E-Book Media & Communications Toolkit From ALA

ALA Launches E-book Media & Communications Toolkit

As several large book publishers continue to deny libraries access to their e-books, and others make e-books available under difficult terms, libraries find themselves unable to provide the reading and educational materials demanded by their patrons. As a result, many librarians are asking, “What can I do to advocate for fair e-book lending practices?”

To assist libraries in informing the public about e-book lending practices, the American Library Association (ALA) released today the “ALA E-book Media & Communications Toolkit,” a set of materials that will support librarians in taking action in their communities.

Developed by the ALA’s Digital Content and Libraries Working Group (DCWG), the toolkit includes op-ed and press release templates for library supporters interested in informing the public of the role that libraries play in building literate and knowledgeable communities. Additionally, the toolkit provides guidance on ways to use the media templates, as well as ALA talking points, e-book data, and public service announcement scripts.

“The library community cannot sit by while publishers openly refuse to sell libraries the e-books that they need to serve their patrons,” said ALA President Maureen Sullivan, who recently led several library meetings with publishers. “Librarians and our allies must speak out more forcefully in communities across the country. Everyone needs to know that libraries offer e-books and 21st century library services, but we are unable to offer all the e-reading choices our patrons demand and deserve.”

The Digital Content & Libraries Working Group, a representative group made up of 27 ALA members from various types of libraries, advises the Association on issues related to libraries and digital content, and the provision of equitable access to digital content for all. The group has developed a number of other resources about e-books, including the report “Ebook Business Models for Public Libraries,” a digital rights management “Tip Sheet,” and an E-Content supplement to American Libraries magazine.

To view the communications toolkit, visit www.ala.org/transforminglibraries/ebooktoolkit.

Joint Statement on E-Content Pricing

From ALA Chapter Relations:

ALA Chapters Issue Joint Statement on E-Content Pricing

"A majority of the 57 state and regional chapters of the American Library Association have signed a joint statement in opposition to the practices of publishers and distributors that have established unfair pricing in the sale of ebooks to libraries."

http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/inside-scoop/ala-chapters-issue-joint-statement-e-content-pricing

http://tinyurl.com/bn5bdgu
(The South Dakota Chapter formally supported this statement following the November SDLA Exectutive Board Meeting.)

Public Libraries and Digital Literacy

From PLA:

As you know, public libraries and community organizations are becoming the go-to place for digital literacy education. Users come searching for help to understand and use computer programs, printers and other hardware, the Internet (web browsing, e-mail, social media), digital media (cameras, e-readers, music players) and more.  PLA is working with COSLA and ALA OITP to create a website that will focus on digital learning.  Here is more information about the IMLS-funded project:  http://www.ala.org/news/pr?id=11454).

To get a starting point for the needs of librarians who are providing digital literacy support in their libraries, we have created a survey and are asking for help getting the word out about it. Please share the link to the survey with the librarians in your state or region.   It will be open until December 15.  

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/digitallearningcenter

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you very much for your help.

Best wishes,

Barb

Barbara A. Macikas

Executive Director, Public Library Association

a division of the American Library Association

50 East Huron St.

Chicago, IL  606011

T:  312.280.5028

F:  312.280.5029

E:  bmacikas@ala.org

Money Smart Week

Sign Up for ‘Money Smart Week @ your library’, April 20-27, 2013
Please join the hundreds of libraries across the country that will be providing financial literacy programming during Money Smart Week @ your library, April 20-27.
Libraries of all types can provide much needed financial education to their communities- pubic, school, academic, special.  Last year over 250 libraries in 39 states participated.  We are hoping to double the number of libraries this year, and have participation in each state.
ALA and the Federal Reserve Bank (Chicago) have partnered to make it easy for you to participate, with toolkits, great program ideas, guides, resources, downloadable logos and more.  And we don’t ask you to do a lot, you can participate if you only provide one program during the week.
To learn more about ‘Money Smart Week @ your library’ and how other libraries have benefited from being part of Money Smart Week @ your library take a look at this recent archived webinar which you can view at your leisure (55 minutes). 
Please feel free to pass the link to the webinar link to any colleagues who you would like to also encourage to participate.
If you and your library would like to participate we ask that should register as a 'Library Partner' at the Money Smart Week website - http://www.moneysmartweek.org/ala.  Please register by January 2nd if possible.
And don’t forget to also sign up for the Money Smart Week @ your library discussion list, where we provide updates and you can ask questions of other participating librarians.
SUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Go to: http://lists.ala.org/sympa/info/mswlibrary
• Choose "Subscribe" from the left-hand column and provide your e-mail address
• First-time subscribers will be required to provide a password

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Michael

Michael Dowling
Director
International and Chapter Relations Offices
American Library Association
50 E Huron St
Chicago, IL, USA
p +1 800-545-2433 ext 3200
f  +1 312-280-4392
http://www.ala.org/iro

'Money Smart Week @ your library' April 21-27, 2013

http://www.moneysmartweek.org/

Hurricane Sandy and Libraries

(e-mail from ALA Executive Director Michael Fiels, dated November 5,2012)

An initial article on Hurricane Sandy and its impact on libraries appeared in AL Online yesterday. It can be found at:  http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/features/11042012/libraries-weather-superstorm

So far, we have pretty good information on New Jersey, thanks to the New Jersey Library Association and New Jersey State Library. Don Wood is now reaching out to the state chapters to gather information on other libraries that sustained damage.

We'll share information with the Board and Council as we get it in.

Gale Cengage Learning Financial Development Award

Gale Cengage Learning Financial Development Award

Press Release

November 2, 2012

Do you know of a library that has had a successful library financial development program?  Recognize this successful project with a nomination for the Gale Cengage Learning Financial Development Award funded by Gale Cengage, Inc. 

Since 1985, The Gale Cengage Learning Award recognizes a library organization that has exhibited meritorious achievement in carrying out a library financial development project to secure new funding resources for a public, school or academic library.   A variety of academic, public and school libraries have been the recipients of this award which honors a financial development project garnering new funding for library services.

Former award recipients include the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation (2012), Princeton Public Library (2010), the New York University Bobst Library (1990) and the Friends of the Town of Pelham Library.  The award includes $2,500 and a 24k gold-framed citation. 

ALA is currently accepting nominations for the Gale Cengage Learning Financial Development Award. Six copies of the nomination form are to be submitted to ALA by December 1, 2012.  Selection of the recipient will be made by the end of February, 2013 and announced in early March 2013.  For additional information, contact Liz Bishoff, Award Jury Chair liz.bishoff@gmail.com or Cheryl Malden, ALA Governance Office, cmalden@ala.org