BCALANEWS Black Caucus of the American Library Association Inc.
Hayden Confirmed! Dr. Carla Hayden was Confirmed to Serve as the Next Librarian of Congress in July. She is the First Woman, First African-American, and First Person with a Masters in Library Science to Hold the Esteemed Position.
We Congratulate Dr. Hayden on this Barrier-Breaking Accomplishment!!
Summer 2016 | Volume 43 | Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 3
Dear Members,
Thank you for the For no man/woman is an island, no CONTENTS one stands alone! opportunity to serve Fast forward a few years, I remember 06 News as president of the my first ALA conference in New York and the first committee I sat in on BCALA. I am honored 16 Featured was a BCALA committee. That was and humbled and must my introduction to BCALA. I did and 26 Op-Ed still do see BCALA as home, where I take a few moments to started, where I had an opportunity 40 Carla Hayden: Special Section honor those on whose to interact with others that looked like me and shared common shoulders I stand. problems, concerns, and ideas. When you think about home it is a I am where I am because of my family place where you feel comfortable, a who love and support me no matter place of love and comfort that always what and because of the bridges I welcomes you with open arms, a crossed. My middle school principal, place of total acceptance. Emery Jennings, was a bridge I crossed. I was one of his student That’s BCALA…home. As like home office aides in middle school and one we always want BCALA to be okay Denyvetta Davis, President, and no matter whether we change day he asked (he called me “Deny”) BCALA 2016 - 2018 if I would like to help the librarian. jobs, retire, serve on ALA Council, I did and worked in the library two as division presidents, committee hours each week, and the office three chairs, or other responsibilities hours each week. within ALA, we cannot forget about as the state or quality of being BCALA. It is important to make sure dedicated, devotion, allegiance, Addie Lee Herbert was my middle home is okay, BCALA is okay and we loyalty. Vince Lombardi said “The school librarian and she introduced stay connected in some way. quality of a person’s life is in direct me to the world of libraries and proportion to their commitment Every two years we elect a leader to librarianship. I worked in libraries to excellence, regardless of their fulfill the mission of BCALA, create through high school, college and chosen field of endeavor”. Excellence new initiatives and to move toward grad school at Atlanta University is the quality of being outstanding achieving the organization’s vision. where Virginia Lacy Jones, Penelope or extremely good. Booker T. For the next two years, my focus will Bullock, Casper Jasper and others Washington said, “Excellence is to be “Commitment to Excellence”. were bridges I crossed. Aren’t you do a common thing in an uncommon grateful for the bridges you crossed? Webster defines “Commitment”
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way”, and Oprah said, “Let excellence be your brand…When you are excellent, you become unforgettable”. Call for Proposals: Pushing I do not take the responsibility of being your president lightly. “To whom much is given, much is required.” Much is required of us BCALA! We must build on the foundation created by E.J. Josey and others 46 years ago. the Margins: Women of Color As I share my initiatives, I hope each of you will be listening for how you can become more involved, and how you can and Intersectionality in LIS give your time, talent, energy as we roll out our directions for the next two years.
For the next two years, I plan to do the following: Editors: Rose L. Chou and Annie Pho and neutral entities that provide ties, such as sexuality, gender Publisher: Library Juice Press information equally to everyone, yet identity, and socioeconomic class http://libraryjuicepress.com/ the library as an institution often • Leadership, management, promo- 1 – SURVEY pushing-the-margins.php reflects and perpetuates societal tion, and authority Conduct a survey of members and affiliates to determine their needs. racism, sexism, and additional forms Gender presentation and perfor- Literature on diversity in librarianship • of oppression. Women of color who mance has mainly focused on recruitment work in libraries are often placed in 2 – MARKET and increasing numbers of librarians • Treatment of women of color the position of balancing the ideal of Create and implement a marketing plan. of color. This book shifts the focus library workers who are either not the library providing good customer beyond numbers and instead on in librarian positions or do not service and being an unbiased have a library degree the lived experiences of those 3 – COMMUNICATE environment with the lived reality of who are underrepresented in our • Experiences of women of color as Communicate more effectively with members using innovative receiving microaggressions and other profession. Using intersectionality as library patrons and effective technologic and communication tools. forms of harassment on a daily basis a framework, this edited collection from both colleagues and patrons. • How identity affects approaches explores the experiences of women to collection development 4 – DEVELOP of color in libraries. With roots in Typically these conversations and • How does structural oppression Expand professional development opportunities for members to include interest black feminism and critical race discussions of our experiences as reproduce itself in spaces that circles, webinars, etc. in addition to offerings during annual and midwinter. theory, intersectionality studies the women of color have happened behind are touted to be egalitarian and ways in which multiple social and closed doors, within trusted circles democratic? 5 – REVIEW cultural identities impact individual of friends. Our hope and intention is • How does one maintain respect in experience. Looking at race and that by bringing these conversations Review all aspects of the organization to ensure we are operating the library when confronted with efficiently and effectively. gender isolated from each other fails into a public space, we will raise oppressive treatment or being to see the many dimensions in which consciousness of these experiences stereotyped based on one’s race, they intersect and overlap, creating and start changing perceptions gender, or other social categories? It is going to be a busy and exciting two years. If we work together we can build on our legacy, and can do even better. I a complicated lived experience that and expectations. • How can library organizations am committed to working with all of you to make the BCALA more responsive to the needs of our members, more engaged cannot be captured by studying create better work cultures and Proposals may consider the following with the next generation of librarians, and more visible. President Obama said, “Change will not come if we wait for some one identity. environments for staff and patrons themes and questions: other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek”. Can I count on you to exist as their true selves? • Invisible and emotional labor to stand with me, work with me, and help me? Libraries and librarians idealistically portray themselves as egalitarian • Intersections of multiple identi- Peace and Unity,
story continues on page 25 8 Call for Program/Workshop Proposals - 2017 National Conference of African American Librarians
9 Dr. Yvonne J. Chandler Wins 2016 Demco Award
10 Kelvin Watson Final Presidential Address
11 Executive Board Minutes Excerpts, ALA 2016
14 Executive Board Retreat Proceedings
NEWS 8 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 9
Call for Program/Workshop Proposals - 2017 National Dr. Yvonne J. Chandler Wins 2016 Demco Award For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jason Alston Conference of African July 19, 2016 [email protected] 803-822-3075 American Librarians By Shaundra Walker, Toccara D. Porter and Monica Porter, NCAALX Public Relations & Promotions Committee The winner of this year’s Demco/ALA Black Caucus Award for Excellence in Librarianship is Dr. Yvonne J. Chandler, an associate professor at the University of North Texas Department of Library and Information Sciences. A Birmingham, Alabama ABOUT THE CONFERENCE native, Dr. Chandler has been a mainstay at UNT, holding a professor post with the BCALA is excited to announce the call for program and workshop proposals for its 2017 conference, Culture school since 1993 according to her LinkedIn profile. Keepers X: "Beyond Library Walls: Innovative Ways to Engage Our Communities," that will be held in Atlanta, The joint Demco/BCALA award recognizes significant accomplishments that promote Georgia. We invite librarians, library staff, MLIS students, and vendors to submit proposal topics that include but the status of African American librarians in the profession, or the development and are not limited to children and youth services, cultural heritage, health and wellness, leadership and management, implementation of resources and services for the African American community. Demco creativity and technology. The proposal submission deadline is September 30, 2016 and the form is available at: presents the winning librarian with a $500 check and a commemorative statue, and http://goo.gl/fgY2Gs makes an additional $500 donation to the BCALA Scholarship Fund in the winner's Planning for this multi-day event is still underway but it will be a time to showcase notable happenings in the name. BCALA and Demco have teamed up to bestow this award annually since 1994, BCALA community including participation from new BCALA president Denyvetta Davis and our celebrating when BCALA founder, the late Dr. E.J. Josey, received the honor. the 10th installment of the National Conference of African American Librarians (NCAAL). Also on tap will be “Dr. Chandler is the ultimate library professional exemplifying excellence and educational programs that discuss varying issues and best practices, along with social events that include author commitment,” said Denyvetta Davis, president of BCALA. luncheons, a bustling exhibits hall featuring the latest in products and services, and networking opportunities. We look forward to keeping you updated on NCAAL10 news. In addition to teaching and research excellence, Dr. Chandler has distinguished herself as a professional due to her thorough and successful track record of winning grants for educational training and diversifying the library science field. Questions about the conference? Send your questions to the Programs Committee Chair, Val Bell at Chandler is the director of several satellite student cohorts from UNT’s LIS program, including UNT’s “Library Education [email protected] for the U.S.- Affiliated Pacific” (LEAP) cohort, which is the first distance program outside of the continental U.S. for UNT’s College of Information.
Chandler noted being pleasantly surprised upon hearing her biography read by Demco director of library engagement and solutions Janet Nelson at the awards ceremony during the American Library Association’s annual conference in Orlando, Florida. This year’s winner was not notified prior to the ceremony that she would receive the award.
"I'm floating on air from all the congratulations and good wishes that I have received from friends, colleagues, classmates, and graduates; including more than 121 comments and 325 likes on Facebook,” Chandler said about receiving the award. “I can only say what my friends in Hawaii have taught me to say: Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much).”
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Kelvin Watson Final Executive Board Minutes Presidential Address Excerpts, ALA 2016 By Kelvin Watson, BCALA Immediate Past President By BCALA Executive Board
BCALA family, I am sharing proceedings. We’ve continued to challenges are real and prevalent. (The following are excerpts and June 22, 2015 in all accounts were • Motion to eliminate print my BCALA President's Report I award scholarships and support For example, Inclusion leads to highlights from the BCALA Executive $258,086.31. Ending assets as copies by Kirby McCurtis, seconded delivered Sunday, June 26, 2016 at ALA Emerging Leaders. BCALA‘s commitments and we are still far Board meeting at ALA Annual 2016 of June 22, 2016 in all accounts Eboni Njoku. - Discussion ensued BCALA Membership Meeting. literary awards have been enhanced from the needed commitments. in Orlando. The complete minutes are is $254,391.00. Motion by with members in attendance and by the addition of self-published not included due to space constraints) Eboni Henri, seconded by Executive Board arguing about the I am so happy to be with you As I prepare for my immediate importance of print for our retired e-books for fiction and poetry, Karen Lemmons. tonight. Tonight is a night for me past presidency post, I am ATTENDEES: members. Vivian Bordeaux wants to and we have new sponsorship and to extend a heartfelt thank you confident that Vice-President/ Kelvin Watson, Denyvetta Davis, find out where the retirees are- sur- financial support from “Self-e” GUEST: Jody Gray, ALA for all of the support given to me President Elect Davis will continue Richard Ashby, Vivian Bordeaux, vey. Vote: Kirby McCurtis Oppose: (a Bibliolabs and Library Journal Director for Diversity, personally and for your service to to pursue efficiency, creativity Wanda K. Brown, Elizabeth Literacy, Outreach services all others. Motion does not carry. partnership). Tonight, BCALA will BCALA. I also want to acknowledge and open communication for our Brumfield, Michele Fenton, Annie • $800,000 short fall due to unex- • Literary Award: Gladys feels like give the first awards, in honor of and recognize contributions organization. I know she shares my Ford, Makiba Foster, Andrew Sekou pected decline in attendees (partici- it would be a conflict of interest to our colleague Cynthia Hurd, who made to BCALA and the positive commitment for a stronger BCALA. Jackson, Kirby McCurtis, Eboni pants and vendors) at ask for money from publishers. was gunned down with eight other this year’s Annual Conference impact our members have had on She will continue developing a new Njoku, Rudolph Clay, Tiffany Duck, • Motion to add $8,000 back to African Americans in a Charleston, in Orlando. This will negatively our profession. Two years ago, I strategic plan to strengthen our Brian Hart and Karen Lemmons publications line of budget from SC. Church. We also raised $2,500 impact budget for ALA next year, stood before you and delivered a organization now and in the future. Tiffany Duck, seconded by Richard last night during the fundraiser possibly affecting this office's budget. straightforward and direct vision I remain committed to BCALA, our COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Ashby. Call for vote: all in favor held at B.B. Kings Restaurant in for our organization. It was mission, our profession, and to you. Stanton Biddle, Carolyn Garnes, • Office has new mission statement. except Kirby McCurtis. partnership with EveryLibrary. my hope to invoke a thoughtful Remember change will not come if Dorothy Guthrie, Eboni Henry, Jos • Office received grant from Dollar • Motion to approve budget, taking approach, with a vision that was Although there have been we wait for others, or the right time. Holman, Gladys Smiley Bell, and General that will continue funding overage if needed up to $13,000 both achievable and measurable. challenges, I have been remained We are the change that we seek and Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin for American Dream grant program. from conference account by steadfast and driven in my efforts the time is now. For your character This allows libraries to build collec- Wanda Brown, seconded by Vivian Let me share with you some to move BCALA forward. But, and what you do will determine how OTHER ATTENDEES: tions and develop programming for Bordeaux. Motion is approved. of our achievements. We have folks who have English as a we have much more work to high you reach. I leave you with Sloan Clark, Keshia Garnett, Jody • Karen Lemmons suggests a successfully increased membership second language. do. We are living the realities of this African proverb, “If you want to Gray, Julius Jefferson, Em Claire membership dues increase. in all categories with ups and diversity issues and inclusion or go fast, go alone. If you want to go Knowles, LeRoy Robinson President Watson tabled conversa- downs to maintain, though we have BUDGET FINANCE COMMITTEE the lack thereof in and outside the far, go together.” tion for future. a long way to go. We executed a (Stanton Biddle) TREASURERS REPORT profession, access to technology in • Presented budget report for • Andrew asked Membership profitable 9th National Conference Peace and blessings, (Annie Ford) our communities, increasing digital 2016-2017. There is a shortfall of committee to pursue surveying of African American Librarians with • Presented the budget as seen literacy, and being empowered to Kelvin about $13,000. Adjustments need retired members. the greatest level of fundraising to in the budget document (handed make and impact change. These to be made. date and completed the Conference out at the meeting). Assets as of
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• One reason why it was suggested improve and the conditions if the for 6 years; we need a refresh for Black Lives Matter programming. • First site visit happened in April that we reduce the board is because archive would improve. • President Kelvin Watson will • Richard Ashby mentioned sup- • The hotel is in affluent area so ELECTIONS it is so hard to get people to run Vice reconstitute the tech team. port staff as an important group to food is proving difficult to secure at (President Kelvin Watson For • It will be another discussion in President Denyvetta Davis shared Dr. Jerome Offord, Jr.) January. All the legal ground work • Keshia discussed improvements connect with an affordable rate • 73 members voted out of 591 • Em Claire Knowles reminded is done for what we want and how need for the NCAAL registration. • President Kelvin Watson start- • The vendors can't get in until people that the board is a good we want it • Makiba Foster moves that we • Elizabeth Brumfield asked if it ing to build committee for elections Thursday morning of conference. way of succession planning. Striving accept election results from 2016 • The legal team at Queens got was mobile compatible. Yes, it is. next year This means that Thursday morning to connect with young professionals election. Andrew Jackson seconded. involved with North Carolina Can we link up with vendors at ALA • Publications: August 10 deadline will be hectic is important Central and are disappointed in to connect with conference? Matter for BCALA News articles. Sticking • Fundraising committee chair BYLAWS • Tiffany Duck suggested a new the outcome should be pursued with the same vendor is working on his package. Local (Kirby McCurtis) member’s round table for BCALA • BCALA is working on MOU • Brian Hart asked for there to be a arrangement committee working • Kelvin is asking Kirby McCurtis to • Makiba Foster asked whether this between Queens Library to digitize reduction in the numbers of clicks MEMBERSHIP very hard set a date for comments. Kirby set (Rudolph Clay) model for election and board build- what we do have in our possession to renew membership. Conversation • Call for proposals have been put the date as September 1, 2016. • Flat for the last 3 years. As of ing works. What if someone is new • The only light in this situation is ensued about Memberize and the on the website • Andrew Jackson asked Kirby and wants to be a leader but is not June 23, 2016 we have 491 members that the University does not have a pros and cons of that system • Carolyn and Dorothy are coordi- McCurtis to highlight the changes a member of BCALA? Can they not • Rudy had cards to hand out to deed of gift for the BCALA ar- nating special programs to assist the as they are made to bylaws serve on the board? get folks interested in BCALA chives except EJ Josey’s materials. NCAAL 11 SURVEY programming committee • Jos Holman shared during his • Richard Ashby and Sylvia This means we can get them away (Vice President Denyvetta Davis) • Memberize is clunky but there time as Elections Chair when there Sprinkle-Hamlin sharing that we because they don't own anything. • Jos Holman and Diane Covington are lots of good things about it. OTHER BUSINESS/ was an inability to fill the slots in the need to market ourselves and There is stuff from other members, did a survey for members at ANNOUNCEMENTS • Almost out of BCALA pins past, he would come to the board to organization better notably retirees that sent stuff ALA Midwinter from the 2008 order. Rudy will • Visitor Sloan Clark, a librarian share that they could not finish as well. • Wanda Board says it is important • Denyvetta recommends 2020 for order more from Atlanta, asked about mentor- • Richard Ashby makes the motion that people know the history of the • Board needs to decide where the next conference after 2017. ing. We don't have one formally • President Kelvin Watson brought to remove the categorized board organization before they can lead. we are going to put our archive. anymore. More informal • Location recommendations up affiliate chapter presidents con- seats. Brian seconds. Discussion Advocate for person to have had Perhaps ALA archives. Gladys are vast versation. If you are a member of • Sloan Clark also asked if we continues around removing the some experience with the board Smiley Bell said no to Hampton. the affiliate you can join the national have an HBCU alliance. No formal categories. Makiba Foster before rising up to leadership How about Winston Salem State, connection or relationship STRATEGIC PLAN organization at a reduced rate of reminded that the intent was to Langston Hughes, or Clark Atlanta? (Vice President Denyvetta Davis) $25. Discussion ensued. • Dorothy Guthrie mentioned Black get fresh blood. Vote: All in favor, ARCHIVES We need to solicit institutions. • Emailed a copy and had a print Lives Matter and Links Incorpora- motion carried. (President Kelvin Watson) • Richard Ashby made a motion copy for board members tion. Richard Ashby will make that • Our partnership and conversa- WEBSITE that members of the affiliate organi- • Vivian Bordeaux brought connection as he is spearheading tions with the current dean at (Keshia Garnett) • July 15 deadline for providing zation can join national organization up reducing the number of Black Lives matter programming NCCU SLIS are now finished at her • Website is moving much faster. feedback on the plan at a reduced rate. This is for new board members. BCALA members. Kirby seconded. for BCALA request, and progress has not been Wordpress move was successful • President Kelvin Watson • Wanda Brown stated that Motion passes • Elizabeth Brumfield will be hon- made. At this point BCALA will • 60 days ago the website began talked about programming. When reducing numbers reduced the ored as Distance Learning librarian wait until a new Dean is hired at taking people's payments and not thinking about programming we impact that the association has NCAAL 10 of the year North Carolina Central University in posting jobs. Looking for a new ven- need to make sure it is tied to • Eboni stated that even though their LIS program, and try to bring (Dorothy Guthrie and Carolyn dor to take over the money portions our strategic plan Garnes) she isn't going to be on the board another conversation. Maybe with • We have had this same website • $800 donated by board members • ALA will handle all registration she will still be involved the new Dean the situation would 14 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 15
bership on national level, and also • The reality is we don't have ARCHIVES Executive Board get affiliates to feel more involved revenue coming in (President Kelvin Watson) • Should it be retroactive? • The website is out of date, but • Dean of library school North Retreat Proceedings it is the revenue generator. We Carolina Central has broken the previous agreement with Queens By BCALA Executive Board BUDGET need to update it Library and there will be no moving (President Kelvin Watson) • Action: ask Gladys tomorrow forward at this time • The budget has $5000 difference what we can ask of the publishers. (From Executive Board Retreat • Decisions will be made on who and there became more board • Last year we took money from We need to reexamine our request • It appears that the best course of during ALA Annual 2016) needs to do what after all Exec. members). Richard Ashby didn't the reserves. But we can't do that to them; if your book wins, then action is to wait for her retirement Board members read and digest. think committee checked out forever. We need to take a look at you must purchase stickers (July 1) and her new successor to EXECUTIVE BOARD Denyvetta wants to make sure all eligibility requirements. President be named what we support. Kelvin started a • $15,000 to print and Mail news- ATTENDEES: of us are on board Kelvin Watson will do chair the conversation about where our funds letter; we must decide tomorrow if • Discussion followed about Kelvin Watson, Denyvetta Davis, Election Committee next year and • Implementation is the big piece are going and asked questions about we will cease all physical printing perhaps needing to find another doesn't want things open for inter- Richard Ashby, Vivian Bordeaux, potential areas to cut costs. Can we location for the BCALA archives and BYLAWS pretation • Karen Lemmons will serve as Elizabeth Brumfield, , Michele support two Emerging Leaders? future documents. Another HBCU? (Kirby McCurtis) chair of the Reading Is Grand Award Fenton, Annie Ford, Andrew Sekou • The specifications need to be in Can we still support the literary ALA archives? • For tomorrow’s meeting Committee and will pursue AARP Jackson, Kirby McCurtis, Eboni the bylaws; however, since they awards at the same cost? Can bring hard copies and will resend and Dollar General for funding the Njoku and Karen Lemmons didn't go before the board they are publishers support this? Reading electronic copies so everyone is on Reading is Grand Initiative. is Grand is unfunded. What can we the same page not technically official. Meaning ALA TASK FORCE ON EQUITY, we can move back from the slate do about this? • Goal date is for members to vote specifications for next election DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION in January at Midwinter (Andrew Sekou Jackson) • Must clarify the intent and put it • Final report will be presented at in writing ELECTION this conference (Kelvin Watson for Dr. Jerome • Someone can propose a change • Black armband is silent protest Offord, Jr.) to election at the Executive Board in memory of Trayvon Martin and • The election results need to be meeting tomorrow Current BCALA Executive Board Pulse club victims. It is a symbol of voted and ratified tomorrow during protest and a way to show solidarity. the Executive Board meeting AFFILIATES • A discussion followed about why (Andrew Jackson) Denyvetta Davis, President Jos Holman STRATEGIC PLAN there were issues with the current • President Kelvin Watson and An- (Denyvetta Davis) system. Because the Executive drew Jackson met with an Affiliates Richard Ashby, Vice-President/President Elect Andrew P. Jackson • The final product is a combination group on the East Coast. There was Board didn't clarify certain roles, left Kelvin Watson, Immediate Past President Sammie Johnson of information received from things open for interpretation a discussion about a potential for a variety of stakeholders joint membership Kirby McCurtis, Secretary Bradley Kuykendall • President Kelvin Watson posed There will be more information • the question about slate categories. • An incentive to encourage Affili- Wanda Brown, Treasurer Karen Lemmons about organizational aspects of Eboni Njuko shared about the intent ate members to join BCALA national Jason Alston Dominique Luster BCALA than previous plan (take away cliques), Kelvin shared would be to offer a flat rate for joining during a promotional time • If you have any questions or about the desire to decrease number Vivian Bordeaux Kim McNeil-Capers concerns please send to Denyvetta of board members (plan backfired period. This would increase mem- Elizabeth Jean Brumfield Fayrene Muhammad
Brian Hart Eboni Njoku 18 From the Black Archives: Black Archives Now – Collaboration, Access, and Use
21 Donations Support Youth Cultural Club and Collection at Quinby Street Resource Center
22 Libraries 4 Black Lives
FEATURED 18 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 19
hbcudigitallibrary.auctr.edu/cdm/), USE rch+Library+on+African+America From the Black Archives: Black which includes over 20 HBCU Dr. Pellom McDaniels, III, faculty n+History+and+Culture) to Umbra institutional digital collections. She curator of African American through the Digital Library of Archives Now - Collaboration, also discussed several innovative Collections and assistant professor Georgia, and continues digitization projects that the AUC has taken on of African American Studies at efforts to make their robust Access, and Use in the past several years, including Emory University, emphasized photographs and prints collection By Sarah Carlson and Cecily Marcus a collaboration with Cornell the importance of engaging further accessible. University and a 2015 NEH-funded undergraduates with archives and ACCESS effort (http://www.auctr.edu/news/ primary source research (a student- Dorothy Berry, Umbra content and materials from more than 1,000 neh/) to describe, digitize, and curated exhibit “Resisting Racism: metadata project manager at the Editor's Note: The following is the U.S. libraries, archives, and cultural prepare for research access fourteen From Civil Rights to Black Lives University of Minnesota, described latest installment of the BCALA News heritage organizations – and co- collections of rare materials on Matter” http://web.library.emory. the conundrum of archival recurring series, “From the Black hosted by Emory University’s Rose African-American religion. edu/exhibitions/current-exhibits/ description and its relationship to Archives”, which attempts to be Library, this was an afternoon resisting-racism-class-exhibit- Holly Smith, college archivist at discovery and access in the context troka.html, is currently on display inclusive of archives-related of reflection on the role of Black Spelman College, discussed how of a large-scale digitization and archives in representing our past in the Rose Library), and efforts to LIS work. a national digital collection like national aggregation project. and present and activating new bring the broader community into Umbra enables research beyond Dr. Meredith Evans discussed forms of scholarship for the future. the library through exhibits and a single collection or institution: the future of Black collections, Every seat was filled at Stuart other events. Representatives from Atlanta though only a handful of materials from print to digital, and the A. Rose Manuscript, Archives & University Center, Auburn Panelists from right to left: Holly Smith (Spelman from Spelman are digitized and Just days before the grand complexities— from trust to Rare Book Library’s Teaching Avenue Research Library, Emory College), Derek Mosley (AARL), Meredith Evans available online, Spelman’s history reopening of the newly renovated copyright to legal and ethical and Learning Studio. On August (Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum), University, the Jimmy Carter is found in collections from Auburn Avenue Research Library impact—of documenting social 1, attendees of the Society of Andrea Jackson (AUC), Cecily Marcus (Umbra), Presidential Library & Museum, across the country (from Atlanta on African American Culture and justice movements and other American Archivists (SAA) Annual Dorothy Berry (Umbra). Not pictured: Pellom Spelman College, and Umbra: McDaniels, III (Emory University) History Center to University History (http://www.afpls.org/ current events, which is the focus Meeting in Atlanta, Ga. joined local Search African American History of Massachusetts Amherst - aarl), archivist Derek Mosley of a current initiative, Documenting scholars, students, and members COLLABORATION shared diverse institutional https://www.umbrasearch.org/ shared the unique perspective of the Now (http://www.docnow.io/), of the library community for a perspectives in a round of lightning Andrea Jackson, head of the atalog?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search_ working in a special collection funded by the Andrew W. Mellon pre-conference event at Emory talks that covered current projects, Archives Research Center at the field=all_ that is part of the public library Foundation. University to discuss the state of successes, challenges. Moderated by Atlanta University Center Robert fields&q=spelman+college). system. With strengths in the Black archives today. Follow @UmbraSearch for more Dr. Meredith Evans, director of the W. Woodruff Library (AUC) Openness and collaboration across Southern Civil Rights Movement, highlighted the importance of news and events from Umbra: Sponsored by Umbra: Search Jimmy Carter Presidential Library institutions can place collections African and African American networked collaboration with the Search African American History, African American History & Museum, an open conversation side by side to create a national history and literature, and Atlanta AUC Digital Collections (http:// and #BlackArchivesNow to (umbrasearch.org and embeddable followed to explore issues digital corpus of materials that history, Auburn Avenue already www.auctr.edu/find-materials/ continue the conversation. widget – www.umbrasearch.org/ more deeply, from digitization facilitates broad and innovative use. contributes over 750 materials digital-collections/), especially widgets ) - a freely available search efforts to donor relations and (https://www.umbrasearch.org/ the HBCU Library Alliance tool that brings together over collection building to supporting catalog?f%5BdataProvider_ssi%5D Digital Collection (http:// 400,000 Black history and culture undergraduate research. %5B%5D=Auburn+Avenue+Resea 20 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 21
Please Visit BCALAJOBS.ORG Donations Support Youth For Job Openings And Announcements Cultural Club and Collection at Quinby Street Resource Center By Roland Barksdale-Hall, Quinby Street Resource Center
Andrew P. Jackson, retiring director, Langston Hughes Library and Cultural Center, Queens, New York, has selected the Quinby Street Resource Center as one of the recipients of his vast personal cultural collection. Over a career of teaching and professional library service he built a collection with a strong emphasis on African American culture and life. His decision was made after reading the article, “Book Award is King at Quinby Street: Grant Brings Collection to Library,” appearing on the front page of the July 12, 2016 edition of the Sharon Herald.
“I am so glad my books can have library director said and expressed if it were not for groups like the a new life and fill the need of your personal satisfaction. American Library Association library and your community.” Coretta Scott King Book Donation “I've donated portions of my Jackson said. Grant and distinguished librarian collection to two other library leaders like Mr. Jackson and “We appreciate the generosity of projects, and this is part of the publishers like Tony Rose.” Mr. Jackson. His ongoing donation cycle our books and other materials indeed will support our literacy should take, just like our lives.” Rose donated copies of the African efforts, cultural clubs and enrich Jackson reflected. American Family Guide to Tracing our community for generations to Our Roots, Healing, Understanding “We simply would not be able to come.” Roland Barksdale-Hall, & Restoring Our Families, which acquire these types of materials, Quinby Street Resource Center were used by Barksdale-Hall in 22 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 23
teaching a popular Tracing Your Barksdale-Hall uses books in Financial Literacy for Patrons. Over the next four days of progressive stands. We must actual harm in abiding “community Roots workshop. Rose is a BCALA storytelling. He was the keynote #Libraries4BlackLives was born: a acknowledge that this tension exists standards” that privilege the powerful Mr. Jackson is a past president of member and publisher of Amber storyteller for the playgroup website (http://libraries4blacklives. both in librarianship and in academia. at the expense of the powerless. the Black Caucus of the American Communications. He also donated graduation. Graduates actively org/), a hashtag (https://twitter. Library Association. Through Storytime Underground recently took So, what do we do when our copies of his autobiography, participated in the program. Play com/libs4blacklives), a call to Mr. Jackson’s efforts Melaine a decisive stand in School Library community is not ready or willing America the Black Point of View, group graduates will be starting conscience and action (http://action. Small, has expressed an interest Journal, calling out the fallacy of to embrace social change? As one which tells the story of his youth in kindergarten in the fall. movementforblacklives.org/). We in donating materials for youth neutrality and calling the profession recent article (http://www.vox. Boston’s public housing. aimed to create a dynamic forum for to take a “critical eye to the prejudices com/2016/7/24/12236580/black- Coworkers threw Barksdale-Hall a in our community. The donation resource sharing that could deepen embedded in the profession’s past lives-matter-support-civil-rights- “We need more Tony Roses surprise birthday party in a newly to Quinby Street Resource Center racial equity work in our libraries and used our collective political movement) pointed out, the civil and Andrew P. Jacksons in our decorated library. Barksdale- from the personal collection of and communities. We reached 4,000 power to fight against censorship, rights movement was considered community.” Barksdale-Hall noted Hall is thankful. He recognizes Andrew P. Jackson includes books, people in one week. Thousands more defend patron privacy, and create too confrontational in its day too. reading does make a difference. his success is due in a large part DVDs, CDs, videos and a colorful since. The main feedback so far: inclusive spaces for all members of After the March on Washington He pointed to the success of a to community connections and “Celebrate African American resounding agreement that Black our communities.” Another recent and Mississippi Freedom Summer, summer book giveaway for youth at coworkers. He has a book chapter, History” banner. The Quinby Street Lives Matter, and vocal thanks for article (http://www.aaihs.org/ the American National Election the Chavers Center, our graduates “Collaboration Fits the Bill for Resource Center is a 2016 recipient the tools and invitation to engage in the-black-intellectual-tradition-and- Studies (http://electionstudies.org/ attending college and other success Best Practices in Programming of the American Library Association responsive librarianship. the-myth-of-objectivity/) on Black studypages/1964prepost/nes1964. stories he has witnessed. for Public Housing Residents” in Coretta Scott King Book Donation Now it’s time to develop those intellectual tradition explores W.E.B. pdf) found that “57 percent of The Library’s Role in Supporting Grant Award. resources, share tools and engage. We DuBois’ awakening to the futility Americans in 1964 said most of black urge others to join us. On August 26 of objectivity. “Du Bois’s disavowal people’s actions during the we will be hosting a national phone of the idea of objectivity was also a civil rights movement in the most call. We will be asking: What do you condemnation of its racialized use.” recent year were violent.... And a need to engage in this work locally majority... believed that black “As Du Bois would admit in his Libraries 4 Black Lives and nationally? We will additionally people’s actions for the movement By Jessica Anne Bratt, Amita Lonial, Sarah Lawton and Amy Sonnie discuss the Movement for Black Lives autobiographical writings, it made hurt their own cause.” platform (See “A Vision for Black no difference if one was a ‘calm, Librarians during this era had a Lives” https://policy.m4bl.org/ ) and cool, and detached’ academic LAUNCHING respective libraries (in California, (http://www.whitecoats4blacklives. choice to make: act as gatekeepers #LIBRARIES4BLACKLIVES its application to libraries, archives while [lynching victim] Hose’s Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan) org/about) and museum workers for prevailing (white) community In a single twenty-four hour period, and librarianship. burnt remains sat in a storefront asking once again: What does our (https://incluseum.com/2014/12/22/ standards and power, or break ranks we watched the murders of Alton window. His killers had abandoned community need from us in this joint-statement-from-museum- WHY MAKE STATEMENTS? and use both influence and resources Sterling and Philando Castile unfold. objectivity a long time ago.” moment? All four of us felt the answer bloggers-colleagues-on-ferguson- The Truth About Library Tradition to be part of a movement for civil We were reminded of the countless went beyond book lists and displays related-events/). Amita Lonial #L4BL is a call to conscience, to Just as DuBois notes the impossibility rights and social change. Today, acts of brutality against Black on institutional racism and policing emailed us – three library colleagues action and to responsibility for racial of remaining objective in the face of we name awards after librarians people, seen and unseen, recent reforms (though we’ve created those working to put racial equity into equity and social justice. To some dehumanization, there is a certainly who did the latter (like E.J. Josey, and past. Relentless. too). Our communities were crying practice – suggesting a library this will seem too controversial. To impossibility in the idea of a neutral Margaret Edwards and Ruth Brown). out for more and we’d been inspired statement supporting the Movement Over the next few days, we grieved others, it will reinforce the pride library professional if libraries are Yet, we talk less about the way we by Black Lives Matter solidarity for Black Lives. We all agreed this was with loved ones, took action in our we feel in a profession with strong also centers for civic engagement were complicit in contemporary statements from medical students long overdue. communities, and showed up at our ethical standards and a long history and community building. There is segregation and institutional racism.
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Continued from page 5 @Libs4BlackLives This is not an exhaustive list. Proposals are welcome from anyone involved in libraries, archives, and information science. Contributions from people of color, those who belong to communities underrepresented in LIS, and those who work in school and public libraries are strongly encouraged. Essays that are straightforward scholarship are invited and welcome, as are more hybrid or creative approaches that incorporate scholarly writing with personal narrative, illustrations, graphics, or other strategies consistent with feminist and antiracist methodologies.
This collection will contain papers and essays of approximately 2000 – 5000 words. Proposals should include an abstract We need to talk about this history made the space for those It is a resource to help connect people of no more than 500 words describing the proposed contribution and a short biographical statement. Send proposals to now. We need to ask how and where conversations possible. and elevate a shared set of priorities. [email protected] by October 28, 2016. we have opportunities now to uphold Let us, as a profession and as Where we go from here is up to all of the principles of our profession while community leaders, use it as a tool to us. We urge libraries to read the “The more boldly embracing our role engage our communities in learning Movement for Black Lives” platform as change agents and partners in and discussion. and to begin conversations about its dismantling institutional racism and meaning for our work, communities Library workers can and should other forms of oppression. and collaborations. support the Movement for Black BECOME A BCALA MEMBER! We have struggled to define ourselves Lives and organize employee and The Movement for Black Lives is as a profession in relationship/ community dialogues to consider a national network of nearly 50 response to all historical social where the movement’s platform Please join online ( http://www.memberize.com/clubpor- organizations. In the aftermath change movements. We have to face aligns with or pushes our work BCALA of Ferguson, these organizations tal/ClubStatic.cfm?clubID=2381&pubmenuoptID=25322 ) that struggle now. And L4BL is a clear forward. We must view this work not MEMBERSHIP began working together to articulate clarion call that we should not sit this as taking sides, but as supporting core or use the Membership Form (http://bcala.org/mem- a comprehensive agenda. They FEES one out under the cover of neutrality principles of inclusion and equity. bers/memberjoin.pdf) to mail your membership convened focus groups, economic and community comfort These values are key underpinnings experts, lawyers and a variety of ++ CORPORATE $200 request and payment to: for library services and are necessary other collaborators to capture the + INSTITUTIONAL $60 CHOOSING THE SIDE OF prerequisites for a democratic society. + BCALA, INC. – MEMBERSHIP aspirations of struggling LOVE AND JUSTICE c/o Rudolph Clay Jr. local communities. We launched this network to support ++ REGULAR $45 Black Lives Matter to us. As Black library workers who want to take Box 7493 people, as family, as neighbors, public The platform is not perfect and is ++ INSTITUTIONS $60 responsibility for creating the world 6985 Snow Way Blvd. servants and human beings. not utopian. Instead it is a living we all deserve. Our hope moving + STUDENT $10 document that exists to inspire + St. Louis, MO 63130-4400 forward is to create an ongoing digital We are proud to see so many libraries local communities to dialogue and space where library workers can share ++ RETIRED $25 showing support for Black Lives action. It is a tool to engage Black resources and strategies for engaging Matter through booklists, programs communities in defining solutions ++ LIBRARY SUPPORT STAFF $20 their communities and institutions on and passionate dialogue about how to problems along with a vision for For inquiries regarding membership or anything else these issues. ++ LIFETIME $500 neutrality in libraries is not only peace. The platform acknowledges about BCALA, please submit queries to unattainable but immoral in the struggles other communities of color Join us. http://bcala.org/contacts/. face of injustice. We simply must face and the problem of poverty, Libraries4blacklives.org remember that the movement environmental devastation and more. @libs4blacklives 28 Book Review: Black Inventors: Crafting Over 200 Years of Success
29 Expanding on the Diversity Residency Concept
31 Book Review - NOBODY: Causalities of America’s War on the Vulnerable,
from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond
33 Youth Corner Book Review: The Boy in the Black Suit
34 Information Literacy Skills For Seniors Transitioning to Incoming Freshmen
36 Book Review: The King Inside: Practical Advice for Young
African American Males
37 Youth Corner Book Review - X: a Novel 38 ESSA, School Libraries, and What it Means to/for Me OP-ED 28 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 29
Inventors at Colleges and Universities on the scale of Black inventorship music, and broadcasting (television Book Review: Black Inventors: in the United States" begins pretty of 20th century Boley, Oklahoma in and radio). succinctly, ultimately imparting that comparison to the rest of the A few closing notes: cosmetically, the Crafting Over 200 Years "sixty-eight HBCU attendees and United States. only images included are of maps that graduates have produced over seven Unfortunately, not even the lengthy have blurry, largely illegible print. of Success hundred patents", followed by two table of contents will help the An index of featured inventors is By Christine Iko tables that show the institutional reader avoid the book's fluff, which included, as are a "Bibliography and affiliations of select inventors along is interspersed with interesting Works Cited" and "Recommended with the number of patents they are facts. However, Holmes’ accessible Reading List." 179 pages. B&W. ISBN credited with. However, the section language and conversational tone 978-0-9799573-0-7 Publisher: Global Editor's note: BCALA News typically “Black Inventors: Crafting Over 200 (e.g. images of people and patents, oddly ends in a synopsis that begins makes it bearable to carry on, as Black Inventor Research Projects, Inc. only allows reviews for books Years of Success” (2008) highlights lengthier biographical profiles, etc.); "Black inventors in the United States do unanticipated finds, such as the –Christine I., MLIS, MD State Library published or republished within the contributions of people of African however, you would be forfeiting come from geographically diverse portion of the book which focuses Resource Center last three years, but allowed this descent throughout the world. The contemporary accounts, particularly areas: small towns, medium-sized and on trademarks, especially in the review due to the subject matter bulk of the book is comprised of of Blacks outside of the United States. major cities," and goes on to reflect industries of video games, sports, and potential usefulness as a sections of sentence length accounts, Accordingly, the organization of arranged according to the inventor's reference resource. “Black Inventors: Crafting Over state or country of residence. A typical 200 Years of Success” is a reflection account includes the inventor's of the book's strength, which is its name, a brief description of the uncommon approach in featuring invention, and the year the patent was inventors from Africa and its diaspora. granted; however, sometimes more Expanding on the Diversity One would be hard-pressed to find biographical details or an explanation a release that offers similar content, of the utility of the invention are Residency Concept perhaps because compilation of this included. By Jason Alston, University of South Carolina information is presumably tedious, as The organization of these accounts by governing bodies (e.g. U.S. Patent and
location, opposed to chronologically Trademark Office) do not include race I hope to soon be defending my entry level program for professionals residencies” do tend to have some or thematically, is a drawback, or ethnicity in their records. Author dissertation. The subject of my who have recently received the MLS form of diversity component. inherently hurting the book’s ability Keith C. Holmes has reportedly been dissertation is diversity residency degree from a program accredited by Typically, either the person hired into to create a coherent narrative about conducting the research that is the programs and I can’t wait to share my the American Library Association.” the diversity residency is an ethnic a tradition or legacy of inventors of foundation of this book since 1988. findings with the BCALA family and minority and/or the person hired as Not all library residencies are African descent as the title might greater librarian community. First, the resident is expected to perform While the variety of the “diversity residencies”; schools such suggest. A recommended alternative just very quickly, not everyone knows some diversity-related task during aforementioned accounts make the as North Carolina State University is “Black Inventors from Africa to what a diversity residency is. The the residency. The aim of diversity title highly browsable, a reader who is have post-MLS residency programs America” (1995), by C.R. Gibbs, Association for Library & Information residencies tends to be to recruit and looking for analyses may get frustrated that don’t specifically include a which offers a more thorough account Science Education (ALISE) has retain ethnic minorities in American that the book lacks a sense of order. diversity component. Residencies of ancient African innovations and defined a residency as, “post-degree libraries, where such practitioners For example, the section titled "Black that are deemed “diversity inventions among other conventions work experience designed as an are underrepresented in comparison
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Continued from previous page
to the percentage of the total U.S. person every 2-3 years who is a new should put professionals into prime position to help institutions second master’s degree free and this practitioner a bit less in order population that they comprise. professional with new ideas, insights positions they may not have gotten consider access barriers they’d never something the resident does on the to pay for tuition for this resident, and often technological savvy that to as quickly otherwise. Those who considered before. I also think the job? In these situations, there’d be no but I see this as a great way to build Diversity residencies vary from can infuse the organization with undertake residencies or fellowships differently abled can challenge some rotating. The residents would spend bridges with academic units, and this host institution to host institution. energy and innovation. These people and then settle into positions that negative institutionalized norms their full 2-3 year term in reference may be a good way to get librarians Some diversity residencies require are likely to be able to help public they may have acquired easily at institutions because being a and instruction and would learn with solid backgrounds in non- capstones while others do not. libraries discover new and better without those experiences may open good and understanding coworker departmental liaison duties. During humanities and non-social science Some diversity residencies rotate ways to be vital to their patrons. planners to questions on whether or to a differently abled colleague this residency term, the librarian fields such as the hard sciences, the resident through different Especially for public libraries that not the residencies/ fellowships are requires patience and a desire would be expected to learn how nursing, public administration, departments at the host library serve largely Black and Latino truly transformative. But there are to be accommodating. to be a reference and instruction law, and business. Because the while others do not. Residencies populations but employ largely going to be situations where diversity librarian but would also be expected resident is not rotating into various are temporary appointments, white practitioners, hosting diversity residents are going to settle into * CONTINUING GRADUATE to complete a master’s level program departments, they will have the usually lasting 1-3 years. It should residencies would be a way to think permanent jobs with a more entry- EDUCATION RESIDENCIES. at the host institution. The goal here, time to be full time employees and be noted though, that all properly about collections and services offered level flavor. Those who complete If we want librarians to have a of course, would be to produce a students; class attendance would termed diversity residencies are and try to mine their residents for management or administrative second masters, we’re hosting them professional who really understands probably be done on the clock, but for professionals who have already ideas for improvement. Efforts must fellowships, however, will already at universities, and we can’t pay the coursework, research methods, homework on the resident’s earned an MLS degree. be cooperative and collaborative, have a good deal of professional what some who have two masters and upper-level theory of the own time. degrees think they should earn, then But I would still like to see the idea however; new professionals shouldn’t experience and may be more likely discipline they’re earning this degree why not at least make achieving that of diversity residencies and the idea be expected to come in and quickly to find themselves in management in. The host library may have to pay of fellowships for ethnic minority “fix” institutional shortcomings. positions soon after completing professionals in general expanded a the fellowship since they’ve * DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT/ already demonstrated the drive, bit. Here are four things that I hope ADMINISTRATIVE FELLOWSHIPS. determination and the loyalty to see become more popular. Technically, because residencies are to the profession. “entry-level”, my idea here would not * DIVERSITY RESIDENCIES AT be properly termed a “residency”. Book Review - NOBODY: PUBLIC LIBRARIES. * RESIDENCIES FOR However, after talking with one of The active diversity residencies that I THE DISABLED OR my research participants during DIFFERENTLY ABLED. am aware of are hosted by academic Causalities of America’s War my dissertation data gathering, One experience I will never forget libraries (the Online Computer I couldn’t help but like her ideas is having an LIS student question Library Center is a non-library entity on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson surrounding fellowships specifically why she was not eligible for diversity that at least at one point hosted a for ethnic minorities that would positions when she had a severe diversity residency program for LIS to Flint and Beyond identify professionals of color physical disability that put her at professionals). But to my knowledge By Dominique Luster, Teenie Harris Archivist, Carnegie Museum of Art who demonstrate potential for a disadvantage as far as seeking there are no active diversity management or administrative work employment. The differently abled residencies at any American public and teach these professionals how are a relevant population when we libraries. I would love to see this BY: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Freddie Gray. Tamir Rice. Trayvon This social-political-economic to become effective managers or talk about diversity and serving a change. One benefit to institutions RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2016 Martin. NOBODY. “This is a book entanglement created by Dr. Marc administrators. My personal opinion diverse patron base. I personally that host diversity residencies is Michael Brown. Jordan Davis. Eric about what it means to be no- Lamont Hill offers an undeniably is that residencies and fellowships think the differently abled are in body” (Hill). that they are bringing aboard a new Garner. Sandra Blank. Walter Scott. eye-opening perspective look at the
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often overlooked groundwork for The arguments posed throughout was the same ‘NOBODY’ as the other which racism in American has been the text more assert questions of the 98 percent African American high built upon. Through this book, Dr. historical fabric that develop identity school graduating class, which lost its Hill seeks to challenge the psycho- and sociopolitical constructs that accreditation due to consistently low logical notion of “the other” as com- define the law. He strives to educate test scores. Yet, it is here, in the social Youth Corner Book Review: pared to the ‘normal’ or most overtly his readers on how the state of Black construction of inconsequentiality, to ‘nobody.’ The seeming impetus for America has led to these facts. Each that Dr. Hill demands the attention The Boy in the Black Suit this work is the very notion that the chapter meticulously analyzes vari- of his readers. We must confront the By Karen Lemmons victims explored in the book were ous politically and economically op- undeniable social constructs that not super-predators or even political pressive environments surrounding have gripped individual lives and activists, but rather more ordinary the loss of Black life; how the Black communities with over a century’s wife, his father drinks. This is a urban city. Before his mom died, citizens who were just as equally the body has come to be NOBODY. worth of segregated and oppressive sad time indeed, and Matt decides Matt lived with both parents. He is victims of a broken system as they laws and culture norms that should he needs a job to help with the a high school senior and has a best Beginning with one of the most publi- were of police brutality. Jaywalking, dare allow a man, identified by the household finances. Matt thinks friend name Chris. Chris is a good cally known cases of fatal police bru- playing loud music, failing to signal color of his skin, to be effortlessly re- about working at Cluck Bucket, a fast best friend for Matt, and he provides tality, Dr. Hill challenges his readers a lane change, making eye contact categorized as NOBODY. food restaurant. The wages are okay just enough humor and honesty to understand that Michael Brown, as with a police officer, selling loosies, and an attractive young girl name to help Matt. Matt is interested in far as the rest of the world was con- Works like these, presented by Dr. fleeing a traffic citation, holding a Lovey works there. Just as he was girls, and when he meets Lovey, the cerned, was simply considered a no- Hill, are especially important with realistic-looking toy gun or [simply] ready to complete an application relationship slowly develops. Lovey, body. He was not an activist; he was the exponential rise of the Black being a stranger re-categorized them at Cluck Bucket, Mr. Ray, a funeral is a caring and assertive young not a hero; he was not giving rallies Lives Matter Movement as he offers owner, offers Matt a job at a funeral woman who helps Matt deals with his in society as ‘other.’ But how does or leading marches. Michael Brown an easily accessible entry into a vastly home. Matt accepts the job and thus emotions. Mr. Ray, the funeral owner the ‘other’ happen? Dr. Hill offers was the same ‘NOBODY’ as every complex history of racial inequality, begins his healing process. is a positive and strong role model what might be the most insightful other Black victim of racist housing racial profiling, and criminal justice for Matt and the man that Matt needs sociology lesson marketable to the Jason Reynolds is a master storyteller conditions looking to survive small discrimination. This book should be while his father recovers. masses through this compellingly who writes stories that are real, town Ferguson, MO. Michael Brown considered an educational launching writing book. emotional, and, at times humorous. A good story with relatable characters point for any socially conscious indi- To handle grief by working in a living in the city. Read it. Most Americans, either through vidual seeking to equip themselves funeral home seems a bit unusual, word of mouth, social media, or news with the necessary tools to make but it works in this story. Matt outlets, are grotesquely familiar with sound, well-informed arguments observes all the different funerals, a number of incidents of fatal police regarding systematic racism in the and the ways in which people handle brutality of usually unarmed Black United States. Additionally, this book THE BOY IN THE BLACK SUIT BY their grief. Although the story men and women since the death of is also well adjusted to serve as a JASON REYNOLDS. 255 pages. centers around the funeral home Trayvon Martin in 2013. Dr. Hill reference tool for more well-informed Atheneum Books for Young and the different funerals, Reynolds Readers. $17.99. Ages 12 and up. opens his book with an acceptance, or scholarly activists to not only re- weaves in other aspects of urban life through a homeless shelter, hospital, of sorts, regarding these tragedies. ground themselves in the micro-pic- The statement that “everyone grieves school, and neighborhood. No one is here to argue the series ture but also to prepare themselves to in their own way” resonates in this of events that make up the fatal share and educate their communities story. Since the death of his mother, The characters are real, full of moments in these lost lives. Nor is on complex topics in ways that are Matt is wearing a black suit every emotion, with a sense of humor, anyone here to disagree with the re- motivating, tangible and relatable. day. To cope with the death of his and just regular people living in an sults of these interactions with police. 34 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 35
most and least beneficial. They were likely means to answer them. technology by properly selecting,
Information Literacy Skills very honest with me in sharing their »»Search strategies, particularly acquiring, and citing resources. thoughts. Website evaluation was the Boolean logic. »»If our school is fortunate enough most beneficial. Their least beneficial For Seniors Transitioning to »»Find, evaluate, and select appro- to retain the same staff from last was my extensive instruction and priate sources to answer questions. year, I also plan to collaborate with Incoming Freshmen assignments on our state databases. These sources would include pri- an English teacher, and perhaps a social studies teacher, and an By Karen Lemmons, Library Media Specialist, Detroit School of Arts My students did enjoy creating mary and secondary sources, as well projects, particularly PowerPoints as articles from databases, and other academic librarian from our nearby on banned books, and creating a search engines: i.e., Duckduckgo, university to implement an inquiry project for our students. If we suc- My additional responsibilities as a academic research. My own research reliability. Additional literature and Kahoot game. Sweetsearch, and Google Scholar. cessfully coordinate this project, school library media specialist include concluded similar results. One study studies indicate similar results. High »»Evaluate information found in They also liked creating an interactive students may be able to visit the teaching a one semester course in conducted in 2011 by Paula Winward, school students lack sufficient skills in selected sources on the basis of image using Thinglink. For the most university library, and experi- computer applications. Presently a graduate student at the University information literacy. (Frankl, 2010) accuracy, validity, appropriateness part, the students said there were ence how to access the university this course is required and students of Northern Iowa, indicated that These same studies suggested and/or for needs, importance, and social some benefits in all the assignments databases and other resources. We and cultural context. usually take this course in their senior faculty noticed students had difficulty recommended that secondary schools given; they just felt I gave them “too hope that this project will help our year. This course has no defined and using periodical databases and with high school librarians would »»Read, view, and listen for students further apply and transfer much.” Reflecting on my instruction prescribed curriculum. Therefore, knowing where to look for good be very effective in teaching these information in any format in the information skills they need strategies, the assignments, and the teacher has some flexibility in Internet sources. Furthermore, faculty information literacy skills. order to make inferences and to complete this project. Upon whether or not the students really teaching the content. The previous noticed that students lacked practice gather meaning. completion of this project, we hope possess the necessary information I was a recent panelist at a one day our students will understand the teacher taught the basic and advance and confidence in forming complex »»Make sense of information conference with public, school, literacy skills they need as incoming necessity of possessing these skills features and tips of Microsoft ideas in research. Faculty stated that gathered from diverse sources by and academic librarians. Part freshmen, I know that some of my as incoming freshmen. Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This students had a tendency to select identifying misconceptions, main of our discussion focused on assignments need some fine-tuning information is indeed useful and quick answers without evaluating and supporting ideas, conflicting in- WORKS CITED and some need to be eliminated entering freshmen and their lack formation, and point of view or bias. students will definitely benefit from sources, and they were unable to Frankl, E. S. (December 23, 2010). of information literacy skills. We altogether. Using their information, creating word documents, excel recognize useful information in a »»Apply critical thinking skills A Study of the Information Literacy agreed that information literacy skills plus the literature, the AASL and spreadsheets, and PowerPoints. biased source. (Winward, 2011) (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, Skills Among Entering College Stu- should and need to be taught to high International Society for Technology However, when I began teaching this organization) to information. dents (Unpublished master's thesis). In another study conducted in 2010 school students. We also agreed that in Education Standards, I plan to course, I took a different approach. »»Organize knowledge so that Queens College of the City University by Evan S. Frankl, at Queens College collaboration between the high school be more strategic in my instruction itis useful. of New York. While an attendee at an American of the City University of New York, librarian, subject area teacher, and an and providing more in-depth »» Use technology and other WINWARD, PAULA, Association of School Librarians the results were similar. Although academic librarian could provide the assignments. My focus will be on information tools to analyze "Are students ready for post- (AASL) national conference a few students were very familiar with powerful instruction that our students the following skills in order for my and organize information. secondary research?" (2011). years ago, I attended a session Google, few were familiar Google’s need to become more information students to be information literate Graduate Research Papers. Paper 5. Use the writing process, media on high school students and their advanced search features and with literate. The challenge is coordinating incoming freshmen. »» and visual literacy, and technology http://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/5 information literacy skills as incoming Google Scholar. Although students this effort. »»Understand that research is a skills to create products that express freshmen. The presenters, whose may be aware that some websites process of planned inquiry. This brings me back to my computer new understandings. names I cannot remember, reported may contain inaccurate or false applications course. At the end of »»Demonstrate how to ask a range that most high school students information, students lacked sufficient »»Model legal and ethical behav- each semester, I ask students which of questions throughout the re- iors when using information and lacked certain information literacy skills to effectively evaluate the search process and speculate about assignments they thought were the skills to conduct scholarly and website for its validity, accuracy and 36 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 37
Book Review: The King Inside: Youth Corner Book Review - Practical Advice for Young X: a Novel African American Males Book Review by Karen Lemmons By Roland Barksdale-Hall, Mercer County Mentoring X: A Novel by Ilyasah Shabazz Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of of information and adding their and Kekla Magoon. Malcolm X, and Kekla Magoon team artistic license to create this story.
Angelise M. Rouse, an educator, promote leadership in identifying 348 pp. Candlewick Press. $16.99. up to write a historical fictional History is integrated throughout (Young adult; ages 14 and up) chooses to focus upon how an African and building healthy relationships account of Malcolm Little’s life from this story as Malcolm lives through American male can become a king and with friends and females. App Six, the time he left Lansing, Michigan, to the depression, World War II and leader in his community. In The King Self-Empowerment Foundation, his imprisonment. Using historical the Civil Rights Movement. The Inside: Practical Advice for Young and App Seven, Money Foundation, documents, family stories, and other shifting from past to present may be African American Male, an easy-read focus upon drive to be successful primary sources of information, problematic and confusing for some. loaded with valuable information, from working to investment and Shabazz and Magoon craft a story However, Shabazz and Magoon Dr. Rouse provides Young African entrepreneurial activities. The author rich with emotion, realism, and minimize that confusion with American Males a path to greatness. discusses the importance of a solid history. An image of a hanging man, subheadings of dates and times in The title derives its name from an character and good reputation. App his father murdered, mother taken each chapter. Writing the story event in Disney’s Lion King. Mufasa Ten, Pay-It –Forward, highlights to a mental institution are just a in first person adds authenticity tells Simba there is a king inside of the significance of a passion, social few of the experiences that impact and credibility as Malcolm describes you. In her professional experience responsibility, travel, fraternities Malcolm’s life in a powerful way. what he sees, feels, and thinks. she has found many youth languishing and professional networking. The Malcolm’s hustling life in Boston and Many readers will be able to identify due to a lack of a strong foundation. King Inside: Practical Advice for Harlem are experiences that shape with these thoughts and feelings, Young African American Males is Malcolm’s lifestyle and, ultimately, and hopefully, like Malcolm, Dr. Rouse looks at ten steps, presented highly recommended for young adult land him in prison. However, as become empowered. as “Apps”, to success and provides collections and as a gift book. much as these experiences impacted “King Initiatives” to take. App One, education. Manufacturing positions In the back of the book, Shabazz and shaped Malcolm’s life, they Family Foundation, discusses the are presented as on a decline. states that she considers it an don’t control or define him. Malcolm importance of family, both extended honor and privilege to tell the story App Three, Spiritual Foundation, “I am Malcolm.” knows he is his father’s son, but and fictive, along with the significance of Malcolm X’s life and work. I looks at how to mesh feeling about “I am Malcolm Little.” he can choose to live differently. of guideline and rules. App Two, am so glad that she accepted the self, others, art and eating habits. Thankfully for us, Malcolm does. Educational Foundation, argues that responsibility to write this incredible App Four, Mentoring Foundation, is “I am my father’s son.” the path to achieving a career through Shabazz and Magoon do an excellent story. Read it for yourself and decide. a critical chapter that discusses what an education is more attainable than job combining all the sources a mentor is, why you benefit from becoming a professional athlete. a mentor relationship, and how to While she mentions both vocational find a mentor. App Five, Friendship, education and college, she chooses and App Nine, Female Foundation, to focus upon a path to higher 38 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 39
strategies in reading and writing from communities to— ‘ the NAEP. In Detroit, the challenge ESSA, School Libraries, & early education through grade 12; ‘(1) provide all students with access is even more difficult. In June 2016, to a well-rounded education; the Michigan legislature created a new In Section 2224, Subgrants to Eligible ‘‘(2) improve school conditions for Detroit Public School Community What it Means to/for Me Entities in Support of Kindergarten student learning; and District with conditional funding By Karen Lemmons, Library Media Specialist, Detroit School of Arts Through Grade 12 Literacy, (4) Local ‘‘(3) improve the use of technology and support. Detroit ranks near the Applications, in (c) Local Uses of Funds in order to improve the academic bottom in statewide assessment scores for Kindergarten Through Grade Five achievement and digital literacy of all and student proficiency. Detroit has I, along with thousands of other school for library resources and materials. that was set forth by the ESEA of and in (d) Local Uses of Funds for students. few, if any, school librarians in the librarians, was glad when The Every As a student in a public school at that 1965. However, the ESSA does include Grade Six Through Grade 12, school elementary/middle schools. I am one Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) passed time, I remembered every school I school libraries and school librarians in librarians are included in professional Included in this part, is “access to of a few school librarians in the high in December, 2015. This act includes attended had a library managed by a broader context. development to support, develop, school libraries” found in the section schools. If Detroit and Michigan want school library programs and school a school librarian. I also remember administer, and evaluate high-quality under state activities. In Title I, Part A, Section 1112 - Local to rank higher, they must include librarians as partners in helping reading books identified as purchased comprehensive literacy instruction Educational Agency Plans, authorizes Inclusion of effective school libraries effective school library programs into students achieve academically. Words with ESEA funds. At that time, I didn’t initiatives. In Section 2226 - Innovative the state to indicate, at least at the national ESSA implementation. like funding and Title I thrilled my understand the identification, nor did Approaches to Literacy (IAL): level, the impact and role effective ears. Working in a Title I school with I care. As a student who loved reading ‘‘(B) assist schools in developing I have taken some steps. I responded to ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—From amounts school libraries have on the academic no budget for library resources, the and had access to books, I was very effective school library programs our Michigan Department Education reserved under section 2201(2), achievement of students. This also passage of ESSA was the answer to grateful. to provide students an opportunity Survey on ESSA Implementation. In the Secretary may award grants, recognizes the role of an effective my budget request. I began talking to develop digital literacy skills and each applicable section, I stated the Times are much different now. The contracts, or cooperative agreements, school librarian as an instructional with my principal about the ESSA improve academic achievement.” need for effective school libraries and political, social and economic culture on a competitive basis, to eligible partner. This recognition is a and the possibility/reality of a library school librarians and their impact and climate are different. Education In Title II, Part A - Supporting Effective entities for the purposes of promoting welcomed first step. However, budget. I am so ready for this funding! and role on student achievement. is different with the bombardment of Instruction, under State Activities, literacy programs that support the there are some additional steps to However, obtaining this funding will be Another school library media assessments that allegedly determine a under types of state activities (B) (xiii), development of literacy skills in low- take, and it is incumbent upon the a challenge. specialist, a professor at Wayne State student’s academic achievement. The states are authorized (not required) income communities, including— school librarian to follow through on University, and I are included in an Historically, the ESSA is establishment and influx of charter to use grant and subgrant funds for ‘‘(1) developing and enhancing these steps. The next step involves Innovation Approaches to Literacy Reauthorization of the ESEA Act of schools, online schools, and other “supporting the instructional services effective school library programs, convincing the local school districts grant, which we hope will be funded. I 1965. In that Act, Title II, Section 201 education programs provide parents provided by effective school library which may include providing and the state educational agencies on will continue talks with my principal, specifically authorized (not required) with more educational choices for their programs.” professional development for school the importance and impact of effective demonstrating my effectiveness as an funds for school library resources children. Technology has impacted librarians, books, and up-to-date school libraries and school librarians. Under Title II, Part B, Subpart 2 - instructional partner and as a school and materials. Furthermore, each our personal, business, and social lives materials to high-need schools;. . .” library program administrator. Any state had to submit a detailed plan for greatly. Literacy Education For All, Results for In Michigan, this step is challenging. other steps that I may be called upon expenditures for the sole purchase of the Nation. The purpose of which is Finally, in Title IV, Part A - Student Michigan ranks 47th in the nation To reflect this changing landscape, to take, I will do. If there ever was an library resources and materials. Please described below: Support and Academic Enrichment in terms of the ratio of students The ESSA reauthorization of the ESEA opportunity and need to advocate for find the relevant portions from this Grants, the ESSA authorizes support to per certified school librarian. The of 1965, eliminates, adds, and revises (1) to improve student academic school libraries and school librarians, link: https://federaleducationpolicy. reduction and elimination of school information to meet the current and achievement in reading and writing ‘‘The purpose of this subpart is this is it. If any of you have an wordpress.com/2011/02/19/1965- libraries occurred during the same future needs of students enrolled in by providing Federal support to to improve students’ academic opportunity to advocate for school elementary-and-secondary-education- time that Michigan’s reading scores public, private and charter schools. States to develop, revise, or update achievement by increasing the libraries and school librarians, I hope act/ Although this act authorized (not as measured by the NAEP dropped. Unfortunately, the ESSA eliminates the comprehensive literacy instruction capacity of States, local educational you will do your part. We thank you in required) support for school libraries, In 2015, Michigan was ranked 41st specific provision for school libraries plans that, when implemented, ensure agencies, schools, and local advance for your support. many public schools received funding in 4th grade reading achievement on high-quality instruction and effective SPECIAL SECTION Carla Hayden
42 Dr. Carla Hayden to serve as the next Librarian of Congress
43 Senate Voting Results for Dr. Carla Hayden Confirmation as Librarian of Congress
45 Carla Hayden Round-Up: What They’re Saying
46 What the ‘First Black Woman’ Librarian of Congress Means
48 My Personal Perspective on the Library of Congress Confirmation Process
Images in this section provided by Roswell Encina, Pratt Library, and Rose Dawson, Alexandria Library. 42 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 43
Dr. Carla Hayden to serve as Senate Voting Results for the next Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden Confirmation By: Shawnda Hines, ALA as Librarian of Congress By BCALA Publications Committee President Julie Todaro. “She holds information services and the Editor’s Note: The following is a all of the professional competencies profession of librarianship in order to reposted press release. needed to successfully lead the enhance learning and ensure access to On July 13, the U.S. Senate voted 74-18 to confirm Dr. Carla Hayden as the next Librarian of Congress. Hayden’s nation’s library. information for all. appointment will be a ten-year appointment. Eight senators did not vote on the matter. The following is a listing of how each senator voted. “There is no doubt that Dr. Hayden Contact: CHICAGO – Today (July 13, will have a positive impact by leading Shawnda Hines ALABAMA: Sessions (R-AL), Not Voting Shelby (R-AL), Not Voting 2016) the U.S. Senate approved the efforts to establish a more modern Press Officer ALASKA: Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Sullivan (R-AK), Yea nomination of Dr. Carla Hayden to approach to serving members of ALA Washington Office ARIZONA: Flake (R-AZ), Yea McCain (R-AZ), Nay serve as the nation’s 14th Librarian Congress, researchers and the public (202) 628-8410 ARKANSAS: Boozman (R-AR), Yea Cotton (R-AR), Nay of Congress. Dr. Hayden, American at large. Hayden holds a profound [email protected] CALIFORNIA: Boxer (D-CA), Yea Feinstein (D-CA), Yea Library Association (ALA) past understanding of the integral role COLORADO: Bennet (D-CO), Yea Gardner (R-CO), Yea president and director of the Enoch libraries play in formal education, CONNECTICUT: Blumenthal (D-CT), Yea Murphy (D-CT), Yea Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, community-based learning, and the DELAWARE: Carper (D-DE), Yea Coons (D-DE), Yea Maryland, is the first female and promotion of individual opportunity FLORIDA: Nelson (D-FL), Yea Rubio (R-FL), Nay the first African American to lead and community progress. I believe GEORGIA: Isakson (R-GA), Nay Perdue (R-GA), Nay the Library of Congress. She also is that through her visionary leadership HAWAII: Hirono (D-HI), Yea Schatz (D-HI), Yea the first professional librarian to be the Library of Congress will soon IDAHO: Crapo (R-ID), Nay Risch (R-ID), Nay confirmed in more than 60 years. mirror society’s rapidly changing ILLINOIS: Durbin (D-IL), Yea Kirk (R-IL), Nay information environment, while Dr. Hayden’s appointment comes INDIANA: Coats (R-IN), Nay Donnelly (D-IN), Yea successfully preserving the cultural IOWA: in the wake of the retirement of Ernst (R-IA), Nay Grassley (R-IA), Yea record of the United States.” KANSAS: Dr. James H. Billington and on the Moran (R-KS), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Not Voting KENTUCKY: McConnell (R-KY), Yea Paul (R-KY), Yea heels of a rigorous ALA grassroots The American Library Association LOUISIANA: Cassidy (R-LA), Nay Vitter (R-LA), Nay and social media campaign is the oldest and largest library MAINE: Collins (R-ME), Yea King (I-ME), Yea (#Hayden4LOC) that encouraged association in the world, with more MARYLAND: Cardin (D-MD), Yea Mikulski (D-MD), Yea thousands of library advocates to than 58,000 members in academic, MASSACHUSETTS: Markey (D-MA), Yea Warren (D-MA), Yea contact their Senators to support her public, school, government, and MICHIGAN: Peters (D-MI), Yea Stabenow (D-MI), Yea confirmation. special libraries. The mission of MINNESOTA: Franken (D-MN), Yea Klobuchar (D-MN), Yea the American Library Association “The library community is elated MISSISSIPPI: Cochran (R-MS), Not Voting Wicker (R-MS), Not Voting is to provide leadership for the that Dr. Hayden is our nation’s new MISSOURI: Blunt (R-MO), Yea McCaskill (D-MO), Yea development, promotion and Librarian of Congress,” stated ALA MONTANA: Daines (R-MT), Nay Tester (D-MT), Yea improvement of library and
Continued on next page 44 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 45
Continued from previous page
NEBRASKA: Fischer (R-NE), Yea Sasse (R-NE), Nay NEVADA: Heller (R-NV), Nay Reid (D-NV), Yea Carla Hayden Round-Up: NEW HAMPSHIRE: Ayotte (R-NH), Yea Shaheen (D-NH), Yea NEW JERSEY: Booker (D-NJ), Yea Menendez (D-NJ), Yea What They’re Saying NEW MEXICO: Heinrich (D-NM), Yea Udall (D-NM), Yea By: BCALA Publications Committee NEW YORK: Gillibrand (D-NY), Yea Schumer (D-NY), Yea NORTH CAROLINA: Burr (R-NC), Yea Tillis (R-NC), Yea NORTH DAKOTA: Heitkamp (D-ND), Yea Hoeven (R-ND), Yea * Please note, viewpoints in these links not necessarily shared by BCALA members or leadership OHIO: Brown (D-OH), Yea Portman (R-OH), Yea The Atlantic Weighs In: OKLAHOMA: Inhofe (R-OK), Not Voting Lankford (R-OK), Yea http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/07/carla-hayden-is-librarian-of-congress/491267/ OREGON: Merkley (D-OR), Yea Wyden (D-OR), Yea
PENNSYLVANIA: Casey (D-PA), Yea Toomey (R-PA), Yea Blavity’s Brief: http://blavity.com/carla-hayden-chosen-next-librarian-congress/ RHODE ISLAND: Reed (D-RI), Yea Whitehouse (D-RI), Yea SOUTH CAROLINA: Graham (R-SC), Yea Scott (R-SC), Nay Five Facts About Carla Hayden: http://fusion.net/story/273365/carla-hayden-librarian-of-congress-nominee-facts/ SOUTH DAKOTA: Rounds (R-SD), Not Voting Thune (R-SD), Yea It’s Time to Celebrate Carla Hayden: TENNESSEE: Alexander (R-TN), Yea Corker (R-TN), Yea http://hellogiggles.com/icymi-time-celebrate-carla-hayden-first-black-woman-librarian-congress-girl-power/ TEXAS: Cornyn (R-TX), Yea Cruz (R-TX), Nay
UTAH: Hatch (R-UT), Yea Lee (R-UT), Nay Library Journal Calls Confirmation “By Wide Margin”: VERMONT: Leahy (D-VT), Yea Sanders (I-VT), Not Voting http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2016/07/people/carla-d-hayden-confirmed-as-14th-librarian-of-congress-by-wide-margin/ VIRGINIA: Kaine (D-VA), Yea Warner (D-VA), Yea WASHINGTON: Cantwell (D-WA), Yea Murray (D-WA), Yea Nomination, Including Carla Hayden Testimony Before the Senate: WEST VIRGINIA: Capito (R-WV), Yea Manchin (D-WV), Yea https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-114shrg20359/pdf/CHRG-114shrg20359.pdf WISCONSIN: Baldwin (D-WI), Yea Johnson (R-WI), Yea Tech Dirt Calls the Confirmation Good News: WYOMING: Barrasso (R-WY), Yea Enzi (R-WY), Yea https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160713/13432334965/good-news-carla-hayden-easily-approved-as-new-librarian- congress.shtml
What the First Black Woman Librarian of Congress Means: http://time.com/4410721/carla-hayden-history/
World’s Greatest Leaders, Carla Hayden: http://fortune.com/worlds-greatest-leaders/carla-hayden-25/ 46 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 | 47
WHAT THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN OF CONGRESS MEANS LIBRARIAN By Angela Ards, Southern Methodist University
When President Obama nominated Hayden back The following is an excerpt of an article in February, he noted that someone of her that appeared in “Time” magazine, reposted background brought “long overdue” changes with permission to library leadership.
Hans von Spakovsky, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, took exception to the president’s She's the first person other than attempt at inclusion, deriding the nomination as “political correctness” seeking “to push the nation a white man to hold the post in backwards to a past where race and gender 214 years. were dominating considerations in employment, academia, politics, and culture.” The Senate confirmed Carla D. Hayden as the 14th If there has been a “dominating consideration” Librarian of Congress last week. She is being hailed in terms of race and as “the first woman and the first African American” gender at the Library of to hold the position. Congress, it has been to In our cultural discourse around firsts, “woman” be white and male, as the usually means white woman, the largest recipients 13 other preceding heads of affirmative action in the American workplace; have been. “African American” signifies “Black man,” whose To continue reading, accomplishments and concerns often define those please visit: http://time. of the race. That a Black woman has achieved a first com/4410721/carla- when she is often the very last represents progress hayden-history/ for all people, of any color.
The moment’s true milestone is that she is the first person, period, other than a white man to ever hold the post in its 214-year history. 48 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, Issue 3 My Personal Perspective on the Library of Congress Confirmation Process By Rose Timmons Dawson, Alexandria (Va) Library
Hayden’s nomination to be Librarian and not in a good way. Note: In the BCALA Spring 2016 of Congress to the full Senate for a SOME 4TH OF JULY. Issue, the author wrote her Personal confirmation vote. Since no such vote Once I got back from the confer- Perspective on the Librarian of has been scheduled yet, everyone was ence, I decided to take a few days to Congress Confirmation Hearings being asked by ALA celebrate my mother-in-law’s 80th to contact both their Senators and birthday. Concerning the LC appoint- tell them to confirm Hayden for ment, this was turning into one of UNBELIEVABLE! Librarian of Congress! those instances where “no news was Since the February 2016 nomina- TO CALL OR NOT TO CALL? bad news.” tion of Dr. Carla Hayden as the next That is the question. Better still, why Librarian of Congress by President YOU’RE KIDDING! am I nervous about doing it? It’s just Obama and the April 2016 confirma- Even though I was on leave, July like placing a call during Legislative tion hearing before the Senate Rules 13, I took a peak at my work e-mail Day. I don’t know, somehow it feels Committee, the process seemed to and saw a link to a Washington Post different. More important. I look at stall. op-ed concerning the nomination. the talking points, select the two sen- Not only that, it was trending all over I attended the hearing and intention- tences I will say, practice them one social media. What gives? It basi- ally submitted my letter of support a good time, and then place the call. cally spelled it all out for us. While few days later to reiterate her excel- Virginia senators Tim Kaine (D) and the committee had done its job, it lent response to several of their ques- Mark Warner (D) are good guys and I appeared that the Senate was not go- tions. The fact that Senator Roy Blunt know they will do the right thing. ing to allow a vote to even take place, (R-MO), committee chair, stated that WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF derailing her nomination altogether. he hoped to move the nomination THEY MADE THE ANNOUNCE- There are times I forward, seemed like a good sign. MENT AT THE ALA ANNUAL hate politics. WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG? CONFERENCE? PROCESS WORKS! It is now May and there has been no I kept thinking how appropriate that Imagine my surprise when I check movement. would be. To celebrate the appoint- my e-mail a few hours later and see ment of the Librarian of Congress SIGH. a string of correspondence announc- with the library world: academic, ing Carla Hayden confirmed as 14th ABOUT TIME! public, school, and special librar- Librarian of Congress! While this June 9, 2016, The ALA Washington ians would be amazing! However, announcement was a few weeks later Office reports that the Senate Rules as I headed off to Orlando, FL, I was than I had hoped, that didn’t make it Committee unanimously approved beginning to feel that politics were any less sweet. by voice vote moving Dr. Carla going to affect the process; BCALA News PRESIDENT PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE COPYRIGHT Kelvin Watson Jason Alston All material appearing in BCALA News Tiffany Duck is copyrighted. The BCALA takes care to PUBLISHER BCALA INC. Nzinga Holley-Harris ensure the information is correct at the Ad Rates 2014-2015 EDITORIAL Jason Howard time of printing, but responsibility for Editor: Jason Alston Ursula Jacobs-Guidry accuracy of claims and information rests Phone: (803) 777-6493 Michael Mungin with the author. Views expressed are not Fax: (803) 777-7938 Natasha Smith Email: [email protected] necessarily those of the leadership DESIGN of BCALA ADVERTISING Creative Director / Designer: Advertising Rates: Sales and Marketing: Jason Alston OPUSSEVEN INC Phone: (803) 777-6493 opusseven.com Email: [email protected] 1/8 Page — $50 1/4 Page — $80 1/3 Page — $150 1/2 Page — $200 Full Page — $400
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