As you know CLA is looking at making some significant structural changes.
What does this look like? What impact will these changes have for you, CAPL, our only national library association? Does any of this matter to you? If you have questions or have been looking for “space” to share your ideas with others, ask questions and hear what other members are thinking, then use this space for comments.
There isn’t much time as decisions regarding the future of our library association are being made right now.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
CAPL Preconference – The Social Responsibility of Libraries
In the midst of current economic, political and environmental uncertainties what is the responsibility of libraries and librarians in promoting and informing the conversation? Can/should libraries remain neutral on issues related to community progress?
This is no easy question to answer, and it is no easy question to be answered because it has been answered differently by librarians throughout history. Vestiges of these answers remain and are often in conflict with one another. Because the major topic to be discussed is the function of libraries in aiding community progress, it is necessary to look back at how the core value of Intellectual Freedom has evolved throughout the past 100 years.
The Progress of Intellectual Freedom
"In 1896, The American Library Association sponsored a roundtable discussion on contemporary fiction. Controversy centered around several contemporary authors of the naturalist school. More than half the librarians present agreed that Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage and The Damnation of Theron Ware should not be included in the next ALA Catalog supplement. In keeping with this attitude, authors like Zola, Daudet, and de Maupassant were not cited in either the 1893 Catalog or its 1904 Supplement.
“Because the ideology of reading dictated the exclusion of bad reading as well as the inclusion of good reading, turn-of-the-century public librarians willingly assumed the role of censor as a part of their professional credo. St. Louis Public Library Director Arthur Bostwick had no reservations about using the word censor in the title of his presidential address before the American Library Association in 1908. The values and attitudes that gave rise to adoption of a 'Library Bill of Rights' by ALA in 1939 had not yet evolved in the first decade of the twentieth century." Wiegand, Wayne. An Active Instrument for Propaganda: The American Public Library During World War I, 1989, p. 4.
“[David K.] Berninghausen shared Higgins’s judgment that librarians did not embrace intellectual freedom as a tenet of the profession. If pressures to censor occurred in their libraries, most librarians quietly acquiesced. . . . Librarians, Berninghausen stated, ‘must protest against all attempts at censorship and all legislation or acts of government which could threaten intellectual freedom . . . The time for deliberate, well-directed, constructive action by the American Library Association has come.’” Robbins, Louise S. Censorship and the American Library: The American Library Association’s Response to Threats to Intellectual Freedom, 1939-1969. 1996, pp.29-33
“The Subcommittee on Social Responsibilities of the American Library Association (ALA) issued a report in January 1970 arguing that “if libraries exist to promote the progress of meaningful democracy, then the apparently nonlibrary problems of the disadvantaged, and more acutely the problems that cause disadvantage, are library problems. They have an information component. Libraries have a role to play in helping communities reach ‘a state of political effectiveness where they can demand proper, self-tailored library services and be sure of getting it’” (Raber 2007, 684-5). Taken from “Radical Reference: Socially Responsible Librarianship Collaborating With Community” Reference Librarian; Oct-Dec2009, Vol. 50 Issue 4, p371-396, 26p
“In the November 1972 issue of Library Journal, he (David K. Berninghausen) published ‘Social responsibility vs. the Library Bill of Rights,’ which was immediately followed up by nineteen rejoinders gathered together as ‘The Berninghausen debate’ in January 1973. Berninghausen advanced his first major premise by stating that the raison d’etre of ALA is, among other things, not any of the following:
1. To eradicate racial injustice and inequities and to promote human brotherhood
2. To stop the pollution of air, earth, and sea
3. To build a United Nations capable of preventing all wars
“’Vital as these issues are, it is not the purpose of ALA to take positions as to how men must resolve them [emphasis in the original].’ Interestingly, Berninghausen failed to explain the actual purpose of ALA, and, given the nature of the debate, the purpose of the ALA did not go without saying. Further, Berninghausen’s assertion begged the question: if it were not the purpose of ALA to take a stand on social issues such as those mentioned above, then just whose purpose was it? As Betty-Carol Sellen, one of the rejoinder authors, explained: ‘if librarians decide that the issues vital to society are irrelevant to librarians as librarians, then society may find that librarians are irrelevant to it.’” Joyce, Steven. “A Few Gates Redux: An examination of the Social Responsibilities Debate in the Early 1970s and 1990s.” Questioning Library Neutrality, 2008, pp. 42-43.
Jason Openo, BA, MLIS
Manager, Whitemud Crossing Branch
Edmonton Public Library
This is no easy question to answer, and it is no easy question to be answered because it has been answered differently by librarians throughout history. Vestiges of these answers remain and are often in conflict with one another. Because the major topic to be discussed is the function of libraries in aiding community progress, it is necessary to look back at how the core value of Intellectual Freedom has evolved throughout the past 100 years.
The Progress of Intellectual Freedom
"In 1896, The American Library Association sponsored a roundtable discussion on contemporary fiction. Controversy centered around several contemporary authors of the naturalist school. More than half the librarians present agreed that Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage and The Damnation of Theron Ware should not be included in the next ALA Catalog supplement. In keeping with this attitude, authors like Zola, Daudet, and de Maupassant were not cited in either the 1893 Catalog or its 1904 Supplement.
“Because the ideology of reading dictated the exclusion of bad reading as well as the inclusion of good reading, turn-of-the-century public librarians willingly assumed the role of censor as a part of their professional credo. St. Louis Public Library Director Arthur Bostwick had no reservations about using the word censor in the title of his presidential address before the American Library Association in 1908. The values and attitudes that gave rise to adoption of a 'Library Bill of Rights' by ALA in 1939 had not yet evolved in the first decade of the twentieth century." Wiegand, Wayne. An Active Instrument for Propaganda: The American Public Library During World War I, 1989, p. 4.
“[David K.] Berninghausen shared Higgins’s judgment that librarians did not embrace intellectual freedom as a tenet of the profession. If pressures to censor occurred in their libraries, most librarians quietly acquiesced. . . . Librarians, Berninghausen stated, ‘must protest against all attempts at censorship and all legislation or acts of government which could threaten intellectual freedom . . . The time for deliberate, well-directed, constructive action by the American Library Association has come.’” Robbins, Louise S. Censorship and the American Library: The American Library Association’s Response to Threats to Intellectual Freedom, 1939-1969. 1996, pp.29-33
“The Subcommittee on Social Responsibilities of the American Library Association (ALA) issued a report in January 1970 arguing that “if libraries exist to promote the progress of meaningful democracy, then the apparently nonlibrary problems of the disadvantaged, and more acutely the problems that cause disadvantage, are library problems. They have an information component. Libraries have a role to play in helping communities reach ‘a state of political effectiveness where they can demand proper, self-tailored library services and be sure of getting it’” (Raber 2007, 684-5). Taken from “Radical Reference: Socially Responsible Librarianship Collaborating With Community” Reference Librarian; Oct-Dec2009, Vol. 50 Issue 4, p371-396, 26p
“In the November 1972 issue of Library Journal, he (David K. Berninghausen) published ‘Social responsibility vs. the Library Bill of Rights,’ which was immediately followed up by nineteen rejoinders gathered together as ‘The Berninghausen debate’ in January 1973. Berninghausen advanced his first major premise by stating that the raison d’etre of ALA is, among other things, not any of the following:
1. To eradicate racial injustice and inequities and to promote human brotherhood
2. To stop the pollution of air, earth, and sea
3. To build a United Nations capable of preventing all wars
“’Vital as these issues are, it is not the purpose of ALA to take positions as to how men must resolve them [emphasis in the original].’ Interestingly, Berninghausen failed to explain the actual purpose of ALA, and, given the nature of the debate, the purpose of the ALA did not go without saying. Further, Berninghausen’s assertion begged the question: if it were not the purpose of ALA to take a stand on social issues such as those mentioned above, then just whose purpose was it? As Betty-Carol Sellen, one of the rejoinder authors, explained: ‘if librarians decide that the issues vital to society are irrelevant to librarians as librarians, then society may find that librarians are irrelevant to it.’” Joyce, Steven. “A Few Gates Redux: An examination of the Social Responsibilities Debate in the Early 1970s and 1990s.” Questioning Library Neutrality, 2008, pp. 42-43.
Jason Openo, BA, MLIS
Manager, Whitemud Crossing Branch
Edmonton Public Library
Thursday, February 18, 2010
CLA Pre-conference session, June 2nd, 2010
Pre Conference Canadian Library Association – June 2nd – Edmonton –
see www.cla.ca for registration details.
You are invited to participate in a national conversation. We will be getting together on June 2nd face to face in Edmonton to discuss this important topic but why wait? Check back frequently for ongoing and stimulating conversation.
Libraries and Social Responsibility: A National Conversation
In the midst of current economic, political and environmental uncertainties what is the responsibility of libraries and librarians in promoting and informing the conversation? Can/should libraries remain neutral on issues related to community progress? Leadership Calgary/Edmonton facilitators will lead large and small group discussions focusing on the library’s role in supporting society’s ability to survive and thrive.
Blythe Butler – Leadership Calgary/Leadership Edmonton
Nancy MacKenzie – Calgary Public Library
Jason Openo – Edmonton Public Library
Question: "What is the function of libraries in community progress?”
Format of the Day
1:00 - Framing of the discussion
1:30 – Small Group Discussion facilitated by Leadership Calgary/Edmonton alumni
3:00 – Sponsored Coffee Break
3:30 – Final Small group discussion
4:00 – Large Group facilitated discussion, closing remarks, how to stay in touch, evaluation.
Outcomes
* Change the way you perceive the library in a broader context
* Recognize why this is important
* Identify the “big idols” – question our assumptions
* Learn how to start a conversation with colleagues and community
We hope to continue the conversations started at this session right here, on the CAPL blog. Stay tuned!
For more information, please contact:
Nancy G. MacKenzie
Vice President, Canadian Association of Public Libraries
nancy.mackenzie@calgarypubliclibrary.com
see www.cla.ca for registration details.
You are invited to participate in a national conversation. We will be getting together on June 2nd face to face in Edmonton to discuss this important topic but why wait? Check back frequently for ongoing and stimulating conversation.
Libraries and Social Responsibility: A National Conversation
In the midst of current economic, political and environmental uncertainties what is the responsibility of libraries and librarians in promoting and informing the conversation? Can/should libraries remain neutral on issues related to community progress? Leadership Calgary/Edmonton facilitators will lead large and small group discussions focusing on the library’s role in supporting society’s ability to survive and thrive.
Blythe Butler – Leadership Calgary/Leadership Edmonton
Nancy MacKenzie – Calgary Public Library
Jason Openo – Edmonton Public Library
Question: "What is the function of libraries in community progress?”
Format of the Day
1:00 - Framing of the discussion
1:30 – Small Group Discussion facilitated by Leadership Calgary/Edmonton alumni
3:00 – Sponsored Coffee Break
3:30 – Final Small group discussion
4:00 – Large Group facilitated discussion, closing remarks, how to stay in touch, evaluation.
Outcomes
* Change the way you perceive the library in a broader context
* Recognize why this is important
* Identify the “big idols” – question our assumptions
* Learn how to start a conversation with colleagues and community
We hope to continue the conversations started at this session right here, on the CAPL blog. Stay tuned!
For more information, please contact:
Nancy G. MacKenzie
Vice President, Canadian Association of Public Libraries
nancy.mackenzie@calgarypubliclibrary.com
Monday, June 15, 2009
Judith Saltman Receives 2009 CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award
The Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL) and Brodart Canada are pleased to announce Judith Saltman, Associate Professor with the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia, as the 2009 recipient of the CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award. Sponsored by Brodart Canada, the award is presented annually for outstanding service in the field of Canadian public librarianship.
Judith is a strong advocate of services for children in public libraries, demonstrated in her career as a librarian, professor and author of scholarly works about children’s literature. She brings dedication, commitment and creativity to her work, along with a deep understanding of the importance of children’s services in libraries. Her teaching, writings and passion have inspired a generation of librarians. As a spokesperson to the media, she has admirably represented public libraries, librarians, the academic children’s literature community and children’s writers and illustrators.
The CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award was presented to Judith Saltman at a reception at le Palais des congrès de Montréal following the CAPL Annual General Meeting on Sunday, May 31 as part of the 2009 Canadian Library Association/Association Canadienne des Bibliothèques National Conference & Trade Show.
Judith is a strong advocate of services for children in public libraries, demonstrated in her career as a librarian, professor and author of scholarly works about children’s literature. She brings dedication, commitment and creativity to her work, along with a deep understanding of the importance of children’s services in libraries. Her teaching, writings and passion have inspired a generation of librarians. As a spokesperson to the media, she has admirably represented public libraries, librarians, the academic children’s literature community and children’s writers and illustrators.
The CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award was presented to Judith Saltman at a reception at le Palais des congrès de Montréal following the CAPL Annual General Meeting on Sunday, May 31 as part of the 2009 Canadian Library Association/Association Canadienne des Bibliothèques National Conference & Trade Show.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award Recipient Announced
Judith Saltman Receives 2009 CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award
The Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL) and Brodart Canada are pleased to announce Judith Saltman, AssociateProfessor with the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia, as the 2009 recipient of the CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award. Sponsored by Brodart Canada, the award is presented annually for outstanding service in the field of Canadian public librarianship.
Judith is a strong advocate of services for children in public libraries, demonstrated in her career as a librarian, professor and author of scholarly works about children’s literature. She brings dedication, commitment and creativity to her work, along with a deep understanding of the importance of children’s services in libraries. Her teaching, writings and passion have inspired a generation of librarians. As a spokesperson to the media, she has admirably represented public libraries, librarians, the academic children’s literature community and children’s writers and illustrators.
The CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award will be presented to Judith Saltman at a reception at le Palais des congrès de Montréal following the CAPL Annual General Meeting on Sunday, May 31 as part of the 2009 Canadian Library Association/Association Canadienne des Bibliothèques National Conference & Trade Show.
The Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL) and Brodart Canada are pleased to announce Judith Saltman, AssociateProfessor with the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia, as the 2009 recipient of the CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award. Sponsored by Brodart Canada, the award is presented annually for outstanding service in the field of Canadian public librarianship.
Judith is a strong advocate of services for children in public libraries, demonstrated in her career as a librarian, professor and author of scholarly works about children’s literature. She brings dedication, commitment and creativity to her work, along with a deep understanding of the importance of children’s services in libraries. Her teaching, writings and passion have inspired a generation of librarians. As a spokesperson to the media, she has admirably represented public libraries, librarians, the academic children’s literature community and children’s writers and illustrators.
The CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award will be presented to Judith Saltman at a reception at le Palais des congrès de Montréal following the CAPL Annual General Meeting on Sunday, May 31 as part of the 2009 Canadian Library Association/Association Canadienne des Bibliothèques National Conference & Trade Show.
Conference Bursary Recipient Announced
The CAPL Conference Bursary Committee and the CAPL Executive wish to congratulate Stephen R. Warren, the 2009 recipient of the CLA Conference Bursary.
Stephen is currently employed as an Auxiliary Librarian with the Greater Victoria Public Library. He has a strong background in association and conference involvement and in 2008 received the Ken Haycock Student Conference Award for BCLA.
Congratulations Stephen! See you in Montreal!
Stephen is currently employed as an Auxiliary Librarian with the Greater Victoria Public Library. He has a strong background in association and conference involvement and in 2008 received the Ken Haycock Student Conference Award for BCLA.
Congratulations Stephen! See you in Montreal!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
2009 NELI recipient shares her thoughts on the Leadership Institute
Northern Exposure to Leadership Institute (NELI) 2009
Upon opening my acceptance letter to NELI in January 2009 many thoughts came to mind, but one in particular stood out – What will I personally gain from this? I knew what I hoped to gain; new insights into leadership, the chance to network, and hopefully create bonds with some of my fellow colleagues. Of course my expectations were high and not knowing what to expect added to the excitement.
I can honestly say that after completing my week at NELI all my expectations were met above and beyond what I had originally anticipated. The participants had the privilege of learning and benefiting from our mentors and organizers that provided support and advice throughout the week. We were given the opportunity to work as teams and build on our skill sets and create many more. It was a time of great self reflection and self learning. As Librarians somewhat new to the field, we were challenged to envision our role and place within the future of the profession.
What I had not expected was the tremendous enthusiasm and passion for our profession that was exhibited on a daily basis. What did I personally gain from this? Inspiration, determination and support.
Kelley England, B.A., M.L.I.S.
Manager of Children and Young Adult Services
King Township Public Library
Upon opening my acceptance letter to NELI in January 2009 many thoughts came to mind, but one in particular stood out – What will I personally gain from this? I knew what I hoped to gain; new insights into leadership, the chance to network, and hopefully create bonds with some of my fellow colleagues. Of course my expectations were high and not knowing what to expect added to the excitement.
I can honestly say that after completing my week at NELI all my expectations were met above and beyond what I had originally anticipated. The participants had the privilege of learning and benefiting from our mentors and organizers that provided support and advice throughout the week. We were given the opportunity to work as teams and build on our skill sets and create many more. It was a time of great self reflection and self learning. As Librarians somewhat new to the field, we were challenged to envision our role and place within the future of the profession.
What I had not expected was the tremendous enthusiasm and passion for our profession that was exhibited on a daily basis. What did I personally gain from this? Inspiration, determination and support.
Kelley England, B.A., M.L.I.S.
Manager of Children and Young Adult Services
King Township Public Library
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