Judith Gibbons, ALA’s Public Awareness Committee chair, discusses the importance of public awareness activities in the latest video on Visibility @ your library.

Gibbons, who is the director of field services for the Kentucky Department for Libraries & Archives, works closely with the ALA Public Information Office and Campaign for America’s Libraries to spread the word about the value of libraries and librarians.

In the interview, Gibbons talks about the importance of the ALA’s various public awareness vehicles, especially the Campaign for America’s Libraries. “We look at initiatives such as Library Card Sign-up Month, National Library Week and summer reading programs as a great opportunity to stand up and speak out for libraries and let people know the value of their libraries in their local community,” she said. - Submitted by Mark Gould, Director, Public Information Office

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Get acquainted with the redesigned ALA Web site at Annual
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/webredesignatannual.cfm

Conference Materials Wiki available
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/conferencewiki.cfm

ALA Conference Gaming Pavilion to showcase latest trends in gaming
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/AC08gamingpavillion.cfm

Library workers put on dancing shoes for fourth annual Library Book Cart Drill Team Championship
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/AC08bookcartdrillteam.cfm

ALA offers November “Lawyers for Libraries” training institute in Tampa
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/LFLtampa.cfm

ALA and Scholastic Library Publishing announce 2009 National Library Week Grant
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/2009NLWgrant.cfm

FRONTLINE/World, ALA announce new grant opportunity for libraries
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/PPOfrontline.cfm

Beyond White Privilege 101: Continuing the discussion in Anaheim
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/OFDbeyondwhite.cfm

2008 ALA NMRT Student Chapter of The Year Award winner, runner-up announced
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/NMRTstudentchapter.cfm

LRRT announces winner of 2008 Ingenta Research Award
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/ORSingenta.cfm

Division News

AASL receives grant for Dollar General school library relief program
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/AASLbeyondwords.cfm

AASL to sponsor two Emerging Leaders
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/AASLemergingleaders.cfm

New ACRL Title: Active Guide #1: Life-Work Balance
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/ACRLlifebalance.cfm

ACRL announces invited speakers for 14th National Conference
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/ACRLspeakers.cfm

New bibliography of Great Early Elementary Reads
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/AASLgreatearlyelemreads.cfm

ALCTS President’s Program and more at Anaheim
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/ALCTSpresprogram.cfm

Definition of digital preservation announced
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/ALCTSdigitalpreservation.cfm

Great Interactive Software for Kids Announced
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/ALSCgisk.cfm

LITA announces scholarship winners for 2008
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/LITAscholarshipwinners.cfm

Meet YALSA’s authors & editors in the ALA Pavilion at Annual
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/YALSAmeetgreet.cfm

YALSA publishes “The Official YALSA Awards Guidebook”
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/YALSAawardguidebook.cfm

YALSA publishes fifth edition of “Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults”
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/YALSAexcellence.cfm

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The American Library Association (ALA) is asking members for 10 minutes of their time to complete an online survey.

The survey, which is being conducted by the ALA Task Force on Electronic Membership participation (TFOEMP), will examine whether members are familiar with, interested in and comfortable with various membership activities. It will particularly focus on members’ attitudes toward serving on association committees, task forces and interest groups.

Here is a sample page. 

To complete the survey, please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=axHo_2fVc4R3PNwqeRLOkE9g_3d_3d. You will be asked to provide your ALA Membership ID. The survey, which is open through Friday, June 13, offers both structured and open responses. Its results will be reported on by the TFOEMP at Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

For more information or to leave a comment, please visit the ALA Member Blog at http://blogs.ala.org/memberblog.php?title=electronic_member_participation_survey&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1.

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American Libraries video site celebrates first birthday with Top 10 videos
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/ALFocustopten.cfm
CHICAGO - American Libraries Focus (ALF), the video home of American Libraries magazine, debuted in June 2007. Since then, the site’s collection of nearly 70 videos has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. Editor Daniel Kraus celebrates ALF’s birthday by posting 10 of the most popular videos in the “Featured Video” and “Editor’s Picks” section on the homepage (alfocus.ala.org).

Campaign for America’s Libraries’ Anaheim programs highlight baseball and diversity
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/campaignprograms.cfm
Join the Campaign for America’s Libraries for two programs at the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 26 through July 2, 2008. The Campaign’s programs kick off on Saturday, June 28, with “Baseball’s Greatest Hit: The Story of ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game.’” The program will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in room 211A of the Anaheim Convention Center.

Jaffarian Award to be presented on LIVE! Stage at annual conference
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/jaffarian.cfm
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office (PPO) will present the 2008 Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award for Exemplary Humanities Programming to the Woodsdale Elementary School of Wheeling, W.Va., at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. The presentation will take place on the LIVE! @ your library Reading Stage, in the 2500 aisle of the exhibition hall.

Use research to build people-friendly libraries
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/may2008/peoplefriendlylibraries.cfm
At “Your Library, Your Space: Using Research to Make Libraries People Friendly,” a panel of public and academic librarians and a space planner will discuss how to use qualitative research methods to enhance institutional missions and social dimensions of learning and community. The program will take place 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 30, as part of the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

Division News

ALTA names Prentice and Green 2008 Trustee Citation Award winners
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/june2008/ALTAtrusteecitationwinners.cfm
CHICAGO - The Association for Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), named Barbara Prentice and Donald W. Green as the 2008 Trustee Citation award winners.

Other News

Students learn love of reading
http://www.sbsun.com/living/ci_9458559
SAN BERNARDINO - Ruben Garcia was given a book for the first time at the start of a reading program for Y Academy students at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library. Ruben, 16, was among 32 students from the academy recognized for reading books for the Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved Teens and Books) organized by the American Library Association Public Programs Office in cooperation with the Young Adult Library Services Association.

It’s not rocket science, it’s library science, and it’s broadening in scope with new offerings
http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/story/641615.html
Libraries get little of their money from the federal and state governments, said Loriene Roy, president of the American Library Association. “More than 80 percent of public library support comes from local funding,” Roy said. “Local communities pay the taxes and set the policies, so programming should be based on local needs.”

17 classic books heading to shelves of libraries in NNY
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20080530/CURR04/726011074
CLAYTON - Hawn Memorial Library is one of 3,000 libraries across the country selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA) to received free hardcover editions of 17 classic books from the first We the People Bookshelf. The theme of this year’s bookshelf is “Created Equal.”

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ALA 2009 Nominating Committee seeks candidates for 2009 election
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) 2009 Nominating Committee is soliciting nominees to run on the 2009 spring ballot for the offices of ALA President-elect and Councilor-at-large. More …

Conference program discusses technology access in public libraries
CHICAGO - National researchers and librarians on the front lines will come together to discuss trends and strategies for addressing barriers to providing high-quality public access computing from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference. More …

Use research to build people-friendly libraries
CHICAGO - At “Your Library, Your Space: Using Research to Make Libraries People Friendly,” a panel of public and academic librarians and a space planner will discuss how to use qualitative research methods to enhance institutional missions and social dimensions of learning and community. The program will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Monday, June 30, as part of the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference. More …

Parade of Bookmobiles held during 2008 ALA Annual Conference
CHICAGO - The American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) will hold its second annual Parade of Bookmobiles during this year’s ALA Annual Conference at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, in Anaheim, Calif. The event will feature bookmobiles parading through the streets surrounding the Anaheim Convention Center. More …

ALA Conference offers Workplace Wellness Fair
CHICAGO - How much physical and mental strength does it take to stock the stacks? The American Library Association (ALA) Workplace Wellness Task Force will host a Wellness Fair from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., on Sunday, June 29, during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 26 - July 2, 2008. More …

Emerging Leaders poster session scheduled for Friday during ALA Annual Conference
The American Library Association’s (ALA) 2008 class of Emerging Leaders (EL) will showcase its final projects during a poster session on Friday, June 27 during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim. The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hilton Anaheim, California Pavillion C. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend. More …

ALA 2006-07 Annual Report released
CHICAGO - The 2006-07 Annual Report is available on the Web by clicking on http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/annualreport/lettertothemembership/lettertomembership.cfm.  More …

Write a personal thank you note to Julie Andrews
This year Academy Award-winning actress and honorary chair of National Library Week Julie Andrews donated her image to a print public service announcement (PSA). The PSA was placed by ALA in national magazines such as Entertainment Weekly, O, the Oprah Magazine, and others, where it was seen by more than 30 million readers. In appreciation for Andrews contribution on behalf of libraries, please visit The Campaign for America’s Libraries exhibit space at ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calf. to write or video tape a personalized message of thanks. More …

ALA PIO launches redesigned library funding Web site
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Public Information Office has redesigned its Library Funding Web site. More …

Division News

AASL to sponsor Spectrum scholars at AASL 2008 Fall Forum
CHICAGO - The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will sponsor the attendance of up to two Spectrum scholars at its 2008 Fall Forum. The AASL Fall Forum is hosted during the years that an AASL National Conference is not held. This year’s forum will be held Oct. 17-19 in Oak Brook, Ill. (Chicago area). More …

Win a Flip Video camera with YALSA’s Passport to Teen Read Week^TM
CHICAGO - Visitors to the exhibits at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., can win one of two Flip Video cameras from the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). All visitors who bring a completed Teen Read Week^TM (TRW) passport to the YALSA Booth in the ALA Pavilion will be entered into the contest. More …

Registration in full swing for YALSA’s first-ever Young Adult Literature Symposium
CHICAGO -Registration opened this month for the inaugural Young Adult Literature Symposium, Nov. 7-9, at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tenn., announced the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Early bird pricing for the symposium is available until Sept. 1, with advance registration from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3. Registration is available at www.ala.org/yalitsymposium.  More …

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Rachel Johnson is director of Products and Promotions for ALA Graphics, in the ALA’s publishing unit. She is charged with developing products that promote libraries, literacy and reading and support ALA programs and initiatives.

In this video, Johnson talks about the new Kareem Abdul-Jabbar READ poster produced for Library Card Sign-up Month. She also discusses how ALA Graphics chooses celebrities for the posters.

She says it is easy for someone to suggest subjects for future READ posters. Just e-mail graphicsmarketing@ala.org. She said libraries can also order a CD through the ALA Store (http://www.alastore.ala.org) that enables them to create their own READ posters.

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The American Library Association will roll out its redesigned Web site at this year’s Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. The new design promises a new look and easier navigation.

Billie Peterson-Lugo, chair, ALA Website Advisory Committee, and Michelle Frisque, past chair, ALA Website Advisory Committee, LITA board member and LITA president-elect, discuss the changes on a podcast posted to the ITTS blog.

During the interview, conducted by Karen Muller, ALA librarian and chair, ALA Web Editorial Board, listeners will learn about the process followed for the Website Usability Study, including contributions from the ALA Website Advisory Committee.

For more information on the redesign, click http://itts.ala.org/update/2008/05/05/website-redesign-update/. The site contains background info, as well as screen grabs from the new Web site.

To listen to the podcast click here.

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The old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” has never been truer. In an age when home video can “go viral,” reaching millions of viewers, the opportunities for using outlets like Google Video for promotional purposes are vast.

Here is an example of how the American Library Association has used Google Video to promote libraries and literacy. This is the Webcast of this year’s Youth Media Awards presentation, shot at the ALA’s Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.

To learn more about Google Video please visit http://video.google.com/. - Contributed by Macey Morales, Manager, Media Relations, ALA Public Information Office

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Chu selected to present 2008 Dr. Jean E. Coleman Library Outreach Lecture
CHICAGO - Dr. Clara M. Chu, an associate professor at the Department of Information Studies, UCLA, will present the 2008 Dr. Jean E. Coleman Outreach Lecture for the American Library Association’s Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) at ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. More …

ALA Office for Diversity honors Dr. Clara M. Chu
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity is pleased to announce that Clara M. Chu is the recipient of the Achievement in Library Diversity Research honor. The Office for Diversity began designating this honor in 2004 as part of its ongoing support for the dissemination of library-based diversity research. More …

Día celebrated in nation’s Capitol
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ken Salazar (D-Colo.) and Congressmen Rubén Hinojosa (D-Texas) and Mike Honda (D-Calif.) were joined by local children on April 30 to honor El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), also known as Día, an annual celebration of children, families, cultures and reading. Pat Mora, award winning children’s author and founder of Día, joined them for the event in the U.S. Capitol. More …

PR Forum to focus on Diversity @ your library®
This year’s PR Forum at the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim will focus on Diversity @ your library: Broadening Your Audience and Engaging Communities. Led by Eric Friedenwald-Fishman, creative director/president of Metropolitan Group, a social marketing, PR/communication and resource development firm that has worked with library groups all over the United States, the program will discuss designing communication to meet specific needs and values, message development and testing, the importance of cultural context and more. More …

24 acclaimed authors LIVE! At ALA Annual Conference
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office will present 24 critically acclaimed and best-selling authors on the LIVE! @ your library Reading Stage, from noon to 4 p.m. June 26-July 2 in the exhibits hall at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. Attendees are welcomed to take a break from their busy conference schedules and listen to some of their favorite authors and poets, including Francesca Lia Block, Mark Doty, Firoozeh Dumas, Leif Enger, John Francis and Anya Ulinich, read from and autograph their recent works. Located in the 2500 aisle of the exhibits hall, the Live! @ your library Reading Stage is free for all conference attendees. More …

The Library Research Round Table announces 2008 Award Recipients
The Library Research Round Table (LRRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the 2008 winners of the Jesse H. Shera Award for Distinguished Published Research and the Jesse H. Shera Award for the Support of Dissertation Research, which honors work that advances library research. More …

Public Librarian will bike, swim and run for Spectrum Scholarship Program
CHICAGO - Miriam Tuliao, coordinator of Adult and Reference Services for the New York Public Library, announced that she will participate in the New Jersey State Triathlon to raise awareness and funds for the Spectrum Scholarship Program of the American Library Association (ALA). The race consists of a 1.5k swim, a 23-mile bike ride, and a 10k run. The event will take place July 27. More …

2008 Spectrum Doctoral Fellows Announced
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) and the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Information Sciences are proud to announce the second, and final, group of recipients of the Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provided nearly $1 million to fund the 12 scholars in the program. More …

Division News

AASL announces scholarship recipient
CHICAGO - The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is pleased to announce that Charisse Nicole Byers has been awarded the 2008 School Librarian’s Workshop Scholarship. Ms. Byers will receive the award at the AASL Awards Luncheon during the 2008 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. More …

NSLMPY Award winners announced
CHICAGO - Luella Elementary School and Simsbury High School have been announced as the winners of the 2008 National School Library Media Program of the Year (NSLMPY) Award, presented by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The winners will receive their prestigious awards at the AASL Awards Luncheon during the 2008 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. More …

Susan J. Beck RUSA President 2009-2010
CHICAGO-Susan J. Beck is the new president-elect of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). She will begin her term as president-elect in July 2008 and will assume the presidency in 2009-2010. More …

Registration open for YALSA’s summer online courses
CHICAGO - The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), opened registration for three online courses this summer: “Reaching Teens with Gaming” (Beth Gallaway); “Making the Match: The Right Book with the Right Teen at the Right Time” (Teri Lesesne); and “Tech Tools for Teen Leadership” (Linda Braun). More …

Linda W. Braun elected YALSA vice-president
CHICAGO -Members of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), chose Linda W. Braun as the association’s next vice president/president-elect. Braun will begin her term as president-elect in July 2008, becoming president for one term in July 2009. More …

YALSA honors literary award winners at ALA Annual Conference
CHICAGO -The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will celebrate the winners of its literary awards with special events and programs at the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 27-July 2. More …
 

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A video produced by the American Library Association (ALA) Public Information Office features an interview with Cathleen Bourdon, the ALA’s associate executive director, Communications and Member Relations.
Bourdon, who is responsible for the ALA’s Member and Customer Service Center, Chapter Relations Office, International Relations Office, Library/Knowledge Management, Office for Research & Statistics, Public Programs Office, Public Information Office (PIO), Office for Library Advocacy and Membership Development, discusses the four goals of a plan to improve communications between the ALA and its members. The plan is based on a member survey.
The four goals deal with:
• Improvements to the ALA Web site.
• Speeding up the time of response to member questions.
• Helping staff understand how to respond to member inquiries.
• Strengthening staff commitment to member services.

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This week, several U.S. Senators and Representatives celebrated Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill.

Full coverage of the event on Capitol Hill can be found at the ALA Washington Office’s blog, District Dispatch.

Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros, known as Día, is an annual celebration  of children, families and reading that culminates every year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

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Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith has a second life in public service announcements (PSAs) featuring him as spokesman Step Up to the Plate @ your library®.

In these PSAs, also available in Second Life, Smith discusses the Step Up to the Plate program and the value of libraries. - Contributed by Megan Humphrey, Manager, Campaign for America’s Libraries

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ALA Diversity Office extends deadline for research grant proposals
New issues brief examines public library Internet connectivity
Ozzie Smith PSAs now available in Second Life

Division News

New ACRL title: Copyright Policies - CLIP Note #39
ACRL Announces New Title: Information Literacy Instruction Handbook
2008 ALSC National Institute Registration now open
LAMA AND IIDA announce winners of the library interiors competition
LAMA Diana V. Braddom Fundraising Scholarship deadline announced
Registration opens May 1 for 2008 LITA National Forum
Hyun-Duck Chung and Amy Van Scoy receive Emerald Research Grant
Eleonora Dubicki receives an Emerald Research Grant Award
YALSA announces Teens’ Top Ten Nominations
YALSA seeks teen book groups for YA Galley and Teens’ Top Ten
YALSA honors teen contest winners, chooses 2009 theme
Celebrate reading for the fun of it with YALSA’s Teen Read Week^TM, Oct. 12 - 18

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Have you ever planned a press conference? Macey Morales, media relations manager for the American Library Association’s Public Information Office, provides a few tips on how to coordinate a press event.

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Academy Award-winning actress, author and honorary chair of National Library Week  Julie Andrews kicked off the 50^th anniversary of National Library Week in Los Angeles.

Andrews spoke about National Library Week and the value of libraries and librarians before an audience gathered at ArcLight Cinema in Hollywood for an event with the Los Angeles-based Wonder of Reading.  Joining her on stage were Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Dick Cook, Chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, who Andrews honored for his work with Wonder of Reading, a nonprofit organization that renovates and stocks Los Angeles public elementary school libraries. - Contributed by Megan Humphrey, manager, Campaign for America’s Libraries

Tags: National Library Week // 1 Comment »

April is the month when the American Library Association celebrates National Library Week. For one of the ALA divisions, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), April is also School Library Media Month.

To help celebrate School Library Media Month, the association has made public service announcements (PSAs) available to school library media specialists. The PSAs feature  Carmen Agra Deedy, award-winning author of “Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale.”

Information about the PSAs is available at the AASL’s blog. The blog also contains tips on getting the PSAs aired on local radio stations. - Contributed by Melissa Jones, AASL communications specialist, and Steve Zalusky, manager of communications, ALA Public Information Office.

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ALA releases third annual State of America’s Libraries report

Libraries of all kinds celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Library Week, as library use and popularity continue to grow

PIO blog features ALA President Roy, Executive Director Fiels discussing the state of America’s libraries

ALA President-elect Rettig to host advocacy planning session

ALA celebrates National Library Week in Second Life

NLW on ALA Island: “version 2” of Second Life campus launches

Julie Andrews kicks off National Library Week in Los Angeles

Zhou wins award for promoting equality in library profession

Gaming and Libraries Update: Broadening the Intersections

Division News

AASL seeks presenter proposals for 2009 ALA Annual Conference

Definition of Digital Preservation Announced

Molly Raphael receives Arthur Flemming Civil Rights Award

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This week marks the release of ALA’s third annual State of America’s Libraries report. It is a complex and lengthy collaboration that requires contributions from many ALA staff members and member leaders. Beginning last fall, I began to ask colleagues to identify library trends, key data and accomplishments for the report. In a time-constrained environment like ours, those contributions require extra time and effort. Thank you to all who contributed to the report.

This is the first year in which we have developed video and audio interviews related to the State of America’s Libraries report and National Library Week.  The interviews with ALA President Loriene Roy, Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels, Denise Davis, director of the Office of Research and Statistics, Jenifer Grady, director, ALA-APA, on National Library Workers Day and related issues and Julie Walker, director, AASL, on school libraries, provide additional insight into this year’s trends, data and activities. - Contributed by Mark Gould, Director, ALA Public Information Office

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Jenifer Grady, director of the American Library Association’s Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA), talks about her association and the annual celebration of National Library Workers Day, which is held in conjunction with National Library Week. This year, National Library Week takes place April 13-19. National Library Workers Day is held April 15.

To listen, click here - Contributed by Steve Zalusky, Manager of Communications, ALA Public Information Office

 

 ALA-APA Director explains National Library Workers Day: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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To help kick off National Library Week (April 13-19, 2008), Julie Andrews will appear at an event with The Wonder of Reading in Los Angeles this Sunday, the first day of National Library Week.  

She’ll appear at The Wonder of Reading’s Explore-A-Story fundraiser, which features celebrity readers, children’s book authors and illustrators and family activities, and offer remarks about libraries and National Library Week.

The Wonder of Reading http://www.wonderofreading.org/ is a nonprofit that works with public elementary schools and works to expand and renovate their libraries, oversee the purchase of new books, train volunteers to work one on one with struggling readers, and provide schools with ongoing literacy programs.

Julie Andrews is the honorary chair of National Library Week. Visit the National Library Week Web page (www.ala.org/pio/nlw) to link to the TV and radio public service announcements that Ms. Andrews recorded for use by libraries. The PSAs can be embedded into your Web site or blog – just follow the instructions on the page or contact PIO (pio@ala.org) if you need assistance.

There’s also a print PSA that can be used in newsletters or ads (free customization available!), and you can order a broadcast version of the TV PSAs. - Posted by Megan Humphrey, manager, Campaign for America’s Libraries

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