorite children's books:

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Enemie Pie by Derek Munson

His spoke about some of his biggest inspirations:

1.     Alex Haley (author of Roots)- for the compassion he showed LeVar early in his career.

2.     Gene Roddenberry (television screenwriter) –taught him that heroes are human and will make mistakes. We ALL make mistakes.

3.     Fred Rogers- his storytelling mentor

Reading Rainbow Kickstarter project status:

“Every Child, Everywhere” Reading Rainbow website

Current:

Ø  Reading Rainbow App available now!!! *Is this on any of our storytime iPad’s?

Ø  Monthly storytime experience posted online

Coming Soon:

Ø  the web version of Reading Rainbow due for release April 2015

Ø  teacher/school resources available soon

Ø  an international presence soon

Q&A followed.

This was filled with tear jerking, warm and fuzzy anecdotes- testimony to the importance of and legacy of Reading Rainbow.

Everyone was crying. 

This talk totally made my earlier flight’s cancellation worth it!

Goodnight Darth Vader by Jeffrey Brown

Author visit and signing

Jeffrey Brown gave a short talk about his inspiration for these books, future projects, and he drew lots of pictures.

So what was his inspiration for these books?

He was approached/asked to come up with sketches for a possible Google Doodle (that never happened) of Darth Vader and Luke for Father's Day.

These sketches later became Darth Vader and Son. This was aimed at parents by the way.

Coming soon: Darth Vader and Friends

Partnering Strategically to Reach Beyond Library Walls

YOUmedia and Chicago Public Library Staff Hosted this discussion highlighting their effective partnership strategies and partner projects.  Sponsored by YALSA and the Future of Teens and Libraries task force.
Speakers: Jennifer Steele, Julie Koslowsky, Margaret Sullivan, Robin Willard, Taylor Bayless
____

CPL’s teen area is called HOMAGO (Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out).

All of their programming is driven by the idea of Connected Learning:

·      Ideas driven by the teens’ interests

·      Take place in an open network (nonjudgmental with freedom to create in a nonthreatening space)

·      Have a shared purpose (intergenerational collaboration)

·      Academically oriented- everything contributes to possible future college/career paths.

Why are partnerships important?

·      To provide mentorship opportunities for teens

·      To expose teens to new, possible college and career pathways

·      Provide teens with positive, social, and cultural experiences

“Libraries should see themselves as a vessel to create and share information.”

Essential elements and programming ideas:

1.    Collaborative

The National Veteran’s Art Museum’s representative is very active within the library.  She meets with library staff on a weekly basis to plan programs.

Programming/Partnership Opportunities:

-  Students recreate art pieces that are on display in the museum, and write their own artist statements.  These are then displayed at the library and/or museum.

2.    Viability- Logisitics

What is each partner bringing to the table?  It must be an equal partnership commitment 50/50. Also, have clear expectations.  CPL’s teen space is drop in, teens come & go as they please.  Potential partners were made aware of this so that expectations were clear.

Programming/Partnership Opportunities:

-  Adler Planetarium’s Astronomy Program: many elements of their summer program were presented at the library, and the library was invited to their onsite events.  ie. The Planetarium hosted a “Dance Your Mass Off” program.  The library brought along a green screen with which students were able to create video/ take photos.  This was an important opportunity to showcase the library’s technology in the community.

-  Chicago Astronomical Society often brings exhibits to the Library (photo exhibits)

-  Museum of Science and Industry hosts a teen summer challenge contest every year. They offer library staff training and access to info/resources like online educational content to aid in creating library programming. Their scientists offer “Science Café” talks for the community at the library.

3.     Showcase

Results pf programming must be visible to the public whether in physical or digital form. Always ask, “What’s the showcase opportunity?”

Programming/Partnership opportunities:

-  Took the original track to songs that students were able to mix in the recording studio area of the makerspace. But they first had to take an online training (watch a YouTube video on how to use the software). Once they became “certified” as a mixer, their photo went up on the wall, prompting interest from others towards the program.  The remixes were then compiled into mixed tapes and shared.

-  Marc Bradford Project: (He was the artist in residence at the Museum of Contemporary Art) Students created works based on Marc’s ideas. At different points in this process Marc (artist) came to the library or Skyped in to connect with the students and provide feedback to them about their work. Feedback from a real artist! The works were showcased in a large space, families were invited to the event, and works were even put up for sale.

-  Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman: students created works based upon the book prior to the author’s visit. Neil was then able to view these. *We could do something like this in prep for Amy Tan’s Visit!

-  CPL has an online literary magazine/newsletter they call ULit.

 They use ISSUU publishing software (free platform for publishing online) *we should explore this platform for our newsletter.

I had to leave the program at this point unfortunately (scheduling conflicts).