Counts 50 Years of the Black Caucus p. 36 Family-Friendly Academic Libraries p. 18 - American Libraries Magazine
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March/April 2020
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Your
community
counts
SPECIAL REPORT | p. 22
50 Years of the
Black Caucus p. 36
Family-Friendly
Academic Libraries p. 18
PLUS: Robot Battles,
Samantha Irby,
Vaping Dangers
Sace Plannin
Reinventing #our Library Space
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increase circulation, making it easier for patrons to find programs
or services, or designing a new library, this one-day training
provides the concrete set of tools you need. Walk away with best
practices in planning library space in the 21st century; methods
for improving circulation using retail techniques; and tools for
assessing and utilizing your library's current space.
2020 rainin Schedule
March 30, lendale, CA
April 2 , Lawrence, S
David Vinjamuri
June 12, Portland, ME Facilitator
July 9, Bloomfield Township, MI
Cost: $1 0 for PLA Members; $225 for Nonmembers
Register at www.ala.org/pla/education/inperson/space
Social Justice and Public Libraries
Equity Starts with Us
Libraries across the country are making stronger commitments to
equitable library services for all. Be a part of this movement by
attending this one-and-a-half-day symposium, where you'll build
shared understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social
justice (EDISJ) concepts; increase self-awareness; learn to
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and equity tools to create an action plan for strengthening EDISJ
in your organization and community.
2020 Symposia Schedule
May 18–19, Austin, TX
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August 24–25, Seattle, WA Mia Henry
Facilitator
More locations being added soon
Cost: $250 for PLA Members; $325 for Nonmembers
Register at www.ala.org/pla/education/inperson/equity
March/April 2020
American Libraries | Volume 51 #3/4 | ISSN 0002-9769
SPECIAL REPORT 28 State-by-State Snapshots
State libraries and library associations are
raising awareness of the 2020 Census
30 Fact Versus Fear
Libraries help assuage census anxieties
BY Meghan Murphy-Gill
32 Tips for Your 2020 Census Team
How the work pays off for your community
BY Denise Raleigh
Your community counts | p. 22
34 After the Census
How to use the “mother of open data
sets” more than once a decade
24 Reaching the Hard to Count BY Emily Udell
Libraries contract census specialists with
the goal of improving self-response rates
BY Terra Dankowski
26 Plug into the Census
Leveraging tech tools and networks
to support an inclusive count
BY Taylor Hartz
FEATURES
36 Living the Dream
At 50, the Black Caucus of the
American Library Association
looks toward the future
BY Anne Ford
36 42 Building a Network
of Support
Maximize relationships to
push your marketing plans
BY Amanda L. Goodman
42 ON THE COVER: Illustration by Kristen Solecki
18 20
14
UP FRONT TRENDS PERSPECTIVES
3 From the Editor 14 Robots: Activate IN PRACTICE
The Mission of How robotics programs can pack 46 Representation Beyond Books
Inclusion a punch for STEM skills BY Meredith Farkas
BY Sanhita SinhaRoy BY Diana Panuncial
DISPATCHES
6 From Our Readers 16 Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire 47 Digital Rights Management
Libraries respond to the BY Mirela Roncevic
vaping health crisis
ALA YOUTH MATTERS
BY Mark Lawton
4 From the 48 Waste Not, Want Not
SPOTLIGHT BY Larissa Clotildes
President
18 Helping Parents in a Pinch
Don’t Be ON MY MIND
An academic library becomes
Counted Out 49 What Does Green Mean?
BY Wanda Kay Brown
more family friendly
BY Rachel Gammons and Kelsey Corlett-Rivera BY Kayla Kuni
5 From the
NEWSMAKER LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY
Executive
20 Samantha Irby 50 Reenvisioning Work
Director Araceli Méndez Hintermeister
Essayist returns with characteristically BY
A Time for Change
candid look at life
and Thanks
BY Amy Carlton SOLUTIONS
BY Mary Ghikas
PLUS 52 Cast and Release
8 Update Adding resources for podcasters
What’s happening 15 By the Numbers
BY Carrie Smith
at ALA 17 Global Reach
21 Noted & Quoted
12 From the PEOPLE
Candidates 54 Announcements
Campaign
statements from THE BOOKEND
the candidates for
56 The Science of the Census
2021–2022 president
BYPatricia “Patty” Wong
and Steven Yates
16
Academy of American Poets Insert | Connectrac Cover 4 | University of Chicago Press 45 | University of Nebraska 41 | American Library Association American
Libraries 19 | Graphics Cover 3 | JobLIST 40 | Public Library Association Cover 2
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Address: 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795
Website:americanlibrariesmagazine.org
Email: americanlibraries@ala.org
The Mission of Inclusion
T
Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension
Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org
he decennial census formally kicks off April 1,
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER 80-HD marking the culmination of much civic effort
Favorite Sanhita SinhaRoy
robot? ssinharoy@ala.org | x4219 toward a fair, accurate, and inclusive count.
MANAGING EDITOR
RoboCop Our special report “2020 Census: Your Commu-
Terra Dankowski
tdankowski@ala.org | x5282 (1987) nity Counts” (cover story, p. 22) looks at how libraries
SENIOR EDITORS are investing time, resources, and expertise to reach
Bender Amy Carlton
acarlton@ala.org | x5105
hard-to-count communities and help dispel anxiety
George M. Eberhart Gort and misinformation—especially since the census could
geberhart@ala.org | x4212 determine up to $1.5 trillion in federal funding for
Bishop Phil Morehart
communities as well as each state’s number of seats in
(Aliens) pmorehart@ala.org | x4218
Sanhita SinhaRoy
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
the electoral college. The report also offers ideas on how
Sallyann Price WALL-E to use census data after the count.
sprice@ala.org | x4213
Also looking to the future: the Black Caucus of the
EDITOR-AT-LARGE
DJ Roomba Anne Ford
American Library Association. To mark the ALA affili-
aford@ala.org ate’s 50th anniversary, Anne Ford spoke with five black
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE librarians who are advancing inclusion within the profes-
Carrie Smith
casmith@ala.org | x4216
Marvin sion (“Living the Dream,” p. 36). Representation matters,
Conky 2000 the Paranoid
ART DIRECTOR Android
as library media specialist Cicely Lewis says in the story,
Rosie
Rebecca Lomax adding: “That’s one barrier that can be broken down.”
rlomax@ala.org | x4217
(The Jetsons) Helping break down other barriers to access is
ADVERTISING
Michael Stack mstack@ala.org | 847-367-7120 University of Maryland (UMD) Libraries, which has
Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. made it easier for parents, caregivers, and children to
ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising.
PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT
visit (Spotlight, p. 18). It’s not just faculty and staff who
Mary Mackay have children to look after; many students do, too. In
Associate Executive Director response, UMD Libraries has created a family study room
R2-D2 Mary Jo Bolduc
Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 as well as “family kits” to ease the sometimes unavoid-
C-3PO MEMBERSHIP able challenges of bringing young ones to the library.
Melissa Kay Walling, Director As the authors write, welcoming families “demonstrates
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Libraries are compassion for the lived experiences of users.”
Susan H. Polos (Chair), Helen Ruth Adams, Salvador Avila,
Crystal Chen, Sonja Eyler, Janie L. Hermann, Jasmina Jusic,
With Earth Day around the corner, library workers
Sigrid Kelsey. Committee associate: Rachel Beth Wykle investing time, have been striving to keep sustainability at the forefront
Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2
resources, and of year-round action. In our Youth Matters column
INDEXED
(p. 48), library assistant Larissa Clotildes shares ideas
Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, H. W. Wilson,
LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR.
expertise to for environmentally friendly children’s programming,
SUBSCRIBE reach hard- writing: “As educators, we are in a position to help fam-
Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, and
ilies understand that they don’t have to choose between
Mexico; foreign: $84. Subscription price for individuals included in to-count
ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email membership@ fun, learning, and sustainability.”
ala.org, or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: ALA Member and
Customer Service. Allow six weeks. Single issues $7.50, with 30%
communities In the coming months, keep an eye out for our
discount for five or more; contact Carrie Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216
or casmith@ala.org and dispel second online Sustainability in Libraries series, a
multipart look at the library profession’s relationship to
PUBLISHED anxiety and sustainability. We hope it will engage—and sustain—
American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times yearly
with occasional supplements by the American Library Association
(ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois,
misinformation. your interest.
and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Personal members:
Send address changes to American Libraries, c/o Membership
Records, ALA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795. ©2020
American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of
this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written
permission from the publisher.
americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 3
from the
PRESIDENT
Don’t Be Counted Out
Libraries, ALA mobilize for the 2020 Census
A
s library workers, we know the vital include recent immigrants, people of color,
importance of accurate and complete young children, and renters.
data. That’s why our community is so As we know, these populations are the among
invested in achieving a complete count the most vulnerable members of our society.
in this year’s US census (cover story, p. 22). Therefore, it’s our responsibility as practitioners
Quite simply, representation matters. If who embed the values of equity, diversity, and
people aren’t counted in, they will most likely inclusion into our professional practice to mobi-
be counted out. lize our communities and make sure everyone is
That’s because the census informs everything counted. As library advocates, too, the census is a
from districting for federal, state, and local great opportunity to showcase our impact. Make
Wanda Kay Brown
offices to the allocation of as much as $1.5 tril- sure your elected officials know what your library
lion in federal funding to states and localities. is doing to help achieve a complete count.
The census intersects with the work of libraries To support our members in this work, ALA has
in several ways. updated the Libraries’ Guide to the 2020 Census
First, on a practical level, people are likely to (bit.ly/LibCensus20). It includes the most current
head to their local public libraries to get accurate information available, including Census Bureau
information and guidance. This year, the census contact information, downloadable resources,
will be conducted primarily online for the first and updated FAQs so you have ready answers to
time. This means that many people who don’t the questions we know are coming. Find updated
have reliable access to a computer or internet information and resources at ala.org/census.
connection will turn to libraries to complete their On another note, I want to take this oppor-
census forms online—although options to respond tunity to welcome Tracie D. Hall, ALA’s new
by phone and mail remain. The online form and executive director. Tracie begins work at ALA on
phone assistance will be available in 13 languages. February 24, and she will work diligently beside
Second, the census is an enormous logistical Mary Ghikas, who is supporting the leader-
challenge, and it needs hundreds of thousands of ship transition through ALA Annual Confer-
people working to ensure its success. In that way, ence this June.
libraries are prime locations for people seeking We’ve been heartened to hear your cheers of
to apply for one of the approximately 500,000 congratulations to Tracie on her new role. On
temporary census jobs open across the country. Facebook, ALA member Dale McNeill celebrated
The most Libraries are playing an important role connect- Tracie’s appointment by paying it forward and
vulnerable ing job seekers to census employment. offering to purchase three new ALA memberships
Lastly, and perhaps most crucially, approxi- for interested librarians. Thanks, Dale!
members of mately $1 billion in federal funding for libraries It’s clear that there is a lot of goodwill and opti-
our society will be allocated in the coming decade based mism around Tracie’s new role, and we’re thrilled
will be the on the 2020 data. If our counts are accurate, we to have her on board. You will begin hearing from
can make sure that money is distributed fairly her directly in the next issue when she takes over
most reliant and equitably; if some communities are under- the executive director’s column from Mary.
on the funds counted, their local libraries could lose out on
available funding.
the census It’s important to view this civic duty through
WANDA KAY BROWN is director of library services
at C. G. O’Kelly Library at Winston-Salem (N.C.) State
helps allocate. the lens of social justice. Hard-to-count groups University.
4 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org
from the
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
A Time for Change and Thanks
As executive director role ends, fondness for ALA, members will persist
O
n February 24, Tracie D. Hall will step literacy for all ages, to the work of organizing
into the position of ALA executive direc- and managing libraries of all types, to collabo-
tor. I will step back and work at her direc- rations across multiple external organizations in
tion to assist during the initial months of the US and around the globe.
her tenure as executive director. We have worked From the executive director perch you see
together before when she was director of what is the amazing impact of libraries and the people
now known as the Office for Diversity, Literacy, who give them life. It crosses your screen, your
and Outreach Services, and I look forward to the desk every day—from the people who reach out
opportunity to work with her again. At the end of to the Association and its members, from the
the 2020 ALA Annual Conference, I will retire. stories passed along by staff and members, from
Mary Ghikas
It has been an honor to serve in this role. It has more invitations and opportunities than you
been a time of necessary change and disruption. can manage. The story told by the daily flow
Both staff and member leaders have accomplished of contacts and conversations is the story of
work that has shifted the trajectory of the Asso- libraries and of all library people. Seeing it from
ciation. In thinking back over the past few years, this viewpoint has been an incredible gift.
the hard, collaborative work of many has created This story has been about the importance of
the possibility of—and the potential for—ongoing persistence. I see it in our staff members who
growth and development. answer the inquiries, edit another book, prepare
What have I learned? My capacity to see another set of minutes, craft another event or
nuances and detail has warred with the necessity conference—over and over, with continuing
to visualize simplicity in a complex environ- thought and creativity.
ment. For me, the process of draft and redraft, of I see it in our members who patiently move
talking it through with others, has been ongoing. an idea or program through the successive
An introvert by nature, I have learned to pull stages, through committees, through the pro-
vital energy from the intensity of meetings and cesses of a complex organization.
conferences. I have learned that when I call for There will be time yet for many good-byes. I
From the
help, colleagues all across this Association—and will see many of you over the coming months:
executive beyond—will respond. I have learned that even at the office, at various events, and finally at
director when we differ on strategies, we may share intent Annual Conference.
and objectives. Still, it’s hard not to think about what I’ll
perch, I was What will I miss? Too many things to count. miss. Mostly, I will miss the people—the count-
privileged to After 20-plus years of watching Council from the less quick greetings, the informal conversations
gallery, it was a pleasure to serve as the Secretary (sometimes in odd places), the cat stories, the
see the whole of Council and watch the action from the front—to knitting progress. It will be the moment when
Association. see your faces rather than your backs. From the you realize the baby you remember has gradu-
That view executive director spot, I was privileged to see the ated from college and has a full adult life. It will
entire Association, each piece of a complex whole. be the countless “remember when” stories.
has been a No matter how much anyone is able to observe At the end of the day, it isn’t about me. It’s
unique—and in other capacities, this is a unique perspective, a you, it’s us. Thank you—and Tracie, welcome.
vantage point that has been precious.
precious— The scope is astounding—from the broad MARY GHIKAS is executive director of the American
vantage point. range of public policy and advocacy, to books and Library Association.
americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 5
from our
READERS
BRAVO to p. 24) devoted
Zines Fuel Outreach Rolling with much space to
these great As a zine maker and writer, I the Punches civic engage-
librarians and their was very excited to read about Thanks for Marshall ment but failed
stories about how partnerships between libraries Breeding’s article to acknowledge
they reach out to and zine festivals in “On the on the acquisition the challenges
Zine Scene” (Jan./Feb., p. 22). of OverDrive by investment firm faced by certain
make connections I vended at the San Anto Zine KKR (The Scoop, Dec. 31, 2019). members of the community in
with their library Festival at San Antonio Public The author laid out the financial voting and engaging in political
patrons. I am Library (SAPL) last fall. The expe- possibilities and implications of issues.
rience introduced me to SAPL’s this important development, and Too often, survivors of
inspired by each
vast resources, including its I concur that there is no perfect domestic violence and stalking
of their stories Latino Collection and Resource vendor or arrangement in a fluc- are excluded from discussions
@LINDA_LIBRARIAN Center. SAPL Program Manager tuating market adapting to rap- of civic engagement because
in response to “Meet Emma Hernández was delightfully idly changing consumer habits. of public record laws, which the
the I Love My Librarian organized and contributed greatly The streaming and e-media library community tends to be
Award Winners” (The to the success of the festival. universe will continue to revamp, ignorant of.
Scoop, Dec. 10) Libraries are crucial resources change, and bend. So will bud- When voter registration
for their communities and, in gets for public library collections. information is considered public,
American my experience as a writer and At our public library in a Big survivors of domestic violence
zine maker, literary sanctuaries. Ten college town, checkouts of and stalking may risk their safety
Libraries magazine Libraries that introduce zines into audiobooks on CD declined 10.2% by casting a vote.
has a nice succinct their collections have devel- in 2019, while e-audio use soared The article mentions a library
roundup of how oped a new level of outreach, by 20.7%. The collection budget in Texas that routinely asks if
states performed which provides opportunities for allocations seem clear but, mean- patrons are registered to vote
creators to share their work with while, readers cling stubbornly to when they sign up for a library
on library new audiences. I have been fortu- their favorite formats, including card. Is the library’s staff made
measures. Lots nate to have my zines in various nearly 87,000 checkouts of DVDs aware of the complications
of successes libraries, such as the Edendale from people who are “cutting the survivors face when voting and
branch of Los Angeles Public cable cord.” registering to vote? If not, they
in Colorado, as
Library and multiple university I will sigh as we adjust our could be encouraging someone
well as some libraries. Through these part- collection-building strategies, to put themselves in danger.
work left to do! nerships, visitors are introduced and hope that [OverDrive CEO] Failure to educate our patrons
@COSTATELIBRARY to new worlds outside of the Steve Potash will continue to about the public nature of voting
in response to publishing industry, where art, advocate for libraries as publish- records is unacceptable,
“Referenda Roundup” DIY ethics, and the written word ing partners who facilitate author especially when the results are
(Jan./Feb., p. 32) meld. I wish to share my deepest awareness and sales and deserve so grave. If libraries are unaware
gratitude to the librarians who competitive pricing. of how domestic violence and
listen to their communities and Catherine Alloway stalking can affect voting in your
respond by supporting local Port Matilda, Pennsylvania state, contact your local crisis
creators and emerging writers center, which can educate you
through zine collections. The Risks of Engagement and your staff on state-specific
Yeiry Guevara The special report on “Democ- laws and programs available for
Houston racy in Action” (Nov./Dec. 2019, survivors to help them participate
WRITE US: The editors welcome comments about recent content, online stories, FOLLOW US:
and matters of professional interest. Submissions should be limited to 300 words and
@amlibraries
are subject to editing for clarity, style, and length. Send to americanlibraries@ala.org
or American Libraries, From Our Readers, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795. facebook.com/amlibraries
6 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org
on our
WEBSITE
in voting without risking their
safety. You can learn more at
p. 9). These concerns need to
be addressed, but the needs of
What You’re Reading
1
librariansforsurvivors.com. the patron should be addressed
Miranda Dube Free Speech—or Free-for-All? “First
as well.
New Hampshire Amendment audits” can pit patrons’
How does a library protect a
rights to film against the privacy of other
patron’s privacy and the integ-
library users. bit.ly/AL-1A-Audits
Staying Organized rity of their data when there is
2
I’m at a loss for words after nobody present to protect physi-
Know Your Rights—and Theirs Librarians
reading Linda W. Braun’s column cal records? What happens when
are preparing for possible US Immigration
“Contract Concerns” (Nov./Dec. a patron forgets their library
and Customs Enforcement activity. bit.ly/
2019, p. 58). It’s disappointing card? What about more complex
AL-KnowRights
to hear another librarian suggest transactions, like a block for dam-
3
that union contracts prevent us aged or overdue materials? Even
Your Library’s Story Take control of
from reaching young people. corporate big-box stores have
the narrative when documenting your
In my years as a high school people available at all open hours
library’s impact on the community.
librarian and later as children’s to assist people.
bit.ly/AL-LibStory
librarian in a public library, Another concern that wasn’t
I’ve worked beyond the hours even mentioned in the article: A
stipulated in my contract and
attended after-school programs
library is (or should be) part of
what forms a community, a space
In Case You Missed It
and outside events to do out- to discuss common concerns. Meet ALA’s Next Executive
reach, all with the knowledge and Who are our patrons going to Director Our Q&A with Tracie
approval of my supervisors. turn to if there are no librarians D. Hall, who assumes her role
At a time when libraries are present? An unstaffed library February 24. bit.ly/AL-TracieDHall
facing cuts—to budgets, hours, may be great for administrators
and more—unions protect and budget-cutters, but it’s not OverDrive’s New Owners: What It Means
more than librarians, parapro- good for patrons. The concept Library technology expert Marshall Breeding
fessionals, guards, and other needs to be thought through very explains the recent acquisition. bit.ly/AL-KKR-OverDrive
employees. Unions also serve carefully before it is implemented
to protect patrons’ interests. on a large scale. Is My Library Liable for Fake
Without unions, who would fight Kathleen Stipek News? Our Letters of the Law
for better budgets? Who would Gainesville, Florida column returns with questions
fight to make sure we’re open about politics and free speech.
on weekends and evenings? CORRECTIONS bit.ly/AL-LetterLaw2
Who would make sure that we’re In “Referenda Roundup” (Jan./
FCC Adopts ALA E-Rate Recommendations
open at all? Feb., p. 32), the Union Gap mea-
New federal order streamlines budget and appli-
Unions play a key role in sure should have been included
cation process. bit.ly/AL-ERate
keeping libraries strong, and they in the tally for Washington, not
deserve our loyalty. Oregon.
Allegra D’Ambruoso
Philadelphia
In “Know Your Rights—and
Theirs” (Jan./Feb., p. 46), a link to
Coming Soon
a presentation by members of the Check The Scoop for our coverage of the Public
Libraries Need Humans Association for Library Service to Library Association 2020 Conference
Multiple readers responded to Children was included in error. in Nashville, Tennessee, February 25–29, and
“Automated for the People” The feature “2020 Midwinter National Library Week, April 19–25.
(Sept./Oct. 2019, p. 48) with Preview” (Jan./Feb., p. 50) mis-
concerns around security and identified the protagonists of the
loss of paraprofessional jobs novel by Maia and Alex Shibutani
(“From Our Readers,” Jan./Feb., as ice dancers instead of fans. AMERICANLIBRARIES.ORG
americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 7
Tracie D. Hall Is ALA’s Executive Director
O
n January 15, the American Library Association Library, New Haven (Conn.)
(ALA) announced the appointment of Chicago civic Free Public Library, Queens
and cultural leader Tracie D. Hall as its new execu- (N.Y.) Public Library, and
tive director, effective February 24. Following a nationwide Hartford (Conn.) Public
search, Hall was selected to succeed Mary Ghikas, who has Library. She served as
worked for ALA since 1995 and held the office since Jan- the director of ALA’s
uary 2018. Hall, ALA’s 10th executive director, is the first Office for Diversity from
female African-American executive director in the 143-year- 2003 to 2006.
old association’s history. Most recently, Hall
“We are thrilled to be welcoming Tracie back to the ALA directed the culture port-
family,” said ALA President Wanda Kay Brown. “Her unique folio at the Chicago-based
combination of philanthropy and library know-how position Joyce Foundation, devel-
her to be the leader ALA needs today. She is optimistic, Tracie D. Hall oping new grant programs
energizing, and innovative, qualities that will serve the designed to catalyze and scale neighborhood-based arts
Association well as it continues its investments in advocacy, venues, cultural programming, and creative entrepreneur-
development, and information technology.” ship. She was appointed to the City of Chicago’s Cultural
In 1998 Hall was among the first cohort of ALA’s Spectrum Advisory Council this year. Hall has also served in multiple
Scholars, a grant program intended to diversify librarianship, roles in academia, including as assistant dean of Dominican
and she earned her MLIS from the Information School at University’s Graduate School of Library and Information
University of Washington. She has worked at Seattle Public •
Science in River Forest, Illinois.
Carnegie Medalists Announced crisis on the Southwest US border. Bishop, professor emerita at Ohio
On January 26, at the Reference and Higginbotham’s account of the 1986 State University, has served on numer-
User Services Association’s (RUSA) Book explosion at Chernobyl focuses on the ous book awards committees for ALA
and Media Awards during the Midwin- people involved. and other organizations, and has been
ter Meeting & Exhibits in Philadelphia, Carnegie Medal winners each receive recognized with prestigious awards for
ALA announced the $5,000. All the finalists will be honored her work. Her research, writing, and
selections for the 2020 during ALA’s 2020 Annual Conference teaching have informed and expanded
Andrew Carnegie in Chicago. The awards, established conversations about representation of
Medals for Excellence in in 2012, are made possible by a grant African Americans in children’s literature
Fiction and Nonfiction: from the Carnegie Corporation of New and provided a critical framework for
Lost Children Archive by York, and are cosponsored by Book- research and pedagogy.
Valeria Luiselli won for list and RUSA. The lecturer, announced annually at
fiction, and Midnight Midwinter, may be an author, illustra-
in Chernobyl by Adam ALSC Names Children’s tor, editor, critic, librarian, historian, or
Higginbotham for Literature Lecturer teacher of children’s literature, of any
nonfiction. Literary scholar Rudine Sims Bishop will country, who will prepare a paper con-
Luiselli’s novel tracks deliver the 2021 ALSC Children’s Litera- sidered to be a significant contribution
a husband-and-wife ture Lecture, formerly known as the May to the field of children’s literature. The
team of audio documen- Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, the Asso- paper is delivered as a lecture each April
tarians as they explore ciation for Library Service to Children or May, and is subsequently published
both the painful history of the Apache (ALSC) announced at the Midwinter in Children and Libraries, the journal of
people and the present immigration Meeting in Philadelphia on January 27. ALSC. Applications to host the lecture
8 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.orgMAR. 16
Freedom of Information Day
Sale of ALA Headquarters ala.org/advocacy/foi-day
Buildings Announced
APR.
School Library Month
ala.org/aasl/slm
A
LA President Wanda Kay Brown and then–Executive Director Mary Ghikas
APR. 4–11
announced on December 6 that ALA has sold its headquarters buildings
Money Smart Week
at 40 and 50 E. Huron Street in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
moneysmartweek.org
Dedicated in 1963, the building at 50 E. Huron Street served ALA for nearly
two decades before the Association built an extension in the parking lot it APR. 19–25
owned next door. Together, the connected buildings have housed ALA staff National Library Week
since 1981. ala.org/nlw
“We are thrilled that, after many years of study, research, and discussion, the APR. 21
transfer of a valuable real estate to ALA’s endowment fund is at last complete,” National Library Workers Day
Brown said in the December 6 statement. “Of course, it is bittersweet to be ala-apa.org/nlwd
leaving our home of so many decades. But ALA is focused on the future and is APR. 22
optimistic about all that it holds.” National Bookmobile Day
ALA will move its Chicago-based office functions to a suite at Michigan ala.org/aboutala/bookmobileday
Plaza at 225 N. Michigan Avenue on April 27. Architecture firm Nelson is APR. 26–MAY 2
handling the buildout, with a focus on modernized workspaces and enhanced Preservation Week
meeting space. ala.org/preservationweek
“It’s a historic moment for ALA, and we look forward to celebrating with our
APR. 30
members, partners, and friends when we welcome more than 20,000 library
El día de los niños/
workers to Chicago for ALA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in June,”
El día de los libros
Brown said. • dia.ala.org
MAY 1–7
Choose Privacy Week
chooseprivacyeveryday.org
will be available online at ala.org/alsc Meeting, and are asked to publish find-
MAY 4–5
this spring. ings within one year of completion.
National Library Legislative
Proposals are due by midnight
Day | Washington, D.C.
Proposals Sought for Pacific time on April 15. Visit bit.ly/
ala.org/advocacy/nlld
Diversity Grants DivResearch2020 for examples of past
JUNE
ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy, and projects and a complete list of criteria
Outreach Services (ODLOS) seeks pro- and proposal instructions. GLBT Book Month
ala.org/glbtbookmonth
posals for its annual Diversity Research
Grant program, a one-time award Leadership Institute JUNE 25–30
of $2,500 to fund original, one-year Applications Open ALA Annual Conference
research projects on diversity-related Applications for the 2020 ALA Leader- and Exhibition | Chicago
topics addressing critical gaps in the ship Institute, a four-day immersive pro- alaannual.org
knowledge of diversity, equity, and out- gram for midcareer librarians, are now AUG. 15–21
reach issues within library and informa- open. The eighth annual institute will be IFLA World Library and
tion science. held August 2–6 at the Hilton Chicago/ Information Congress | Dublin
A jury of ALA members will evaluate Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference 2020.ifla.org
proposals and select up to three recipi- Center, with former ALA president Mau- OCT. 1–3
ents. Those recipients, to be announced reen Sullivan (2012–2013) and library ALSC National Institute
before Annual, are invited to present and leadership consultant Kathryn Deiss Minneapolis
interim findings at the 2021 Midwinter facilitating. Selected participants will ala.org/alsc/institute
americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 9UPDATE
gather to develop and implement leader-
ship skills in areas critical to advancing
libraries, exploring the theme “Leading Final FY2020 Library Budget
Includes Increases for LSTA
to the Future.”
Apply at bit.ly/ALALeadership2020
I
by March 9. Applicants may nominate
themselves or be nominated by their n late December, Congress passed the largest increase for the Institute of
employer. Participation includes a Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Library Services and Technology Act
free one-year membership with the (LSTA) funding in 12 years. The final House- and Senate-approved spending
Library Leadership and Management bills included $252 million for IMLS, a $10 million increase.
Association. Of the overall increase, $6.2 million was dedicated to the LSTA program, which
includes $166.8 million for LSTA Grants to States, $5.3 million for LSTA Native
ACRL Calls for Submissions American Library Services, $10 million for LSTA Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian
The Association of College and Research Grants, and $13.4 million for LSTA National Leadership for Libraries.
Libraries (ACRL) seeks proposal submis- In addition to IMLS increases, overall funding for the Department of Education
sions for its 2021 conference, “Ascend- was increased by $1.3 billion, affecting library-eligible programs such as Inno-
ing into an Open Future,” to be held vative Approaches to Literacy (initially proposed for elimination) and Striving
April 14–17, 2021, in Seattle. Presenters Readers Comprehensive Literacy Grants. Other programs receiving increases
from all types of libraries and back- include the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, Carl D. Perkins
grounds are encouraged to apply. Career and Technical Education Act, National Endowment for the Arts, and
ACRL 2021 will feature more than National Endowment for the Humanities.
500 conference programs selected and “ALA advocates’ tireless work to make the case for library funding has resulted
presented by leaders in the profession, in the highest increase for IMLS in the last decade,” said ALA President Wanda
formal and informal networking oppor- Kay Brown in a December 20 statement. “I am so proud of everyone who called,
tunities, and exhibits from more than emailed, tweeted, and met with their members of Congress in D.C. and at home—
200 companies. The conference offers a •
this is your win!”
variety of options for participation and
features nine session formats. Contrib-
uted paper, panel session, preconference,
and workshop proposals are due May 8. computers and mobile hotspots to workers; in-person training at the 2020
Lightning talk, digital poster session, expand access to the online response Annual Conference with follow-up
roundtable discussion, TechConnect, and option; educating children and their coaching; and a step-by-step facili-
virtual conference webcast proposals are parents and guardians on the historical tation guide.
due October 9. Submit proposals online undercount of young children in the This initiative is a collaboration among
at bit.ly/ACRLcall20. census; and equipping bookmobiles in PPO, the National Coalition for Dialogue
geographically isolated communities and Deliberation, the Association for
Funding Awarded for to facilitate educational events on the Small and Rural Libraries, and the Chief
Census Activities census and offer access to the online Officers of State Library Agencies, with
ALA awarded Library Census Equity Fund response option. support from an Institute of Museum and
mini-grants of $2,000 to 59 libraries in Library Services grant.
34 states to bolster their service to hard- Libraries Transforming
to-count communities and help achieve a Communities Initiative Edgar Allan Poe House Is
complete count in the 2020 Census. More ALA’s Public Programs Office (PPO) Latest Literary Landmark
than 500 libraries of all types submitted announced a new learning series and United for Libraries designated the Edgar
applications, which were reviewed by suite of facilitation resources to be Allan Poe House and Museum in Balti-
a selection committee established by released throughout the year, designed more a Literary Landmark in honor of the
ALA’s 2020 Census Library Outreach and to help small and rural libraries ramp up poet’s 211th birthday on January 19. The
Education Task Force. community engagement efforts. Poe House is the first Literary Landmark
In response to the large number “Libraries Transforming Communi- in the state of Maryland.
of applicants, ALA provided funding ties: Facilitation Skills for Small and The Edgar Allan Poe House was
for 34 additional grants. Proposals Rural Libraries” includes a free five- established as a museum in 1949 and
included purchasing additional portable part online course open to all library designated a National Historic Landmark
10 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.orgUPDATE
The adoption begins a two-year
transition period during which programs
2020 Census to Shape may choose to use the 2010 standards
Library Funding
or the 2019 standards in developing key
assessments.
A
n analysis released November 18, 2019, shows that more than $1 billion Nominations Open for Best
in federal funding for libraries will be allocated to states based on the Graphic Novels for Adults
2020 Census. Authored by Andrew Reamer of the George Washington ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Round
Institute of Public Policy at George Washington University, the study (available Table (GNCRT) has opened nominations
at bit.ly/CensusLibFunding) pinpoints the financial impact the census will have for the new Best Graphic Novels for
on libraries. Adults Reading List. The inaugural year
“This study demonstrates why a complete count in the 2020 Census is so of the list will highlight the best graphic
important to libraries,” said ALA President Wanda Kay Brown in a November 19 novels for adults published in late 2019
statement. “A fair, inclusive, and complete count in the 2020 Census means that and all of 2020, with the goal of increas-
libraries in each state will receive their fair share of federal funding.” ing awareness of the medium and aiding
The population count in the decennial census determines the level of funding library staff in collection development.
allotted to each state through LSTA. The legislation’s Grants to States program The first list will be announced at the
provides federal funding to state library agencies to support libraries in their Midwinter Meeting in January 2021.
state. The program is one of more than 300 federal programs that allocate fund- All fiction and nonfiction titles pub-
ing to local communities based on data derived from the census. lished or slated for publication Septem-
For more information on ALA efforts to support a fair, inclusive, and com- ber 1, 2019–December 31, 2020, that
plete count in the 2020 Census, visit ala.org/census. The site includes links to appeal to adults age 19 or older are eli-
resources, webinars, and tip sheets on specific topics related to libraries’ role in gible. Nominations can be made by com-
the census. To connect on Twitter, follow @ALALibrary, #CountOnLibraries, and mittee members, members of the wider
#2020Census. • library and education community, and
members of the public. Publishers and
creators may not submit their own titles.
Visit bit.ly/GNCRTnoms to access
in 1971. It is the last remaining home positions under the new bylaws include the nomination form, open until
in Baltimore where the author lived president, president-elect, immediate September 15.
(1833–1835), and where he wrote some past president, secretary/treasurer,
early stories. division councilor, affiliate assembly rep- Game On! Grants Announced
The designation was the result of resentative, and three directors-at-large. A new grant program announced by
a collaboration with Poe Baltimore, The AASL executive director will serve as GNCRT will help libraries bolster their
Citizens for Maryland Librarians, the a 10th, ex officio, member. gaming programs and collections.
Maryland Library Association, and Mary- View the new bylaws on the AASL The Game On! Grants will be awarded
land Humanities. website at ala.org/aasl/bylaws. as one grant of $500 or two grants of
$250 each. ALA members in good stand-
AASL Adopts New Bylaws New Standards Approved ing in the United States or Canada are
Through a special election, the mem- for School Librarians eligible to apply. Libraries will need to
bership of the American Association At its August 2019 meeting, the Special- illustrate a plan for a sustainable gaming
of School Librarians (AASL) voted in ized Professional Associations Stan- program created with the funds as well
December to adopt new bylaws for dards committee of the Council for the as financial need and institutional sup-
the division, with the goal of stream- Accreditation of Educator Preparation port for the proposed program.
lining governance and deepening (CAEP) approved the ALA/AASL School The application period is currently
member engagement. Librarian Preparation Standards (bit.ly/ open and will end March 1. The
The adoption allows AASL to move CAEPstandards19). winner will be announced at GNCRT’s
forward with structural changes to its Prepared by AASL’s CAEP coordinat- “ALA Play” event at this year’s Annual
leadership. The new bylaws reduce the ing committee, the new standards fully Conference in Chicago. For infor-
size of the AASL board of directors from align with AASL’s National School Library mation and application, visit bit.ly/
19 elected members to nine. Elected Standards (standards.aasl.org). GameOnGrants.
americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 11from the
CANDIDATES
Patricia “Patty” Wong
City librarian, Santa Monica (Calif.) Public
Library | votepattywong.com
CANDIDATE FOR ALA PRESIDENT
C
olleagues: I am proud to be the know-how and commitment to make ALA strong. Above all, I am
a librarian, where I make a ensure we accomplish our goals—and proud of my work in activating col-
difference to my commu- manage change—for the benefit of lective impact and collaboration up,
nity every day. I accepted libraries, librarians, library workers, down, and across ALA.
the nomination for president of the and library users. We must not let I believe everyone makes a differ-
American Library Association (ALA) change simply happen to us. ence and everyone counts. I believe
because I can make a difference at this I know how ALA works. With more in the value of volunteerism, in
critical time, and because ALA impacts than three decades in leadership, I developing young member leaders,
communities throughout this country. have developed relationships through- and contributing to the profession
America’s libraries are the corner- out the organization and among staff. through activism and engagement.
stones of social democracy. We face I have chaired or served on key ALA I actuate this philosophy in my daily
many challenges as a nation: committees: the Budget Analysis and work, through my roles as Santa
■ changing demographics and how Review Committee, Conference Com- Monica (Calif.) Public Library direc-
to provide equitable access and mittee, Council, and Executive Board. tor, adjunct faculty at San José State
service to all I understand ALA finances and gover- University iSchool, and my work
■ differing views about public nance. I am a champion for state chap- with the California Library Asso-
support for public services ters; equity, diversity, and inclusion; ciation and all ethnic professional
■ privatization and school and youth services. I foster librarian associations.
■ challenges to the freedom to read, advocacy for all, especially our rural As president, my commitment will
write, and speak communities and the underserved. be to steer ALA successfully through
■ barriers to access I value the network of divisions, round this time of change; help grow our
■ shifting landscapes for publishing tables, committees, and offices that membership and resources; amplify
and digital access our voice in defense of the freedom to
We also face challenges and Together, ALA read; fight for increased funding for
opportunities internally. ALA will libraries and policies that strengthen
experience more change over the members are access; and become a more sustain-
next five years than it has in the able and resilient organization.
past 50: a new headquarters, a new more than 57,000 We face many exciting challenges
executive director, a new model for
conferences, the need for new or
voices strong. ahead. Together, let us renew our
commitments and leverage our influ-
enhanced revenue streams, and per- We must not let ence and power for the public good. I
haps a new governance structure. thank you for your consideration and
Together, ALA members are more change simply I ask for your support and your vote.
than 57,000 voices strong. The Together you and I can—and
Association needs a president with happen to us. will—make a difference.
ALA ELECTION VOTE: March 9–April 1. More information at bit.ly/ALAelection20
12 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.orgfrom the
CANDIDATES
Steven Yates
Assistant director, University of Alabama School of
Library and Information Studies | voteyatesala.com
CANDIDATE FOR ALA PRESIDENT
M
embers of the library state representatives, and local and T: Training. Enhancing support to
community—it is our time D.C. congressional offices. Let’s log develop our future leaders through
to ACTT! Let’s harness the each interaction with our elected offi- the Spectrum Scholarship and
power of positive passion to cials to capture the resounding, daily Emerging Leaders programs is also
meet our profession’s current needs impact of these relationships and see extremely important. Let’s strengthen
while making sure that libraries and where to best focus future efforts. these platforms and provide addi-
library workers sustain a daily com- C: Cultural competency. While tional development opportunities
mitment to our shared core values. our Association has a longstanding that are not contingent on a mem-
This year has already been historic commitment to social justice, we ber’s, or their employer’s, ability to
for ALA. We have a new executive continue to struggle with equity, fund travel to conferences.
director and soon a new home in Chi- diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within T: Transparency. The ALA Execu-
cago. These changes, along with the our membership, at our conferences, tive Board works through hundreds,
organizational review process, call for and in our communities. Cultural sometimes thousands, of pages of doc-
all of us to lend a hand. As a dedicated competence must be integrated into uments at each meeting. While these
volunteer with leadership experience, how we onboard and develop vol- are posted online, we can all benefit
I would like to work alongside you as unteers across all ALA units. Library from leadership–membership inter-
your 2021–2022 ALA president. workers should rely on ALA for actions outside of conferences and
My vision for the Association is leadership, guidance, and learning documents. As your ALA president, I
that we remain a world leader in in this area. Meaningful evidence of will host quarterly Zoom sessions to
libraries while transforming the building competence in EDI must also answer member questions and pro-
way we conduct business internally be more explicitly integrated into vide updates on Association business.
to match the level of innovation we ALA’s accreditation standards. To see what these updates may
provide every day in our commu- look like, please join me for a meet-
nities. Library workers of all types Let’s harness the and-greet March 10 at 4 p.m. Eastern
should have meaningful paths to ALA time at bit.ly/ZoomYates. To join by
involvement. While we continue to power of positive phone, visit voteyatesala.com for info.
do the work needed, I look forward to ALA has defined the profession
our chance to ACTT: passion to meet that unites us for nearly 144 years.
A: Advocacy. Our presence in
Washington, D.C., must remain robust.
our profession’s Let’s make sure we remain committed
to the brightest future of our Associ-
Developing and maintaining biparti- needs and ensure ation for the next 144 years by work-
san coalitions on issues affecting our ing together to harness the power
profession is critical. Library workers we stay committed of positive passion. I humbly ask for
interact with city and county elected your vote to serve as ALA president.
officials, board of education members, to our core values. #VoteYatesALA
ALA ELECTION VOTE: March 9–April 1. More information at bit.ly/ALAelection20
americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 13Fourth graders at Greensview Ele-
mentary in Upper Arlington, Ohio,
battle their custom Sphero robots.
by TV shows like BattleBots,
these programs aim to cultivate a
hands-on understanding of science,
technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) skills—one robot show-
down at a time.
Choose your bots
Merkle received a grant in 2017
through the school district’s Upper
Arlington Education Foundation
to purchase 12 Sphero SPRK+
robots—small, spherical robots that
resemble the Star Wars droid BB-8.
Using Spheros as a base, students
built armored robot bodies using
classroom supplies like cardboard,
paper plates, pipe cleaners, and
popsicle sticks to hold their bal-
loons and pop their opponents’.
Robots: Activate
When librarians at Anythink
Libraries in Colorado hosted a
robot battle royale series at their
How robotics programs can pack a punch for STEM skills Brighton (ABL) and Perl Mack
(APML) branches last year, they
used programmable DC motor kits
A
BY Diana ll’s quiet on the gymnasium see the students rally and root for available on Amazon.
Panuncial floor as students sit around one another.” “We’ve had some punching
a five-foot-long octagon Merkle and Kristen Pavlasek, robots, one that could sweep the
made of PVC pipes. A robot, fes- who now teaches 3rd grade at legs off another robot,” says Jonah
tooned with a bright pink balloon Greensview Elementary, teamed up Vallez, teen services librarian at
bearing a menacing monster face in 2018 to create a year-end battle
and the word roar, stands off bot competition for all 4th grad-
against another balloon-bedecked ers at the school. The weeklong “It was fun to
robot across the battleground. With program included design, trouble-
see the students
Photo: Upper Arlington (Ohio) City Schools
firm grips on iPad controllers, the shooting, and testing processes.
students rev the robots toward each “We wanted to implement design rally and root for
other until one balloon pops. The thinking with this project just
crowd cheers. to emphasize critical skills that one another.”
“As soon as you popped a bal- students will need for the future,”
JILL MERKLE, library media specialist
loon, it got everyone’s attention,” Merkle says. at Greensview Elementary in Upper
Jill Merkle, library media specialist Greensview Elementary library is Arlington, Ohio
at Greensview Elementary in Upper just one of many across the country
Arlington, Ohio, says. “It was fun to hosting similar clashes. Inspired
14 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.orgABL. “We pushed the kids to think
of what they could do with the
and some as complex as ABL and
APML’s Fortnite-inspired battle Libraries and
motor kits.”
Brittany Jacobs, youth services
royale, which featured a shrink-
ing battlefield like the popular Sustainability
librarian at APML, says beyond the online game.
kits, most of the materials used
for the programs were already
The battlefield was a distinctly
low-tech invention: Jacobs made
50
Number of years Earth Day—widely recognized
in-house. Kids also brought in sup- three concentric rectangles with
as launching the modern e nvironmental
plies from home they would have different colors of duct tape. The
movement—has been observed. ALA’s
otherwise recycled. “It not only robots were bound by the outer-
Sustainability Round Table will promote
encourages creativity and innova- most rectangle and, as players
50 actions libraries can take to celebrate the
tion, but it also asks, ‘What does it knocked each other out, Jacobs
Earth Day 2020 milestone.
mean to upcycle?’” she says. removed the duct tape to shrink
the boundaries.
Team up
At ABL, Vallez partnered with local
Still, “it feels like Wrestle-
mania,” Vallez says.
11.2 million tons
Amount of textiles sent to landfills
artist John Kelly, and the two met Sometimes, an in 2017, according to the US Envi-
monthly to plan improvements and overall win isn’t the ronmental Protection Agency.
twists on the program. Kelly even only goal. Vallez
has his own robot, Catbot, which he says librarians build
tinkers with to help work with kids. side by side with kids to 1,200
“The end result is usually a learn- challenge them. “There’s Number of items exchanged at
ing experience and an improved this kid whose one goal Burlington (Iowa) Public Library’s
design,” Vallez says. in life was to beat me,” he 2018 clothing swap.
Photo: McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin (solar panels); ©sveta/Adobe Stock (clothing)
MaryAnn Burden, youth jokes. “Just to see him turn
92.5%
librarian at Chester (N.J.) Library, it around on his own and figure
sought help from a local teacher, [it] out with the goal of, ‘I will
Dan Weissman, who runs STEM beat Jonah and come out on top,’ Percentage of cleaning products used at the
programs through his business, was exciting.” Clinton Presidential Library that are environmen-
Super Science Programs for Kids. And although the competition tally friendly. The Little Rock, Arkansas, library
While Burden had experience is fierce, each contestant gets to has platinum-level LEED certification. When it
running robotics programs, she says exercise STEM skills that they may opened in 2004, it became both the first LEED-
she wasn’t an expert, and Weissman not have exposure to at school. A certified US presidential library and the first
was able to offer a helping hand as 16-year-old girl who attends the LEED-certified building in the state.
well as access to leftover parts like program at APML regularly “went
motors and controllers from his
own programs.
from not knowing any of the lan-
guage to being my right-hand lady,” 470
Says Burden: “Finding somebody Jacobs says. “She’s been able to Number of solar panels on the roof of McMillan
in your area who has that equip- showcase her skills and hone them Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
ment and is good at doing these while teaching other kids, which is The panels produce enough electricity annually
types of programs is half the battle.” a cool full circle.” to power 25 homes. •
Vallez says the first step to start-
Enter the ring ing a battle bots program is to try it
So, what’s the rest of the battle? yourself. “If you’re curious, build a
Competing with the other bots in robot,” he says. “It shows you how
the main event, of course. Robots simple it can be.”
can duke it out in many ways: some
as simple as popping balloons or DIANA PANUNCIAL is a writer in Zion,
knocking other bots off tables, Illinois.
americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 15You can also read
