ALAWO at Annual 2012

ALA Washington Office at Annual 2012

Office of Government Relations and the Office for Information Technology Policy Conference Schedule

June 21–June 26, 2012

What’s Really Happening inside the Beltway?
Saturday, June 23, 2012
8:00a.m. –10:00a.m.
Hilton-Huntington

Join the ALA for their annual Washington Update on Saturday, June 23, 2012, from 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. in the Hilton Huntington room. The session will include ALA’s Washington Office staff sharing the latest on legislation, policy and regulatory issues. Come ask questions and discuss the latest issues as Congress enters in to the Presidential and Congressional elections.

Cutting Edge Technology Services
Saturday, June 23, 2012
10:30a.m. –12:00p.m.
Hilton-Huntington

From QR codes to participatory learning platforms to online and mobile applications, hear from library staff developing and delivering cutting edge technology services recently recognized by the Office for Information Technology Policy Program on America’s Libraries for the 21st Century and the Library and Information Technology Association.

E-Government in Action
Saturday, June 23, 2012
10:30a.m. –12:00p.m.
Hilton-Malibu

This e-government session will feature several grant recipients who will discuss the ways that their innovative programs connect people with jobs. Event speakers will include representatives from the Institute for Museums and Library Services, as well as grant recipients from the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach and the Tulare County Library.

The Elections and You
Saturday, June 23, 2012
10:30a.m. –12:00p.m.
Hitlon-Palos Verdes

Join advocacy expert Stephanie Vance and the ALA Office of Government Relations at the session as they share several tips on ways that librarians can use the elections to highlight the work of their libraries. The session will teach advocates how to stay non-partisan while keeping libraries in the discussion. Additionally, the session will include discussions on ways to recruit politicians to visit libraries, engage the public and develop advocacy strategies during the election season.

Fair Use and Academic and Research Libraries
Saturday, June 23, 2012
10:30a.m. –12:00p.m.
Hilton-Avila

This session will discuss the Code of Best Practices in fair Use and Academic and Research Libraries, which provides new insight into the ways that librarians can apply fair use to meet important copyright challenges. Panelist will include a member of the Code facilitation team as well as members of the library and copyright law community who are making and implementing fair use policy.

Traditional Cultural Expressions: The Intersection of Indigenous Communities, Information Professionals, and Intellectual Freedom
Saturday, June 23, 2012
1:30p.m.–3:30p.m.
Hilton-Capastrano

This session will provide a basic introduction on traditional cultural expressions from American Indian communities. Some challenges faced by American Indian communities in consideration of their traditional cultural expressions will be discussed. The speakers will address indigenous protocols and common access issues for public institutions. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Digital Literacy and Libraries—Designing What Comes Next
Saturday, June 23, 2012
4:00p.m.–5:30p.m.
ACC—206B

Join a discussion that will challenge you to think strategically about services that you have always provided- information literacy in its new guise: digital literacy.  Why is digital literacy claiming attention outside the library community and how should libraries respond?  Speakers will address key roles for libraries in the digital literacy arena and present alternative strategies for libraries to carve out a position of leadership in their communities.  Discussion will open opportunities for a series of national conversations on digital literacy and libraries.

Truth, Lies and Silly Putty: The Ties that Bind Copyright
Sunday, June 24, 2012
10:30a.m.–12:00p.m.
Hilton—California B

The fundamental tenets of copyright are under fire, making it even more difficult for librarians to make reasonable copyright decisions. Learn about significant policy developments that negatively affect balanced copyright law. Copyright legal experts will also discuss the application of fair use in progressive ways and how library exceptions might still be useful for library digital activities, followed by a question-and-answer session.

The Rise of E-Reading
Sunday, June 24, 2012
10:30a.m.–12:00p.m.
ACC—Ballroom A

Lee Rainie, director of the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, will share recent survey finding and other research about the rise of e-books, their impact on people’s reading habits, and the way that library patrons are hoping to avail themselves of e-book borrowing. He also will explore general reading trends and describe the next steps in the Project’s ongoing research about the evolving role of libraries.

Reclaiming Main Street and Libraries
Sunday, June 24, 2012
1:30p.m.–3:30p.m.
ACC—207A

In a recent study, many Americans said that they feel that the country is lost amid a sea of changes, and that they crave more openness, simpler living, humility and compassion—in sum, they want to kick-start a new trajectory for the country that begins with small, local actions. Author and philanthropist Richard C. Harwood will discuss these and other key findings from his new Main Street study at the session.

Access to Digital Content: Diverse Approaches
Sunday, June 24, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
California B

As digital content continues to grow in diversity and importance, libraries must make use of multiple strategies to support access for their users. ALA’s Digital Content and Libraries Working Group has been exploring issues of business models, advocacy, education, accessibility, privacy, and libraries as providers of content.  But innovative approaches to making digital content available are taking place in many arenas. 

Come hear about the latest developments, including an update from Working Group co-chairs Sari Feldman (Cuyahoga County Public Library) and Robert Wolven (Columbia University). Leaders and innovators from the library community will discuss some other major initiatives and developments related to digital content:  Peter Brantley (Internet Archive), Maura Marx (Digital Public Library of America), and Eric Hellman (Unglue.it). Lee Rainie will offer some perspectives based on his work with the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, and Robert Wolven will offer final remarks to set the stage for the question and answer period.

Copies of the new American Libraries publication “E-Content: The Digital Dialogue” will be available.

Digital Literacy at the Front lines of Library Service
Monday, June 25, 2012
10:30a.m–12:00p.m.
ACC—202B

Digital literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information. Librarians serving diverse, underserved communities are regularly confronted with digital literacy dilemmas. In addition to providing access to technology and basic and increasingly creative instruction, they must address the boundaries of patron privacy, the increasing importance of adaptive technology, and the complex issues around digital citizenship. Panelists will address these issues and begin a national conversation. Sponsored by ALA's Committee on Literacy, OITP Digital Literacy Task Force, the OLOS Advisory Committee, and PLA.

All day Saturday & Sunday: The Copyright Scholar is In

Ask experts your most confounding copyright questions at the Membership Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall. The Lola Lola Copyright Booth will be open all day Saturday and Sunday.

Discuss E-Rate Face-to-Face with Expert John Noran

Does your library get E-rate discounts? Would you like to learn more about the program? Do you apply for E-rate, but still have questions? On Sunday, June 24, 2012, the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy will host a face-to-face Q&A session with John Noran, senior manager of the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company, the agency that administers the E-rate program.

Whether you’re new to the program or a veteran, Noran will meet with individuals in the Convention Center Networking Uncommons from 10:30a.m.–3:00p.m. to answer E-rate questions for all states and local libraries. Each individual will have the opportunity to speak with Noran for up to 30 minutes.

The E-rate program, also known as the Schools and Libraries Support Mechanism, provides eligible schools and libraries with discounts between 20 and 90 percent on their telecommunications and information services with the greatest discounts going to the neediest schools and libraries.

Register in advance for your appointment by going to http://ala12.scheduler.ala.org/node/2880.

This Saturday: Librarians, Tribal Sovereignty and Traditional Knowledge

What do Johnny Depp, Nelly Furtado, and Urban Outfitters have in common? They each have contributed to the controversies surrounding representations of indigenous communities in mainstream media. The question that continually comes up is, who has the right to represent indigenous communities? and what are the responsibilities to indigenous communities from the dominant culture?

The discussion surrounding the protection of traditional cultural expressions is complex, which is why the American Indian Library Association and the Committee on Archives, Libraries and Museums will host “Traditional Cultural Expressions: The Intersection of Indigenous Communities, Information Professionals, and Intellectual Freedom,” a discussion about traditional cultural expressions from an American Indian perspective on Saturday, June 23, 2012, from 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. in the Hilton Capistrano room.

Traditional cultural expressions may exist in the form of music, art, performances, storytelling, symbols, and cultural knowledge. These expressions represent indigenous communities core values and beliefs. With the evolution of technology these “expressions of folklore,” as defined by the World Intellectual Property Organization, can be made accessible across many platforms and across the globe like never before.

In the past decade the conversation has focused on the role that information professionals play as stewards to traditional knowledge. Access to information is one of the core tenants of the libraries Bill of Rights. The contradiction of providing access to information to all while protecting the cultural communities restrictions, leaves many unsure where to hold their alliance.

This event is co-sponsored by the Joint Conference for Librarians of Color.

CareerOneStop—The Online Resource for Job Search and Training Options

Stop by the CareerOneStop Booth #1867 to get great information about CareerOneStop.org, the U.S. Department of Labor’s flagship employment, training, and career planning website.   
As more and more unemployed and underemployed workers use libraries to conduct their job search, CareerOneStop’s free online tools and straightforward career information are invaluable resources. Visit Booth 1867 and see what we offer:

  • Job search tips including where to look, how to network, how to get the most from online job banks, and CareerOneStop’s own job search tool with listings in all 50 states updated daily.
  • A step-by-step Resume Guide as well as interviewing tips including a printable list of common interview questions and answers.
  • Career information including wages, employment projections, educational requirements, and related skills and abilities for all occupations—as well as an interactive skills-matching tool for those considering a career change.
  • Easy-to-use locator tools for training and education options including two-and four-year degree programs, short-term training, certifications, licenses and more.
  • Special resources for veterans, the recently unemployed, older workers, students, career professionals, and more.

Ask us about linking to us or displaying—for free!—CareerOneStop resources directly on your own library website. CareerOneStop’s job search resources are great for library computer labs or resource rooms!
Also, did you know that CareerOneStop offers an easy-to-use Find a Library tool that lets users search for the closest public library? Stop by the booth and we’ll demo it for you!