Category Archives: OGR

Learning Opportunity: Helping Patrons Find Jobs

Posted on May 10, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Public librarians now have a second opportunity to learn ways to provide job-related e-government services to patrons. Watch archived footage of the webinar “E-Government in Action: Matching People with Jobs,” which was hosted by the American Library Association in early May. View the webinar now.

As part of the webinar, participants will hear from numerous e-government grant recipients on innovative workforce development programs that have successfully connected people with jobs.

Speakers include:

  • Janice Collins, technology supervisor, Mandel Public Library (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
  • Betha Gutsche, programs manager, WebJunction OCLC
  • Tiffany McClary and Sheri Shafer, NJ Works @ your Library (New Jersey State Library Program)
  • Jeff Scott, deputy county librarian, Tulare County (Tulare, Calif.)

View the webinar: http://ala.adobeconnect.com/p7m1neieyhh/

**Note: Due to technical issues, the first few minutes of the webinar were not properly recorded.

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 Government Information, OGR, Public Libraries, Webinars

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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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New Executive Order will increase government transparency

Posted on May 9, 2013 by | 2 Comments

white_houseThe White House has issued a new Executive Order, making open and machine readable the new default for government information and a memo, Open Data Policy – Managing information as an asset.  These documents provide a new set of guidelines for government agencies that will help to ensure a more open and accessible government. “This Memorandum establishes a framework to help institutionalize the principles of effective information management at each stage of the information’s life cycle to promote interoperability and openness.”

The EO specifies that within 90 days the government will “identify and initiate implementation of measures to support the integration of the Open Data Policy” and a new Cross-Agency Priority Goal will be created to track the progress of agencies as they implement the new policy.

This is another positive step in creating a more open and transparent government and will as a result help to inform the American public. As the memo states “making information resources accessible, discoverable, and usable by the public can help fuel entrepreneurship, innovation, and scientific discovery – all of which improve Americans’ lives and contribute significantly to job creation”.

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 Government Information, OGR

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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This Week: Libraries Included in Workforce Bill

Posted on May 9, 2013 by | Leave a comment
Photo Courtsey of Redding Record Searchlight

Jobseekers at Redding Library job fair.

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced legislation to amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 that will integrate public libraries into state and local workforce investment boards.

The bill, the Workforce Investments through Local Libraries (WILL) Act, would expand libraries’ opportunities to take leading roles in helping the public find employment in this weak economy. The WILL Act would support library efforts that provide job search support in communities all across America.

Additionally, the bill recognizes public libraries as allowable “One-Stop” partners and authorizes new demonstration and pilot projects to establish employment resources in public libraries. 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 Library Advocacy, OGR, Public Libraries

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