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July/August 2021
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Recruiting
Intellectual
Advocates
Freedom Manual
Updates p. 22 Under 40 p. 14
International
Innovators p. 18
PLUS: Savala Nolan,
Cataloging Developments,
Tibetan Storytimes
Practical and concise, ALA TechSource publications help you stay on top of • Current and emerging technologies • Time-saving strategies • Key job-specific skills • The latest tools, systems, and resources SUBS CRI BE TODAY AT alatechsource.org
July/August 2021
American Libraries | Volume 52 #7/8 | ISSN 0002-9769
COVER STORY
14 Recruit, Retain,
and Engage
UFL webinar
highlights strategies
for cultivating
younger library
advocates
FEATURES UP FRONT TRENDS
2 From the Editor NEWSMAKER
18 2021 International Innovators Making a Connection 12 Savala Nolan
ALA Presidential Citations honor BY Sanhita SinhaRoy Debut author pens personal
forward-thinking global libraries and political essays on race,
6 From Our Readers
BY Phil Morehart gender, and the body
BY Terra Dankowski
ALA
22 Intellectual Freedom: 4 From the President 13 Noted & Quoted
A Manual for Library Workers Libraries Connect Us
Editors and contributors BY Patricia “Patty” PEOPLE
M. Wong 32 Announcements
discuss the latest edition
BY Amy Carlton 5 From the
Executive Director THE BOOKEND
26 A Deeper Look: A Little Light to See By 34 Beyond Words
Tracie D. Hall
Censorship beyond Books
BY
Confronting challenges to 8 Update ON THE COVER: Photo by
What’s happening ©Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock
other library resources at ALA
BY Kristin Pekoll
30 Catalog Locally, Share Globally
RDA’s cataloging evolution
continues with the 3R Project
BY James Hennelly
22
American Library Association Booklist Cover 3 | Graphics 29 | JobLIST Cover 4 | Public Library Association 3 | TechSource Cover 2
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Making a Connection Address:
225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
Website:americanlibraries.org
O
Email: americanlibraries@ala.org
Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension
f all generations, millennials have the highest Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org
rates of public library use, according to a
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
2017 Pew Research Center report. Why, then, Espresso
What’s your Sanhita SinhaRoy
Oreo
are so few of them represented in library ice cream ssinharoy@ala.org | x4219
order? MANAGING EDITOR Rainbow
Friends groups, boards, and foundations? For some Terra Dankowski cookie on a
answers—and possible remedies—turn to “Recruit, tdankowski@ala.org | x5282 waffle cone
Retain, and Engage” (cover story, p. 14). In this excerpt SENIOR EDITORS
Chicago Diner Amy Carlton
from a United for Libraries webinar, the four coauthors vegan chocolate acarlton@ala.org | x5105
of All Ages Welcome (ALA Editions, 2020) discuss ways milkshake Phil Morehart Lemon sorbet
pmorehart@ala.org | x4218
to include younger people in library advocacy groups.
Sanhita SinhaRoy ASSOCIATE EDITOR
As Patricia “Patty” M. Wong begins her term as ALA
Sallyann Price Twist cone
president, her inaugural column (“Libraries Connect sprice@ala.org | x4213 with nuts
Us,” p. 4) highlights four initiatives that will “focus on EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE
equity at the intersection of service.” And to remain Carrie Smith
Goat cheese casmith@ala.org | x4216
effective advocates, ALA Executive Director Tracie cashew caramel
ART DIRECTOR
D. Hall reminds us to practice self-care and “nurture the Cookies Rebecca Lomax Turtle Blizzard
rlomax@ala.org | x4217
fire that lights the way” (“A Little Light to See By,” p. 5). and cream
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Peanut butter
First published 47 years ago, the Intellectual cup sundae
Anne Ford
Freedom Manual was rereleased earlier this year. On Sea salt and a doggy
Lucas McGranahan
caramel truffle ice cream
page 22, Senior Editor Amy Carlton interviews the ADVERTISING
10th e dition’s coeditors and contributors about the Michael Stack mstack@ala.org | 847-367-7120
Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement.
latest challenges in the field, including the pandemic’s ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising.
effects on access, surveillance, and privacy. PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT
If you missed any of the speakers or programs at the Black walnut Mary Mackay Mint
caramel Associate Executive Director chocolate
virtual 2021 Annual Conference and Exhibition, we’ve Mary Jo Bolduc chip
got you covered. Read our team’s coverage on The Scoop Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416
From blog, in the Daily Scoop e-newsletter archive, on social Cookie dough MEMBERSHIP
Melissa Kay Walling, Director
recruiting media, or in our conference wrap-up (bit.ly/AL-AC21).
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Among the many amazing featured speakers was
new library author Savala Nolan, our Newsmaker this issue (p. 12).
Sian Brannon (Chair), Jason K. Alston, Shanna Hollich,
Jasmina Jusic, Shelley O’Rourke, Emily Wagner
Committee associates: Lori Bryan and Peter J. Egler
advocates Nolan talks with Managing Editor Terra Dankowski
Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2
about being part of the “in-between” and how libraries
to reaching can help each of us find our story.
INDEXED
Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, H. W. Wilson,
new users Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library Children’s Librarian LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR.
Tenzin Kalsang knows a thing or two about helping SUBSCRIBE
worldwide, people find stories (Bookend, p. 34). A native Tibetan
Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, and
Mexico; international: $84. Subscription price for individuals included
in ALA membership dues. Call 800-545-2433, email membership@
speaker, Kalsang and her online bilingual storytimes
connection ala.org, or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: ALA Member and
became an overnight sensation early in the pandemic, Customer Service. Allow six weeks. Single issues $7.50, with
makes attracting tens of thousands of viewers from around 30% discount for five or more; contact Carrie Smith, 800-545-2433
x4216 or casmith@ala.org
the world—including monks in Nepal. While surprised,
libraries PUBLISHED
she takes it all in stride, reminding us that every library American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times
possible. has the potential to cross cultures and borders. yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library
Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at
Chicago, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER:
Personal members: Send address changes to American Libraries,
c/o Membership Records, ALA, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300,
Chicago, IL 60601. ©2021 American Library Association. All rights
reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or
republished without written permission from the publisher.
2 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org
from the
PRESIDENT
Libraries Connect Us
Equity at the intersection of service
C
onnection—across our diverse back- how the ALA-APA partnership has empowered
grounds, experiences, and futures— individual librarians to do amazing work in their
is a theme of my presidential year, communities.
and it is a necessary conversation. My third major initiative is to champion
Demographers predict that by 2050, literacy, which is a core value of the Association
African Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders, and, together with equity, must be the corner-
Latinx, and Indigenous people will constitute the stone of all work done throughout ALA. I plan to
majority of Americans. So how does the Ameri- institute stronger literacy programs supported
can Library Association (ALA) fit into our rapidly by the Association, including equity-based
evolving democracy? How can we connect to traditional literacy programs as well as digital,
Patricia “Patty”
one another as librarians and use the tools of our health care, and financial literacy programs.
M. Wong
profession to foster connections with others? Literacy is critical for success at every stage of
Taking on the struggle against racism, preju- life; throughout the year I will share the value of
dice, stereotyping, and discrimination is central credentialed school librarians and the need for
to ALA’s mission of fostering cultural under- school libraries as a foundation for literacy and a
standing and defending equity, diversity, and love of reading.
inclusion. In that spirit, my presidential plans The fourth major area of focus is sustainabil-
focus on equity at the intersection of service. ity. To thrive and evolve into the future, ALA
During my term, I will advocate for four initia- must adopt the “triple bottom line” mindset of
tives, collectively called “Libraries Connect.” sustainability: We must embody practices that
The first focus area will be digital equity. The are environmentally sound, economically fea-
inequitable access to broadband in this country sible, and socially equitable. Planned outcomes
came into sharp focus during the pandemic, and include a basic briefing on sustainability for the
our members responded by passing a strong field, a course to help provide the foundational
resolution calling for broadband internet access knowledge necessary for library workers to think
to be considered a human right. more sustainably, and a partnership with the
Continuing in the path of my predecessor, Sustainable Libraries Initiative to open the door
As I take the
Julius C. Jefferson Jr., who worked throughout for public, academic, and school libraries across
president’s his year to highlight tribal, rural, prison, and his- the country to participate in their Sustainable
torically Black college and university libraries, we Library Certification Program.
gavel, I do
will visit libraries across the country to spotlight As I take the president’s gavel, I do so with the
so with the library workers as unsung heroes. Our goals are privilege of being the first person of Asian
privilege of to bring attention and recognition to libraries and American origin to hold this role. As a young
library workers—the challenges they face and person I did not see many positive images of
being the the need for credentialed, diverse staff to serve people who looked like me, who represented my
first person our communities—and to showcase their work. cultural community. I hope that in serving in
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the such a visible leadership position within the
of Asian American Library Association–Allied Profes- library world I can be the connection, inspira-
American sional Association (ALA-APA), I cannot think of tion, and example I once sought.
a more appropriate focus. Both my successor,
origin to hold
President-Elect Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo- PATRICIA “PATTY” M. WONG is city librarian at
this role. Lozada, and I share this commitment to highlight Santa Monica (Calif.) Public Library.
4 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org
from the
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
A Little Light to See By
Self-renewal and institutional impact go hand in hand
A
confession: I had intended to write it is that I take time to nurture the fire that lights
about the strategic planning work the way. When library leaders and stewards
that we have been engaged in across allow our light to dim, the path forward becomes
the Association for the past year. It’s harder to discern and serves no one.
work that centers on the financial In her book Pleasure Activism: The Politics of
stability and membership growth required to Feeling Good, brown writes, “I have seen, over
achieve ALA’s goals of universal broadband (and and over, the connection between tuning in to
the educational, employment, and public health what brings aliveness into our systems and being
access that depend on it); racial and ethnic diver- able to access personal, relational, and commu-
sity in library services, and equity and inclusion in nal power. Conversely, I have seen how denying
Tracie D. Hall
its workforce and leadership ranks; and the pres- our full, complex selves—denying our alive-
ervation of, and funding for, libraries of all kinds. ness and our needs as living, sensual beings—
I was almost through with a first draft when a increases the chance that we will be at odds with
nagging truth asserted itself, insisting I speak to ourselves, our loved ones, our coworkers, and
it: that the challenges, uncertainties, and indeed, our neighbors on this planet.”
opportunities we have faced during and emerg- As I slowly reconnect with friends and col-
ing from the pandemic have taken their toll on leagues I have not seen since before the pandemic,
us, in the form of worry, fatigue, and stress. And I am struck by the paths people have followed to
yes, though I firmly and sincerely believe that ignite their spirits and keep themselves grounded.
better days lie ahead for ALA, libraries, and the There’s the corporate manager, for instance, who,
LIS workforce, I recognize that the constant in the midst of shifting at top speed, decided
course correction, solution-finding, and unpack- to finally pursue the yoga certification—now
ing of what authors adrienne maree brown virtual—they had been bucket-listing for years.
and Henry Mintzberg, separately, have called Or the nonprofit leader who, after learning that a
emergent strategy—or the unplanned patterns grandfather who’d died before their birth had not
that develop in an organization over time—have only operated a small brewery but also created a
made workdays feel interminable and weekends beer for a world’s fair, unearthed the recipe, part-
nearly indistinguishable from the workweek. nered with a local beer distributor, and reissued
When library So, before I talk about the pivot strategy the beer with zero prior experience, all during the
that will guide the Association’s path to trans- course of the pandemic. “I had to do something to
leaders and
formation over the next few years, leading up pull myself out of a slump,” they shared.
stewards to its 150th anniversary, I have to speak to the So, though my next two columns will be about
allow our light prerequisite most essential to its success: focused the strategy we are building to ensure ALA is in
and energized members, leaders, and staff. the best possible position to help library workers
to dim, the Author Anne Lamott reminds us of the order and the libraries and institutions they power
path forward in which effective change-making must come: remain strong, this one must begin with the
“First find a path, and a little light to see by. Then reminder that our institutions are only as viable
becomes push up your sleeves and start helping.” as the people who guide them.
harder to As someone innately attracted to meaning- How are you lighting your way?
ful, people- and community-centered work and
discern and
galvanized by opportunities to help and to serve, TRACIE D. HALL is executive director of the American
serves no one. I sometimes have to be reminded how essential Library Association. She can be reached at thall@ala.org.
americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 5
from our
READERS
I really, really
A True Partnership
appreciate that Marshall Breeding’s annual
@nhannahjones survey of library systems is
credits her high always informative. However, I
school teacher, am writing to shed light on a mis-
leading point regarding FOLIO in
by name, with this year’s entry (May, p. 22).
fueling her In most cases it makes sense arrangement that does not pro- should be filled with exciting
imagination to group systems by company, vide strong collaboration. new courses.
but not with FOLIO. In Breeding’s In contrast, EBSCO’s rela- In addition, librarians should
about the date
report, FOLIO is grouped under tionship to FOLIO is a true make connections with various
#1619 by giving EBSCO, which, to me, implies partnership. EBSCO contributes community centers that comple-
her the right that EBSCO owns FOLIO, and this to the software in the same way ment the library’s overall mission.
book, at the right is not the case. The IP for FOLIO that development contributions These community centers can be
is owned by the Open Library may come from Texas A&M barbershops and hair salons or
time, that ignited Foundation, an independent University Libraries, where I organizations that can provide
her inquiry. nonprofit, and FOLIO’s software work, for example; the priorities clothes for job interviews. Having
@WORLDLIBRARIES, in is open source. EBSCO has made and direction of the software implemented such programs in
response to Call Number critical and generous contribu- are determined by the FOLIO my library, I have found that not
with American Libraries' tions to FOLIO’s development, to community of libraries. having appropriate attire can
bonus episode “A Con- be sure, but the company does David Carlson be a barrier.
versation with Nikole not manage or own the software. College Station, Texas Google, LinkedIn, and
Hannah-Jones (Apr. 28) The article also states that Microsoft have begun offering
“company representatives serve Leveling Up training courses online that can
on the board of the Open Library With the pandemic waning and provide patrons with the skills
Foundation,” of which I’m a the job market picking back up, needed to get back to work
member. Only one of the board’s we’re finding a large number of [see p. 11]. I found them to be
eight voting members is an individuals who have not worked phenomenal, and I added skills
EBSCO employee; there are two since COVID-19 or before and are to my toolkit that I have since
other EBSCO employees who now seeking help with upskilling taught many times.
perform administrative tasks for or reskilling. As librarians, we Daniel A. Sabol
the board, but they do not vote. should constantly seek ways to Dobbs Ferry, New York
Library operations are bring new skills into the library to
intimately linked with vendors: teach our patrons. State of ALA?
publishers, software develop- Library directors should be I have been a member of ALA
ers, and others. There are few holding weekly meetings and since 1979 and have enjoyed
meaningful partnerships between asking each staffer to bring one excellent American Libraries
libraries and vendors; more often, article about a skill that could be articles throughout my entire
it’s a vendor seeking input in teachable, and they should ask career. As a working librarian, I’ve
development of a beta release librarians what courses they’ve been stimulated by the various
or some new functionality, and taken recently and what courses ideas presented and have built
in return the library receives var- they’re offering patrons. The library services based on many
ious discounts. It’s a superficial weekly programming calendar of the programs and services
WRITE US: The editors welcome comments about recent content, online stories, and matters FOLLOW US:
of professional interest. Submissions should be limited to 300 words and are subject to editing @amlibraries
for clarity, style, and length. Send to americanlibraries@ala.org or American Libraries, From Our facebook.com/
Readers, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601. amlibraries
6 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org
on our
WEBSITE
showcased. I also read to keep up
with various trends and happen-
In Council, I hear robust
discussions that I don’t hear
What You’re Reading
1
ings in the profession. Now, as a in meetings of more focused
To Survive, We Must Transform ALA
retired librarian, I read American divisions and committees,
Executive Director Tracie D. Hall says
Libraries to understand new which inform my opinions on
change requires accountability in a “post-
developments in librarianship my professional duties and role
pandemic” America. bit.ly/AL-Transform
as well as information on retire- as a librarian. Without Council’s
2
ments, promotions, and deaths in dialogues—and with only stand-
The Reader’s Road Trip Celebrate 35 years
our field. ing committees and assemblies
of United for Libraries’ Literary Landmarks
For a few years I have heard in which to air ideas—I believe
with this curated, cross-country journey.
many rumors from many dif- that siloed thinking would
bit.ly/AL-RoadTrip
ferent sources regarding ALA’s be reinforced and broader
3
financial problems, including professional issues ignored. Chronicling the Black Experience
the need to sell the building, With all disputes being settled Librarians and archivists are collecting
the selling of the building for by a small, insular group, there and telling their own stories rather than
an alleged below-market price, would be no outlet for ideas participating in institutional archives.
the move to an inadequate from Council’s diverse member- bit.ly/AL-BlackExp
space, and staff issues, including ship. Council receives critical,
furloughs. I cannot understand ongoing input from general
why American Libraries does
not inform membership of the
members and leaders, when
given a chance. I think Council’s
In Case You Missed It
current state of ALA. As a service policy and operation manuals 2021 Annual Conference and
to ALA members, please explore should be reviewed periodically Exhibition Virtual Read our team
these issues. so that the policies, goals, and coverage of this year’s speakers and
Miriam Pollack values of ALA may be affirmed, programs. bit.ly/AL-alaac21
Northbrook, Illinois rejuvenated, or retired.
ALA entices members by Getting Outdoors Episode 63 of
In Defense of Council advocating for our priorities, our Call Number podcast features
The work of the Steering providing a beacon for our conversations on the joys of being
Committee on Organizational profession and a voice for outside, from beach reads to Brood X
Effectiveness (SCOE) has been our shared values. High-level cicadas. bit.ly/AL-CallNumber63
necessary to address the suc- discussions and decision making
cessful future of ALA. The com- to assist members and society COVID-19 Relief Grants The ALA
mittee’s work has been insightful should be the work of Council. COVID Library Relief Fund distributed
and informative, and in many But we need some changes to $1.25 million in emergency grants to
areas, I agree with its findings. Council so we can make chang- 34 libraries in June. bit.ly/AL-COVIDRelief
We need to be an effective, es to modernize the Association.
nimble, inclusive, fiscally sound, Jennifer Boettcher
member-driven association. Laurel, Maryland Coming Soon
The one point where I disagree
See the best new and renovated libraries in our
is the proposed role of the Board CORRECTIONS
annual Library Design Showcase.
of Directors; SCOE recommends “Pelayo-Lozada Wins 2022–
it replace the Executive Board as 2023 ALA Presidency” (June, On the 20th anniversary of September 11, look
the sole decision maker of this p. 8) incorrectly states that Lessa back at how libraries and library workers were
volunteer-driven organization. Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada is affected by this tragic event.
But SCOE is forgetting that ALA a member of the Association of
founding documents created Library Services to Children. She
Council (of which I am a member- is a member of the Association
at-large) for a reason. for Library Service to Children. AMERICANLIBRARIES.ORG
americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 7
ALA Welcomes FY2022 Budget Proposal,
Pushes for Build America’s Libraries Act
I
n a May 28 statement, the American Library Association bicameral Build America’s Libraries Act would provide
(ALA) praised the White House’s fiscal year 2022 budget $5 billion in federal funds to support long-term improvements
proposal submitted before Congress, which includes to library facilities, including improvements that address
$265 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services needs that have arisen from COVID-19 and will enable libraries
(IMLS). ALA is hopeful that Congress will continue its eight- to better serve rural, low-income, and underserved areas,
year trend of increasing funding for IMLS and the Innovative people with disabilities, and other vulnerable library users.
Approaches to Literacy program. “Public libraries have long been roads to opportunity and
“The return on investment in libraries has never been more education, and they are as vital to our nation’s infrastructure
clear,” said then–ALA President Julius C. Jefferson Jr. in the as highways and bridges,” Jefferson said in a May 20 state-
statement. “Word has spread that libraries offer valuable ment. “Libraries are also on the front lines of digital inclusion,
services, information, and technology, both on and off their but many of them are doing so with 20th-century facilities.
premises. Over the past year, millions of Americans have used We must ensure that our libraries are safe, healthy, and acces-
libraries to register for vaccines, secure stimulus checks, com- sible to everyone, not only today, but for decades to come.
plete homework assignments, telework, and experience their Federal support outlined in the Build America’s Libraries Act
first telehealth appointments.” would be a strong start.”
America’s approximately 17,000 public libraries, which As the annual appropriations process moves forward, ALA
receive 1.3 billion visits each year, need $32 billion for con- and library advocates nationwide will continue engaging with
struction and renovation, according to a data brief released decision makers to sustain critical investments. Learn how to
May 20 by ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office. The participate at bit.ly/ALA-advocacy.
C&RL News Moves Online Published 11 times a year and hosted awarded a set of books and a program-
College & Research Libraries News (C&RL through Open Journal Systems by ALA ming stipend to implement the program
News), the official publication of the Production Services, C&RL News features in their communities.
Association of College and Research online open access to a near-complete ALA first launched the LTAI model on
Libraries (ACRL), will adopt an online- run of the magazine’s contents from a national level in 1982 with NEH fund-
only publication model beginning in 1967 to the present. To view contents ing. To date, ALA has developed LTAI
January 2022. The December 2021 and sign up for alerts, visit the C&RL programs on 42 themes, and programs
issue will be the final print issue of News website at bit.ly/C-RL-News. have been implemented in thousands
the magazine. of libraries across the country, reaching
The ACRL board of directors and the NEH Grant to Support Women’s more than 4 million people.
editor in chief of C&RL News sought input Suffrage Programming The women’s suffrage program will
from the ACRL Budget and Finance Com- ALA’s Public Programs Office (PPO) provide opportunities for communities
mittee, C&RL News editorial board, ACRL announced in June a $249,999 grant to deepen their knowledge of American
Publications Coordinating Committee, from the National Endowment for the history and culture by examining events
ACRL Membership Committee, and ACRL Humanities (NEH) to implement Let’s and individuals who shaped the women’s
Section Membership Committee on Talk about It (LTAI): Women’s Suffrage, suffrage movement. Facilitated discus-
potential publication models. These rep- a humanities discussion project. The sion will focus on a series of books and
resentative member groups agreed that project corresponds to A More Perfect questions curated by project scholars.
the transition to an online-only model is Union, an NEH initiative to demonstrate Additional information and appli-
in the best interest of the publication and the critical role the humanities play in cation guidelines will be released in
Association moving forward. American life. Up to 25 libraries will be September at bit.ly/AL-LTAI.
8 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.orgSEPT.
National Library Card
I Love My Librarian Award Sign-Up Month
Nominations Open
ala.org/librarycardsignup
SEPT. 26–OCT. 2
L
ibrary users are invited to nominate their favorite Banned Books Week
librarians for the I Love My Librarian Award, bannedbooksweek.org
which recognizes outstanding librarians work- SEPT. 29
ing in public, school, college, or university libraries. Banned Websites
Nominations are accepted online through Septem- Awareness Day
ber 27 at ilovelibraries.org/lovemylibrarian.
ala.org/aasl/advocacy/bwad
ALA member leaders will select 10 librarians from
the nominations. Each will receive $5,000 and be hon- OCT.
ored during LibLearnX 2022 in San Antonio. Winners will TeenTober
also receive complimentary LibLearnX registration and a $750 travel stipend. ala.org/yalsa/teentober
The award is sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, with support OCT. 7–9
from New York Public Library.
Core Forum | Baltimore
Since its inception in 2008, the award has netted 21,000 nominations from
alacore.org/forum
library users nationwide detailing how librarians have transformed their com-
munities, including efforts to improve inclusivity, digital access, and literacy. To OCT. 17–23
date, 130 librarians have received the honor. National Friends of
To be eligible, nominees must hold a master’s in library and information Libraries Week
science from an ALA-accredited program or a master’s with a specialty in school bit.ly/alafolweek
library media from a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation
OCT. 21–23
of Educator Preparation. Each nominee must currently work as a librarian at a
AASL National Conference
qualifying institution in the US: a public library, a library at an accredited two- or
Salt Lake City
four-year college or university, or a library at an accredited K–12 school.
national.aasl.org
OCT. 25–31
Open Access Week
New Distribution seals, such as the Newbery, Caldecott, openaccessweek.org
Arrangement Announced Printz, and Carnegie medals seals. Visit NOV. 5–7
Effective July 1, the nonprofit Chicago bit.ly/CDC-addresses for the most up-to- Young Adult Services
Distribution Center (CDC) will provide date mailing addresses for ALA Store Symposium | Reno, Nevada
customer service and fulfillment for the orders, checks and payments, product ala.org/yalsa/yasymposium
ALA Store. CDC, a division of Univer- returns, and inquiries.
sity of Chicago Press, is a distribution JAN. 21–24, 2022
and fulfillment operation that provides NASA STEAM Programming LibLearnX | San Antonio
a full range of services to more than for Public and Tribal Libraries alaliblearnx.org
150 client publishers and their custom- Through a partnership between PPO MAR. 23–25, 2022
ers worldwide. and the National Center for Interactive PLA 2022 Conference
Materials distributed by CDC include Learning at the Space Science Institute,
Portland, Oregon
books published by ALA Editions/ALA public and tribal libraries can apply for
placonference.org
Neal-Schuman, ACRL Publications, and NASA@ My Library, a STEAM educa-
other ALA units; posters, bookmarks, and tion initiative that will increase learn- JUNE 23–28, 2022
READ-branded and other items that pro- ing opportunities for library patrons ALA Annual Conference and
mote literacy and libraries published by across the country, including geo- Exhibition | Washington, D.C.
ALA Graphics; and ALA’s physical award graphic areas and populations currently alaannual.org
americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 9UPDATE
underrepresented in STEAM education.
Support comes from NASA’s Science
Mission Directorate as part of its Science ALA Calls for Review of
Loan Forgiveness Program
Activation program.
Sixty public and tribal libraries in the
A
US will be selected through a competitive
application process to become LA joined nearly 100 national and state organizations in signing a letter
NASA@ My Library partners, who will to US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in April requesting that
receive training and resources to imple- the Department of Education undertake a review of the federal Public
ment NASA events and programming; Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Created in 2007, the PSLF program
access to a university subject matter forgives the remaining balance on direct student loans after a borrower has
expert to support patron engagement; made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying
and a $1,600 programming stipend to government or nonprofit employer. Since the first PSLF workers became eligible
purchase materials for NASA STEAM for debt cancellation in 2017, 98% of applicants have been rejected.
activities or presentations. “Congress, in a bipartisan fashion, made a promise more than a decade ago
Applications will be accepted through that public service workers who choose to give back to their communities and
July 21. View the project guidelines and our country wouldn’t be locked in a lifetime of debt,” the letter states. “It is clear,
apply online at bit.ly/ALA-NASA. ALA however, that this promise has been broken.”
members and nonmembers are encour- The coalition letter calls on Secretary Cardona to review the PSLF student
aged to apply. loan accounts, take steps to streamline participation, and end mismanagement
from some loan holders. The letter also calls on Cardona to cancel student debt
YALSA and IBM Partner owed by those who have already served 10 or more years but have not qualified
on Career Prep because of government mismanagement and loan industry abuses.
The Young Adult Library Services Associ- ALA has worked since 2017 to oppose efforts to sunset PSLF. In May 2020,
ation (YALSA) and IBM are collaborating ALA joined coalition efforts to ensure that suspension of loan payments due to
to offer a series of skills-based trainings COVID-19 would not adversely affect participants’ PSLF payment schedules.
and webinars aimed at helping teens
from underserved communities acquire
key technical and professional skills.
IBM will offer librarians and teens Applications Sought for to explore gaps in research that will
affiliated with YALSA’s network access ALSC Research Grant contribute to practical applications and
to IBM’s free Open P-TECH digital The Association for Library Service to advocacy for the profession. The grant
skills and career readiness platform Children (ALSC) invites library workers will continue that work by developing
(ptech.org). Open P-TECH offers teens and academics in the field of library and and disseminating emerging research.
and their caregivers the opportunity to information science to apply for the ALSC
build baseline skills in emerging tech- Research Agenda Grant, a pilot grant Nominations Accepted for
nologies and learn about topics ranging supporting research for innovative and ALA Honorary Membership
from artificial intelligence to cloud meaningful efforts in libraries. Nominations are being accepted for ALA
computing. The platform also offers The grant provides up to $4,000 in honorary membership, the Association’s
courses on how to build a professional seed funds for research that aligns with highest honor, which is bestowed on
résumé and apply design thinking to the ALSC National Research Agenda for living citizens of any country whose
solve challenging problems, and digital Library Service to Children (Ages 0–14). contributions to librarianship or a related
badges for completion. Applications will be accepted through field are so outstanding that they are of
As part of the collaboration, IBM will July 20 and an award will be made at significant and lasting importance to the
run live training sessions for librarians to the end of August. View the full grant field of library service.
understand how they can leverage Open guidelines and apply online at bit.ly/ Honorary members are elected for life
P-TECH with teens at their libraries, from ALSC-grant. Applicants must be personal by vote of the ALA Council upon recom-
tracking student progress to activating members of ALSC. mendation of the ALA Executive Board.
discussion forums, as well as offer live The ALSC Research Agenda provides a Nominations will be reviewed during the
webinar opportunities that connect teens review of existing research in six priority ALA Executive Board’s 2021 fall meeting
to IBM professionals on topics that are research areas and poses questions and presented to Council for vote during
relevant to them. that allow practitioners and academics LibLearnX 2022. Newly elected honorary
10 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.orgUPDATE
from PLA’s digitallearn.org training site,
addressing critical skills such as web
Emergency Connectivity Fund searching, navigating a website, using
Implementation to Begin
passwords, and avoiding scams. New con-
tent will focus on using mobile devices
T
and video conferencing. All courses and
he Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released in May the order related classroom training materials
establishing the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The $7.17 billion program, will be available in English and Spanish.
funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will enable schools and libraries Courses will be available virtually for
to purchase laptop and tablet computers and Wi-Fi hotspots and expand broad- everyone and offered in person at public
band connectivity for students, school faculty and staff, and library patrons in libraries and locations including commu-
need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The application window is open through nity centers and other learning spaces.
August 13. For resources on this program, visit ala.org/advocacy/ecf. PLA’s DigitalLearn, launched in
“After months of advocacy by ALA, we are pleased the FCC has released 2013 with funding from the Institute of
the rules that will govern the $7 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund. Since Museum and Library Services, is a grow-
the dial-up days, libraries across the country have stood in the digital gaps to ing collection of 27 courses made up of
connect our communities, especially for people who would otherwise be left narrated videos and resources written
behind,” said then–ALA President Julius C. Jefferson Jr. in a May 11 statement. in plain language at an elementary-to-
“The pandemic has brought to light the yawning depth of those digital gaps as middle school reading level. For library
well as the extent to which Americans rely on libraries to fill them.” staff and other instructors, the site also
“The Emergency Connectivity Fund presents an unprecedented funding includes slide templates, handouts, and
opportunity for libraries to improve digital equity,” said Larra Clark, deputy planning tools for live or virtual training.
director of ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office, in a June 15 statement.
“Now is the moment to think big about how your library can use new funding to PLA, Microsoft Promote
boost current technology lending efforts to reach more people or launch new Upskilling for In-Demand Jobs
services to connect your community.” PLA, with support from Microsoft, is
promoting tools to help people seeking
careers in high-growth fields through
its nationwide Skilling for Employment
members will be formally recognized topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Post–COVID-19 initiative, which con-
at the Opening General Session during mental health, public land use, and the nects public libraries and their commu-
ALA’s 2022 Annual Conference and Exhi- climate crisis. Grants may be used to nities to specialized online training and
bition in Washington, D.C. cover a range of expenses, including certifications. In April, the initiative
Members who wish to submit nomi- staff time and collections and technol- announced the addition of new targeted
nations must complete the online ALA ogy purchases. More than 500 libraries programs in Cleveland; El Paso, Texas;
Honorary Member nomination form by in 48 states have received grants in Memphis, Tennessee; and New York City.
September 1 (bit.ly/ALA-hon-mem). the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused
massive job losses, with disproportionate
More Grants for Small PLA, AT&T Team Up for effects on people of color, women,
and Rural Libraries Digital Literacy Training younger workers, and those with less
ALA’s Public Programs Office announced The Public Library Association (PLA) and formal education. COVID-19 also has
in April the 317 recipients of nearly AT&T have announced a collaboration accelerated reliance on technology and
$1 million in funding, the second grant to improve digital literacy and promote digitally enabled services, deepening the
distribution of the Association’s Libraries broadband adoption among families and need to build digital skills. This initiative
Transforming Communities: Focus on communities, particularly those who provides free and reduced-cost access to
Small and Rural Libraries initiative, in are newly connected to the internet and career learning paths, low-cost certifica-
partnership with the Association for navigating home schooling, employment, tions, and other tools through Microsoft,
Rural and Small Libraries. Apply for the and other activities made more challeng- LinkedIn, and GitHub. This offer has
next round of 100 grants by Septem- ing by the COVID-19 pandemic. been extended through December 31.
ber 16 at ala.org/LTC. Beginning this summer, PLA and AT&T Learning paths are available at aka.ms/
The funding will enable libraries to will offer a specially curated collection of MyLearningPath. For more information
lead community engagement efforts on digital literacy courses based on content and resources, visit bit.ly/AL-skilling.
americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 11Savala Nolan Virginia and UC Berkeley Library,
who helped you learn about your
Debut author pens personal and political ancestors. What role do libraries
play in helping people answer
essays on race, gender, and the body questions about identity? I am
more thankful than I can ever say to
A
s a woman who is of mixed race, has experienced elite schools and generational libraries and everyone who keeps
poverty, and has been thin and fat at different times in her life, Savala Nolan has them running. When you’re looking
long felt that she occupies in-between spaces in society. The lawyer, speaker, and at family history, there’s the lore
writer explores this liminal territory in her debut collection, Don’t Let It Get You Down: and stories passed down, but if you
Essays on Race, Gender, and the Body (Simon & Schuster, July), touching on topics such want to authenticate that or go
as dating, motherhood, and police brutality. American Libraries spoke with Nolan, execu- deeper than what Grandma remem-
tive director of the Thelton E. Henderson School of Social Justice at Berkeley (Calif.) Law, bers, you need someone to help you
about identity, representation, and how libraries can help each of us find our story. locate relevant material, ask the
right questions, and physically get
your hands on the material.
BY Terra Growing up, did you encounter away from this entry? This essay The space of the library is an
Dankowski stories of other people who, like focuses on my response to a white unsung hero. It created an atmo-
you, hold overlapping identities? friend using—without appropriate sphere that let me concentrate in a
When I was a kid, people weren’t sensitivity and awareness—a pow- way that sitting on my couch with
thinking about identity the way we erful Black-centric song [Beyoncé’s my dog and my kid and my laptop
do now. I was Black and white and “Freedom”] and the TV on would not have
Mexican in an era when we were MORE ONLINE out of context. facilitated. If you have a question
expected to choose one lane. I was For the extended But I think about who you are, there’s either a
put on diets frequently, but then interview, visit you can say book that will help you figure it out
Photo: Andria Lo
as diets do, they would implode. I bit.ly/AL-Nolan. this essay is or you should write the book that
went to wealthy private schools, but about the will help you figure it out. Libraries
my dad was so poor that his home premise of whiteness. Whiteness, come into play in either case.
didn’t have running water. I did not at least in this country, is premised
feel like anyone was with me on on a sense of having a right to every
that journey. space and every thing. When I say
The exception that proves the whiteness, I am not talking about
rule: I was maybe 10 years old, and white people, but being white
my brother [got] me an auto- means embodying this set of
graphed headshot of Mariah Carey. habits and assumptions.
She’s Black, white, and Venezue- What I’m encouraging white
lan, and in that way, she was like readers to question are the habits
me. I remember being ecstatic of expecting centrality and feeling
that she existed. When I think entitled to any space. And I hope
back on how attached I became to for people who are Black, [the
Mariah Carey, one of the things essay] provides voice and language
that tells me is that I was starving to an incredibly common shared
for validation around all the ways I experience in a way that is healing
was in-between. and validating. And there are
people who aren’t Black or white,
Your essay “Dear White Sister” and I hope they see themselves in
addresses the ways white feminism this piece too.
appropriates from women of color,
and the emotional labor Black In your book, you
women are often saddled with. thank staffers of
What do you hope readers take the Library of
12 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.orgFROM THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION’S 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION VIRTUAL
“I do believe libraries are citadels of knowledge and
empathy, and they’ve been extraordinarily important
in my life.… I want to thank all the librarians out
there. Whether you’re in a small town [or] big city,
you opening up the world for our children, giving
them access to possibilities that they might not
otherwise have, creating safe spaces where
reading is cool—you mean a lot to not just those
individuals who benefit from your work but
[also to] our democracy and our country.”
FORMER US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA in the
Closing Session on June 29.
“I boarded my Freedom Ride not only “Everybody says they’re a library fan, but
because there was no seat for Blacks I think I’m the biggest library fan. I will
at lunch counters, on buses, and in fight other people if they want to
contest me over my library fandom.”
restrooms. There was no seat for me at
Sociologist and professor EVE L. EWING in her
the Atlanta Public Library. So I boarded Featured Speaker session on June 25.
my bus to help change America. Your
work guides people to the bus they “In general, libraries are where veterans go for
help or where veterans are sent to receive help.
need to board. You open the door to
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard ‘I didn’t
buses leading to learning.” know where else to go or who else to turn to.’ ”
Civil rights activist CHARLES PERSON in his BRIAN CONN, lead medical librarian at Minneapolis VA
Featured Speaker session on June 25. Healthcare System and US Army Reserve and US Air
Force veteran, in the on-demand session “Continuing to
Serve: Librarian Veterans Serving Military Patrons.”
“I like to move away from this whole
discussion as to ‘should libraries be neutral’
“LIBRARIES ARE SOCIETY’S
because quite frankly they never really have
VAULT OF KNOWLEDGE.
been neutral.… We can’t separate what’s going
LIBRARIES PROVIDE A SECOND
on in the nation, in the world, from its impact
WAVE OF EDUCATION FOR
in libraries, because it all affects libraries.”
AN AMERICAN PUBLIC
Photo: Pari Dukovic
RENATE CHANCELLOR, chair and associate professor at
Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in the
SEEKING UNDERSTANDING.”
on-demand session “Confronting the Myth of Neutrality: Author ISABEL WILKERSON during the
Academic Libraries, Advocacy, and Free Speech.” ALA President’s Program on June 27.
americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 13Recruit, Retain,
and Engage
UFL webinar highlights
strategies for cultivating
younger library advocates
14 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.orgO
n February 19, United for Libraries (UFL) hosted “Friends and Trustees under 40: Recruit
Them, Retain Them, Engage Them,” a webinar featuring tips for attracting millennials
and younger adults to Friends groups, trustee boards, and foundations. The session was
moderated by Jillian Wentworth, UFL’s manager of marketing and membership, and
presented by members of UFL’s Millennial Engagement Task Force, which first began working on the
subject of under-40 advocacy as part of an Emerging Leaders project in January 2018.
Presenters included Lina Bertinelli, workforce librarian at Enoch Pratt Free
Library and the Maryland State Library Resource Center in Baltimore; Madeline
Jarvis, adult and information services manager at Marion (Iowa) Public Library;
Kathy Kosinski, member services and outreach manager at Califa Group, a
consortium of California libraries; and Tess Wilson, community engagement
coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Middle Atlantic
region. For the full webinar, visit bit.ly/UFLwebinars.
The panelists are coauthors of All Ages Welcome: Recruiting and Retaining
Younger Generations for Library Boards, Friends Groups, and Foundations
(ALA Editions, 2020). The title is available for purchase at the ALA Store with
a United for Libraries Action Planner PLUS+ Package that comes with the
ebook plus hands-on activities and resources (bit.ly/AllAgesWelcome).
Why is it important that libraries We also want to make sure we are retaining the
develop their under-40 advocacy and younger folks we recruit, which led us to additional
recruit millennials to their boards, questions: How can we provide support to advocacy
Friends groups, and foundations? groups who want to increase millennial engage-
BERTINELLI: According to a 2017 Pew Research ment? A nd how can we support millennials who
Center report, more millennials use the public want to get involved?
library than any other adult generation. If mil- We had some ideas about why younger genera-
lennials use the library so much, why are they so tions would want to serve on a board or in a
underrepresented in library advocacy groups? In Friends group. We thought, being new
the task force’s original research, we surveyed cur- to the workforce, they might want
rent and past members of library boards, Friends to network or add something to
groups, and foundations, and more than half of their résumé. But ultimately, across
the 866 respondents said there wasn’t a single generations, our survey respon-
millennial involved in their organization’s boards, dents said they got involved with
Photo: ©Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock
Friends groups, or foundations. the library for altruistic reasons.
It’s not intentional: 82% of respondents to our They joined because they wanted
survey said that having a diverse membership was to make a difference in their com-
important to them, and not just so they could say munities and
that their organization is diverse. If millennials because they Lina Bertinelli
are core library users, we should want them to get love the library,
involved behind the scenes and to fill us in on their or perhaps because their kids
perspectives and needs. love the library.
July/August 2021 15What are some barriers to recruiting millennials? forming a junior trustee board or Friends group. If library orga-
BERTINELLI: One of the largest barriers to service that we nizations have enough content, they can start a Facebook page
found was inconvenient meeting times or inefficient meetings. or website that includes an online membership application.
Most of our survey respondents were baby boomers, and many Groups should essentially want everyone in the community to
of them joined their group or board after retirement. Someone know who they are and to give the best first impression. For
who is early on in their career might not be able to take off example, if a library group hasn’t updated anything online in six
work on a Monday afternoon. to eight months, it may look like it’s no longer active.
Organizations should consider alternating when and People need to understand that these groups exist and buy
where meetings are held, and asking themselves: Is everyone into their missions. Most people reading this know what a
prepared going into the meeting so that we can focus on trustee board or Friends group is in relation to the library; not
action items? Is everyone allowed to contribute, and everyone in the community has that same knowledge. The
is everyone being taken seriously? most veteran members, and ideally community members who
Other barriers arise from differences in gen- love the library, should be able to confidently describe to new-
erations’ methods of operation, thinking, and comers what the group does in easy-to-understand terms.
leadership. This doesn’t apply to every person, People like to know what they’re doing is making an impact
of course, but generally each generation on the world. They want to see themselves represented in
approaches work slightly differently—from organizational statements. They want activities that will allow
communication style to making decisions. If for personal growth, whether that’s running a 5K or picking up
an organization can’t adapt or continues marketing skills to help promote library events. People should
to follow outdated processes because know how their work connects to the library’s mission.
it’s the way they’ve always been done, An acronym the volunteer firefighters use to describe an
it might not be a space where new ideal volunteer is FIRE: fully informed and ready to engage.
members will feel welcomed or Volunteers need to feel empowered to take direct action, make
Kathy Kosinski
most productive. decisions, and initiate change.
For a closer look at generational
differences, we recommend the 2013 book Sticking Points: How How can groups create welcoming, engaging
to Get Four Generations Working Together in the 12 Places They spaces to encourage diverse leadership and
Fall Apart by Haydn Shaw. meaningful representation across library
organizations?
How do organizations outside the library world WILSON: To address equity, diversity, and inclusion within our
recruit and retain their volunteers? What can be boards, we need to understand how these principles consis-
learned from these approaches? tently work toward a more equitable environment within our
KOSINSKI: One of the things that kept coming up in our sur- groups. The behavior and makeup of a board will likely trickle
veys and interviews was that library boards and Friends groups down and influence the library organization as a whole, so this
wanted active volunteers, they wanted active trustees, not work shouldn’t be siloed.
someone who just shows up to the meeting. We figured this
idea of active service would be a great way to tie volunteer fire-
fighting to libraries. The US Fire Administration reports that
up to 86% percent of fire squads are either entirely or mostly “If a voice is present
but not heard,
staffed by volunteers. A little more than half of these volunteer
firefighters are under 40.
How can libraries attract young people committed to active
service? They need to relearn their ABCs: accessibility, buy-in, what real progress
and confidence, a framework described by Scott W. Blue in a
2016 article in Fire Engineering magazine (bit.ly/FireEnMag)
is being made?”
about reviving volunteer programs.
TESS WILSON, community
Accessibility, as it pertains to recruiting and retaining
engagement coordinator
volunteers, has two facets. First, is the group easy to join? And
for the National Network
second, is its work easy to understand? Library groups need to
invite people personally and should try community mailings, of Libraries of
volunteer fairs, open houses, and local newspaper columns. Fire Medicine Middle
Tess Wilson
Engineering mentions junior firefighter clubs; maybe consider Atlantic region
16 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.orgWe took a lot of inspiration from resources beyond the
library. One 2011 article in the Iowa Law Review (bit.ly/ “If a young professional
ILR-hiring) suggests best practices for hiring and retain-
ing diverse law faculty. The basis for this research shines
doesn’t know how long
a light on barriers that might affect library boards as
well. Author Kellye Y. Testy states, “What’s most difficult
they’re going to stay
about making progress in diversity is that the institution
must work against the structural and systemic inequal-
in one community, a
ity that plagues every area of our society. As a result, the six-year term length
institution must apply even more sustained and aggressive
pressure in order to overcome the significant and ubiquitous could be an automatic
barriers to diversity and equality.”
The first step is to avoid tokenism. In our research, we turn-off.”
heard testimonials from millennial board members who felt as
though they had been recruited to help with social media, for MADELINE JARVIS, adult and
example. Or let’s say there is one teen member on the board— information services manager
Madeline Jarvis
how comfortable will that teen feel sharing their opinion in a at Marion (Iowa) Public Library
room full of adult professionals? If a voice is present but not
heard, what real progress is being made? library associations are a great resource as well. Groups should
Another thing to consider is intersectionality. People are think about which basic duties or functions they’re struggling
multidimensional and complicated. By boiling someone down with—fundraising, personnel issues—and let that drive their
to one quality—their age—we reduce them to a persona. This recruitment. Where are the challenges and, more importantly,
is unfair to that complex individual but also to the board, where does the group thrive? How can the group capture that
which is missing out on an enriching engagement with a excitement to bring in new members?
whole person. And second, build that pipeline. Does the library have a
Broadly speaking, what are the effects of a more diverse and teen advisory council? If not, Friends groups could work with
inclusive board? According to a 2013 study published in Equal- library staffers to create one. Task forces are another easy
ity, Diversity, and Inclusion (bit.ly/AL-nonprofits-EDI), a board avenue for community engagement, particularly for busy
that values inclusive behaviors contributes to the “creation of young professionals who might not have the time to serve on a
a positive organizational culture of inclusion.” Another study board or older volunteers with passion projects.
found that nonprofits that embrace diversity and prioritize As groups and boards advertise term length and limits,
inclusion tend to be more active participants in advocacy. This make sure that the terms are viable for all ages. For example,
suggests that an increasingly diverse board will be more deeply if a young professional doesn’t know how long they’re going
involved in the community it serves and will advocate for a to stay in one community, a six-year term length could be an
more diverse body of users. automatic turn-off. Does a board term need to be that long?
Isn’t that a great way to sum up our intentions? That even- Could this work be done in three years? When boards cycle off,
tually, our board will be engaged in the type of advocacy that a greater variety of voices can be heard.
attracts new, diverse members and that it will be doing that Think about that feedback cycle, and make sure there are
work so publicly and in such an immersive way that potential opportunities for members to share ideas and to ask questions.
members will hear about it and be excited by it. Encourage new members to keep a log or a journal of their first
90 days and write down all the questions that they encounter
Where do Friends groups, trustee boards, and during the onboarding process to help shape future orienta-
foundations go from here? How should they tions. Think about board mentorship or buddy programs. If a
handle strategic recruitment and new-member library group doesn’t know any young parents, why not reach
onboarding? out to the children’s librarian to make a plug at a storytime,
JARVIS: Recruitment is an ongoing process, a year-round asking for volunteers?
activity; libraries can’t just start when they need a body. Ultimately, library groups should be flexible. They shouldn’t
Start right now. just accept how things have always been done. Rather, they
There are two things library groups should do before they should look at the talent within their communities, empower
start looking at these relationships. First, groups should exam- their members, and make sure they recruit folks who are
ine their strategic plan and goals. United for Libraries has a excited and willing advocates—who have voices and are able
great guide to board self-evaluation (bit.ly/UFLeval), and state to use them.
americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 17You can also read
