Category Archives: Events

Hundreds Gather in D.C. for 39th Annual National Library Legislative Day

Posted on May 9, 2013 by | 1 Comment

This week, hundreds of library supporters met in D.C. to speak with their legislators about the importance of libraries.

From May 7–8, 2013, more than 350 librarians, patrons, trustees, educators and parents met with members of Congress to discuss key library issues during the American Library Association’s 39th annual National Library Legislative Day. The event focused on supporting federal funding for national libraries.

Advocates discussed the need to protect federal library funding and support access to federally-funded scholarly journal articles, among other issues.

As part of this week’s activities, library advocate Mary Ann Bretzlauf received the White House Conference on Library and Information Services Taskforce Award for her commitment to supporting national libraries. Additionally, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) received the United for Libraries’ 2013 Public Service Award for his public support of libraries.

“The advocates who came to Washington are true ‘nation builders’ that help citizens reach their potential,” said Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the American Library Association’s Washington office.

Now that the annual advocacy day has ended, National Library Legislative Day participants are encouraged to use the following media template to notify local media outlets about their advocacy work:

• Download the local media release template (.docx or .doc)

About Jazzy Wright

Jazzy Wright is the Press Officer of the American Library Association's Washington Office. Email her at jwright@alawash.org.

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Posted in Events, Library Advocacy, OGR, Public Libraries, School Libraries

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10 Museums, Libraries Awarded National Medals

Posted on May 9, 2013 by | Leave a comment

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Yesterday, the Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded exemplary museum and libraries National Medals for their service to their communities. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries, and celebrates institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. Continue reading →

About Jazzy Wright

Jazzy Wright is the Press Officer of the American Library Association's Washington Office. Email her at jwright@alawash.org.

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Posted in Events, OGR

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Get Ready for Next Week’s Nat’l Library Legislative Day

Posted on April 30, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Prepare for the Event with Videos and Issue Briefs from Policy Experts

From May 7–8, 2013, hundreds of library supporters from across the country will meet in Washington, D.C., to discuss key library issues with their members of Congress. In preparation for next week’s 39th Annual National Library Legislative Day, the American Library Association today released new briefs on policies, legislation and issues impacting libraries.

For the first time, library advocates will have the option to learn about library issues through a series of  videos prepared by the ALA Washington Office.

Jeffrey Kratz gives a briefing on the Library Services & Technology Act and Innovative Approaches to Literacy for National Library Legislative Day 2013:

Jessica McGilvray gives a briefing on the Fair Access to Science and Technology Research Act for National Library Legislative Day 2013:

Marijke Visser gives a briefing on the E-rate for National Library Legislative Day 2013:

Read all of the issue briefs:

While you’re at National Library Legislative Day, remember to use the hashtag #nlld13.

About Jazzy Wright

Jazzy Wright is the Press Officer of the American Library Association's Washington Office. Email her at jwright@alawash.org.

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Posted in E-Rate, Events, Funding, Government Information

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Tech Policy Expert to Talk Libraries at ALA Conference

Posted on April 11, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Susan CrawfordTelecommunications policy expert Susan Crawford will share insights about national technology policy and implications for the library community this summer at the 2013 Annual American Library Association Conference.

Crawford will address conference attendees during the Washington Update session on Saturday, June 29, 2013, from 8:30–10:00a.m. in the McCormick Place convention center.
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About Jazzy Wright

Jazzy Wright is the Press Officer of the American Library Association's Washington Office. Email her at jwright@alawash.org.

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Posted in Digital Divide, Digital Literacy, Events, OITP, Telecommunications

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Freedom of Information Day 2013

Posted on February 25, 2013 by | 2 Comments

James Madison AwardPlease join us on March 15 to celebrate the 15th annual Freedom of Information Day at the Newseum’s Knight Conference Center in Washington, D.C. The day will feature a key note discussion with First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams, subject of a new book, Nuanced Absolutism, by author and law professor Ronald L.K. Collins and a conversation on a forthcoming video documentary, “Whistleblowers”.

A highlight of the event will be the announcement of the ALA’s James Madison Award recipient, an award named in honor of President James Madison to honor individuals who have championed, protected and promoted public access to government information and the public’s right to know on the national level. As part of our presentation of the award, last year’s recipient Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) will speak on the importance of access to information.

The day’s events will begin at 8:30 a.m. and there is no charge to attend.  It would be helpful for any attendees to register in advance to ensure adequate seating.  To register, e-mail or telephone Ashlie Hampton of the First Amendment Center at ahampton@freedomforum.org or (202) 292-6288. When registering, please provide your name, title, affiliation and contact information for agenda updates and other news. A paid luncheon meal option will be offered at the time of registration.

This event is a celebration of James Madison’s March 16th birthday and is held in partnership with the First Amendment Center, OpenTheGovernment.org, the Project on Government Oversight, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The conference is also part of the annual Sunshine Week initiative sponsored by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

About Jessica McGilvray

Jessica McGilvary is the Assistant Director of ALA Washington Office's Office of Government Relations (OGR).

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Posted in Events, Government Information, OGR, Open Access

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