Public Library Association Board of Directors Meeting ALA Annual Conference Saturday, June 25, 2016 1:00‐5:00 PM
Location: Rosen Centre, Salon 11
Logistics: Catering – Lunch will be in the room at 12:30. The open meeting begins at 1 pm and continues in the same room until 5 pm or a motion to adjourn.
Agenda 1:00‐1:05 pm Welcome and Introductions, Vailey Oehlke Action Item: Adoption of the agenda Additional items may be added to the agenda prior to the adoption of the agenda. Items may also be removed from the consent agenda and moved to a discussion item. The PLA policies related to Board service, the strategic plan and a Board roster have been included in ALA Connect as reference materials. These are not agenda items.
Consent agenda Document Number a. 2016 Spring Board Draft Actions 2016.62 b. Awards Report 2016.63 c. Digital Learning Center‐(DigitalLearn.org) 2016.64 d. Family Engagement Project Update 2016.65 e. Membership Report 2016.66 f. PLA 2016 Report 2016.67 g. PLA Continuing Education Report 2016.68 h. “Public Libraries” Magazine Report 2016.69 i. Publications Report 2016.70 j. Project Outcome Report 2016.71 k. Leadership Academy Report 2016.72 l. Technology Report 2016.73 a,b,c,d m. ALA Washington Office Report 2016.74 n. ALA TF on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 2016.75 o. Partners Report 2016.76 p. Emerging Leaders Update 2016.77
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q. PLA Board Fall Meeting Information 2016.78
Action/Discussion/Decision Items
1:05‐1:15 pm President’s Report, Vailey Oehlke 2016.79
1:15‐1:25 pm LC National and International Outreach, Colleen Shogan 2016.80
1:25‐1:40 pm ALA Executive Board Liaison, Julius Jefferson no doc
1:40‐1:50 pm PLA Emerging Leaders Presentation, Steven Hofmann, Scott Allen no doc
1:50‐2 pm PLA Conference Site 2020/ALA Report, Barb Macikas 2016.81 a,b,c,d
2‐2:20 pm Legacy Grant, Vailey Oehlke, Barb Macikas no doc Gates Foundation Update, Deborah Jacobs no doc
2:20‐2:35 pm Budget and Finance Reports, Clara Bohrer and Barb Macikas FY16 as of April 2016.82a FY 2016 Year‐To‐Date by Project Report thru April 2016 2016.82b
FY17 Budget Overview ACTION. Adoption of the FY2017 Budget, 2016.83a FY17 Budget Overview for Approval 2016.83b Budget & Finance Committee Chair, Clara Bohrer
2:35‐2:50 pm PLA Intellectual Freedom Committee, ACTION, Cindy Gibbon Chair, PLA IFC 2016.84 EBSCO Excellence in Small/Rural Library Award, ACTION 2016.85
2:50‐3:05 pm Break
3:05‐3:15 pm PLA Re‐Positioning, Barb Macikas, Scott Allen no doc
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3:15‐3:30 pm Review of the ALA Council Agenda. The purpose of this Agenda no doc is to seek input from the PLA Board prior to Council sessions so that the PLA councilor can adequately and accurately represent PLA’s point of view at Council Meetings, Rivkah Sass.
3:30‐3:45 pm PLA Nominating Committee Update, Larry Neal no doc
3:45‐4:05 pm Proposed statement on accreditation, Larry Neal 2016.86
4:05‐4:15 pm Service Recognition of Outgoing Board Members, Vailey Oehlke 2016.87 onsite Carolyn Anthony, Larry Neal and Jay Turner
New Business.
Reminder! PLA President Vailey Oehlke invites you to join colleagues after the Board meeting at the PLA President’s Reception, 5‐7 p.m., Rosen Centre, Salon 1/2
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Public Library Association Board of Directors—Spring Meeting May 1, 2016, 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Executive Office Board Room Washington, DC DRAFT Board Actions
To be reviewed and approved at the 2016 Annual Conference PLA Board of Directors Meeting
Present: Vailey Oehlke, President; Felton Thomas, President Elect; Larry Neal, Past President; Directors at Large: Carolyn Anthony, Rhea Brown Lawson, Melanie Huggins, Gina Millsap, Rivkah Sass, Manya Shorr, Jay Turner
Approved Absences: none
PLA Staff: Barb Macikas, Executive Director; Scott G. Allen, Program Manager; Mary Hirsh, Manager, Special Initiatives
Guests: Julia Cottrill, Brianne Johnson, Ashley Middleton, GMMB
1. Welcome and Introductions, Vailey Oehlke 2. By consent, approved the adoption of the agenda as presented. 3. Consent agenda documents:
Consent agenda documents Document Number a. Draft 2016 Midwinter Board Actions 2016.49 b. ALA National Library Legislative Day Agenda 2016.50 c. Letter in support of Carla Hayden for Librarian of Congress 2016.51
Action/Discussion/Decision Items
4. PLA President Update, Vailey Oehlke (no document). Oehlke reported on her participation in the ALA delegation to Cuba. The delegation toured several libraries, many of which had outdated collections and/or were in need of repair. The delegation met with the National Library and University of Havana, and local experts reported they are eager to have better access to and structure for digital content. Oehlke promoted Project Outcome at a library conference. Cuba has high literacy rates, in part due to a national initiative, yet access to books is limited, and there was some discussion of what ALA might do to increase access to materials. Oehlke also reported to the board on the PLA 2016 Conference in Denver, noting it was very successful and thanking PLA staff and committees for their strong work. Board members expressed surprise to learn that nearly 50% were first time attendees, however this is fairly typical for PLA conferences.
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5. PLA Positioning Update, Barb Macikas, GMMB (no documents). Macikas reiterated the board’s decision to focus on positioning, not a public awareness campaign. Julia Cottrill, GMMB reviewed the development process, which included landscape analysis, stakeholder interviews, a positioning summit, and drafting of the statement, story, tag line, and core messages. This work has created a positioning statement that “all libraries can see themselves in” and that can be propagated through library staff, who are the best stewards of the message. The statement addresses both how people think about libraries and how members think about PLA. Launching of the positioning work may tie in with the legacy grant activity.
Next steps include a roll out plan to incorporate the messaging and story into routine PLA work. GMMB has shared a proposal of recommendations with PLA staff. Three audiences have been identified – staff and leadership, PLA members, and the broader library community, which includes prospective members, people served by libraries, and policymakers. Proposed activities include a logo refresh or new logo; development of a style guide and talking points; identification of a task force; web site integration; letters to new members about the positioning statement; events at the June Annual Conference; and video footage of individuals reading parts of the statement to be spliced together. The board briefly discussed using terms such as patrons versus people who use libraries and public library leaders versus leadership. Board members had mixed reactions to the tag line (“Open Possibility”), which will continue to be discussed before it’s used.
6. ACTION. FY 2016 Financial Status Report and FY2017 Draft Budget Overview, Barb Macikas (2016.52, 2016.53, 2016.53a). An FY 2016 report through February 2016 was reviewed. In terms of revenue, PLA is exceeding budget on membership dues but under budget on publications, ad sales, webinar registrations and donations. Conference revenue is expected to be strong, and expenses are generally on budget. Macikas also presented the draft FY17 budget, noting it will be revised again and reviewed at the board’s June meeting. On the revenue side, Macikas noted conservative projections for webinars and ad sales but potential new revenue from DigitalLearn. In terms of expenses, some salary expenses will be reduced as they are displaced by legacy grant funds.
ALA overhead will increase in FY17 from 23.7% to 26.4%. Historically, this is the highest rate, and for comparison rates from 2005 (18.8%) and 2011 (26.1%) were noted. In FY18, this will impact PLA significantly due to conference revenue. ALA justification for the increase (post‐retirement benefit obligations) was noted, including the statement that ALA “may or may not incur such an increase in the future.” Board members cited the difficulty such unanticipated changes pose to division leadership. They asked that ALA leadership assure division leadership that efforts were being made to prevent future liabilities from similar negative impacts, and that ALA improve transparency about its current and future benefit commitments. Board members also suggested that in order to provide effective oversight of PLA, they need assurance of a ceiling on the overhead rate and five‐year projections for planning purposes. It was moved and approved that Macikas will request a response on the above issues to the PLA board from ALA.
7. Results of ALA Technology Review, Barb Macikas (2016.54, 2016.54a). Discussion of the ALA Technology Review identified some positive developments, such as improved ability to monitor grant Page 2 of 7
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budgets. However the board expressed frustration at ALA’s “band aid” approach to technology improvements and the lack of an organizational plan and vision. Thoughtful identification of the technology needs of members and ALA divisions is needed. For instance, Board members suggested that the broader membership would benefit – and ALA would be seen as a pioneer – if PLA and/or ALA could develop a system for members to track their participation in continuing education. ALA’s current membership database includes some participant information, but it is not complete or accessible to members. Internally, there are efforts underway to provide CE tracking but the complexity of the organization and resource challenges are slowing progress. Lack of technology resources and siloed operations were identified as major ALA challenges.
Board members suggested that the nature of ALA as a volunteer‐led association, which includes routine changes in leadership, prevents sustained conversation, accountability and vision. Oehlke reported that ALA division leadership has requested a meeting with ALA leadership at the 2016 Annual Conference. Oehlke asked the PLA board for input on items for discussion. In addition to improved accountability and management through transition as noted above, members suggested direct representation of the divisions to the ALA board. Whereas Council oversees policy, the board oversees management, so this could enable better input on management issues while also improving coordination between divisions. It was also suggested that PLA set up an ad hoc group of its board to identify PLA’s future requirements from ALA including legacy and other work.
8. PLA 2016 Conference Preliminary Report, Barb Macikas (2016.55). Macikas reported that the conference is expected to do well financially due to high registration and that preliminary evaluation results are very positive. A more complete report will be provided at the June meeting. The conference app was commended. It was noted that a strong majority (70%) of attendees used the app, and usage will likely increase in 2018, so the program book should be discontinued.
9. ACTION. PLA Performance Measures Task Force Request, Barb Macikas (2016.56). It was moved and approved to extend the Performance Measurement Task Force and its charter for one year, to expire on June 30, 2017.
10. ACTION. Results of 2016 PLA Election and 2017 Nominating, Larry Neal (2016.57 and on‐site). The terms for Carolyn Anthony, Larry Neal, and Jay Turner will end at ALA 2016 Annual Conference. New board members will be Pam Sandlian Smith (PLA 2017‐2018 President), and Richard Kong and Tracy Strobel (Directors‐at‐Large). At the 2017 Annual Conference, members Rivkah Sass (ALA Division Councilor) and Melanie Huggins and Manya Shorr (Directors‐at‐Large) will end. Neal led discussion of the 2017 election. Assessing the strengths and interests of the continuing board members using a recently‐identified tool was suggested, in order to determine needs for 2017 candidates. It was approved that the tool would be circulated for input and completed. The ballot structure can be altered based on the will of the nominating committee, to either run all candidates for at large positions against each other or in specific races. This strategy can be employed if the nominating committee determines representation from a certain type of member or library (for instance, a small or rural library) is needed on the board. The need to fund travel to the Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference in order to fulfill PLA board commitments may be a barrier for some potential Page 3 of 7
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leaders, and the possibility for PLA to support those costs was discussed. Board members also strategized about how to prepare members‐at‐large for board service, suggesting ideas such as intern positions and engaging leadership trainees.
11. ACTION. Statement on Future Accreditation, Larry Neal (2016.58). PLA and other divisions were asked to prepare statements regarding the needs for graduate education in the future, to inform ALA’s accrediting activities. Some library and information school (LIS) curricula are out of date; an example of teaching basics of building a web site rather than information architecture was provided. However, many library schools are redefining themselves. Members noted a divergence between traditional programs and those programs with curricula designed to produce candidates libraries want to hire. Board members cited competencies and skill areas that should be taught, including early childhood and adolescent development, literacy instruction, human development, adult education theory, instructional design, career counseling, diversity, community development and partnerships, social work, and facilitation. Some concern was expressed that LIS programs cannot teach all these skills, however students may be able to specialize, have field experiences, or get more than one degree in order to have choices when they graduate. It was moved and approved that Huggins would help Neal complete the statement for ALA and that PLA should request time on the agenda of the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) at an upcoming meeting to discuss public library issues. Huggins expressed interest in speaking to ALISE, which meets January 17 to January 20, 2017 before the ALA Midwinter Meeting.
12. ACTION. PLA Legacy Grant Update and Discussion, all (2016.59, 2016.59a‐d). PLA requested $10,805,701 from the Global Libraries (GL) program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support legacy grant activities from July 2016 to June 2026. Elements of the legacy grant activity and timeline were reviewed. Members commended the interconnected results and cited the potential for the work to bring value to libraries and library leaders at the community level. Board members saw clearly how libraries who are engaged in the proposed work would be better able to tell their own stories, scale their work, and increase their impact.
Board discussion focused on the following. Leadership Transition: Board members noted that future PLA leaders will need orientation to the legacy framework and activity so they continue to support it. Current leaders will need to share and sustain the vision with incoming colleagues. However, staff also noted that activity proposed as organizational capacity work will result in talking points, board and leader orientation programs, and other tools to this end. Legacy Partner Collaboration: Specific activities and benefits of collaboration with the legacy partners, particularly how PLA will engage internationally, are not yet clear. Legacy partners, (PLA, the Technology and Social Change Group at the University of Washington’s Information School (TASCHA) and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)), have shared proposals but they have been in different stages and lacked detail. In July 2016, the partners will meet to begin working on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) about how we will collaborate and how specific financial resources set aside in the PLA legacy budget will be
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spent. Some ideas from early legacy grant drafts related to PLA’s global work may be reintroduced. Innovation and Data: The board expressed high hopes that collaboration with TASCHA will better prepare PLA and its library support organization (LSO) partners to benefit from data collection and research. The partnership should provide PLA and other LSOs with advance notice about innovations and enable us to leverage them through products, publications, and member communication. Coordination with ALA: The ability of PLA to implement legacy as envisioned is partially dependent on ALA. Unforeseen changes might pose challenges to PLA, but conversely, ALA could provide support that would impact the legacy work positively. PLA has been proactive in providing updates and drafts of legacy work to ALA leadership, and PLA staff have suggested that some legacy work will benefit all of ALA and its divisions by providing models, engaging non‐library stakeholders, and highlighting the value of libraries. More specific discussion is needed, about how legacy will benefit ALA, but more importantly how ALA can support PLA to do the work, for instance by strengthening technology support. Given that the legacy grant will provide substantial, ongoing contributions to ALA through ALA overhead, the board was interested in determining how ALA would facilitate the legacy work in exchange. Collaboration of Library Support Organizations (LSOs): PLA’s legacy grant aspires to develop strong collaboration between LSOs. Key partners to be engaged include the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL), WebJunction, TechSoup for Libraries, and other ALA units. PLA will approach this work with humility, discipline and previous experience. Success will increase the impact of the legacy goals, reduce redundancies, and leverage new resources to benefit all LSOs. Challenges are anticipated, given that LSOs are unique organizations with different leaders, resources and priorities. However, the potential for all LSOs to become more effective and sustain their work should be the driver for participation. Furthermore, sufficient opportunities exist to make room for all LSOs to be involved. Partnerships with non‐library stakeholders are critical to all LSOs, and each LSO can help engage and bring to the table different stakeholders (for instance, ULC’s relationship with the Summer Learning Association was noted). PLA’s board – as leaders, practitioners, and often members of multiple LSOs – should deliver these messages and are ultimately responsible for making these connections successful. Specifically, members serving on both the PLA and ULC boards suggested a joint meeting of the two boards. It was further suggested that PLA present information on Project Outcome at the fall 2016 ULC meeting, and that ULC should educate its leaders about the legacy framework at a future ULC convening. Synergy between Project Outcome and EDGE needs to be promoted, given their complementary focuses. Initiatives delivered to practitioners from both PLA and ULC would carry substantial weight and assure adoption. It was moved and approved that Macikas would share this input from the board members with ULC CEO Susan Benton. Communications: Board members questioned how the legacy work, its value, and its complexity will be communicated to members. Communicating directly to members and prospective members and tying it to the PLA positioning work was suggested. It was also suggested that PLA communicate through partners, such as COSLA to engage state library agencies. Messaging
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frequency was briefly considered, noting the need to repeat messages often for ideal impact and engagement. The legacy grant includes communications staff and consultants who should be able to accomplish this work. Other Partnerships: Some discussion focused on involvement of other library field partners such as Library Journal, the ALA’s Digital Content Working Group, and organizations currently doing library research. Strengthening relationships with non‐library partners like major corporations or the US National Park Service was also cited as a future benefit of the legacy work.
Finally, Macikas reported that legacy partners met recently with African library representatives prior to the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) conference. The GL program is proposing to fund leadership training, resource development and other work for AfLIA. PLA will help draft those proposals, on an accelerated time frame (due August 2016) in order to meet the goals of the GL wind down. PLA will likely receive additional funding to support leadership work in Africa.
13. COSLA proposal re national plan for public library data (2016.60). The board was asked to provide feedback on the Measures that Matter proposal from COSLA. The project seeks to create a “National Public Library Data and Outcomes Action Plan” that builds bridges between current data collection activities to ensure sustainability and long‐term access, resolves concerns related to duplication of efforts, and results in a comprehensive and cooperative approach to library data that addresses the importance of outcomes in addition to outputs and indicators. In general, board members expressed support for this effort, specifically stressing their desires to see the work reduce data collection to what is most valuable to libraries and their stakeholders, align efforts, develop common language, reduce redundancy, and result in more timely data. Board members also suggested areas for future conversation with COSLA. Clarifying expectations of PLA as a partner is needed, in addition to considering the impact of this work on the future of the Public Library Data Service (PLDS) and on Project Outcome. There was discussion of current processes, whereby information funnels through state libraries, and individual libraries often do not see tangible benefits for their time and effort. Members wanted assurance that this project would open up that process; that state libraries would be comfortable with roles changing; and that legal mandates on IMLS concerning how they collect information would not prevent the process from changing to benefit all partners. PLA also strongly suggests that COSLA include practitioners in the process to make sure that the cost of collecting and submitting data is captured and to advise on strategies to ensure data is accurate and reliable when compared across libraries.
14. National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) and PLA Board survey results, Scott Allen (2016.61). Allen briefly reviewed the results of the PLA board member survey and noted that appointments have been made to meet with the following agencies on May 2‐3, 2016: US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
15. New Business. The following was briefly noted:
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Anthony reported that the ALA Digital Content Working Group would sunset and suggested PLA discuss the potential need to continue this work. Thomas commended the draft of the foundational document for the Family Engagement Task Force’s work, which was circulated to Task Force members by the Harvard Family Research Program. Members were reminded that the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and The Aspen Institute are currently fielding a survey to determine ICMA member attitudes toward public libraries, which should prove useful to PLA. Following these brief reports, it was moved and approved to adjourn the meeting at 5:00pm.
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PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.63 DATE: June 6, 2016
TO: PLA Board of Directors
FROM: Megan Stewart, Program Coordinator
RE: Awards Report 2016
PLA President Vailey Oehlke, along with the award sponsors and PLA members, will recognize all of the award winners as part of the PLA Member Welcome Breakfast on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Allie Beth Martin Award 2016 Recipient: Carolyn Gast, Head of Children's & Teen Curriculum, Howard County (Md.) Library System Honors a librarian who, in a public library setting, has demonstrated extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books or other library materials and has distinguished ability to share that knowledge. A plaque and a $3,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1977 in honor of Allie Beth Martin. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music / Video Product Award 2016 Recipient: Kirbyville (Tex.) Public Library Designed to provide a public library the opportunity to build or expand a collection of either or both formats in whatever proportion the library chooses. The grant consists of $2,500 of Audio Music or Video Products. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
Charlie Robinson Award 2016 Recipient: Susan Considine, Executive Director of the Fayetteville (N.Y.) Free Library Honors a public library director who, over a period of seven (7) years, has been a risk taker, an innovator and/or a change agent in a public library. The recipient should have been active in national and other professional associations and be known for developing and implementing programs which are responsive to the needs of community residents. The award consists of $1,000 and a gift. The public library director will be honored at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1997. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
Demco New Leaders Travel Grant 2016 Recipients: Elizabeth Raczkowski, Youth Services Librarian, Rochester Hills (Mich.) Public Library; Erin Morrow, Adult Services Librarian, Beaumont (Calif.) Library District; Mallorie Colvin, Technology Specialist, Troy (Mich.) Public Library; and Martha Cordeniz O'Hara, Head of Adult Services, Lake Bluff (Ill.) Public Library Designed to enhance the professional development and improve the expertise of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities. Plaques and travel grants of up to $1,500 per applicant are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1993. The name of this grant was changed in October 2004. This grant is sponsored by Demco, Inc.
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PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.63 EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award 2016 Recipient: East Berlin (Pa.) Community Library Honors a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program or a special program of significant accomplishment. A plaque and a $1,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1991. Sponsored by EBSCO Information Services.
Gordon M. Conable Award No applications in 2016. Honors a public library staff member, a library trustee, or a public library, that has demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights. The award consists of $1,500 and a plaque to be presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Sponsored by LS&S.
John Iliff Award 2016 Recipient: Colin Tomele, Cleveland Heights‐University Heights (Ohio) Public Library Honors the life and accomplishments of John Iliff, early adopter and champion of technology in public libraries, and recognizes the contributions of a library worker, librarian, or library that has used technology and innovative thinking as a tool to improve services to public library users. The award provides a $1,000 honorarium, a plaque and a bouquet of roses for the workplace. Sponsored by Innovative.
Romance Writers of America Library Grant 2016 Recipient: Elkhart (Ind.) Public Library Designed to provide a public library the opportunity to build or expand its romance fiction collection and/or host romance fiction programming. The grant consists of $4,500 to be used toward the purchase of books in print and/or audio format, author honorariums and travel expenses, and other applicable program expenses. Sponsored by the Romance Writers of America.
Upstart Innovation Award 2016 Recipient: Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, Ill. Recognizes a public library’s innovative and creative service program to the community. A plaque and a $2,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Sponsored by Upstart, a Demco company.
Other Awards
Public Libraries Feature Article Contest First Place: Kati Irons Perez, Pierce County (Wash.) Library System, for her feature article "Low‐Hanging Fruit: Learning How to Improve Customer Service, Staff Communication, and Job Satisfaction with Process Improvement," January/February 2015 issue Honorable Mention: Douglas Crane, Palm Beach (Fla.) County Library System, for his feature article "May I Ask You A Question? Lessons Learned from Interviewing Public Library Leaders," November/December 2015 issue Awards cash prizes to the authors of the best feature articles written by public librarians and published in the previous year’s issues of Public Libraries magazine.
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TO: PLA Board of Directors RE: DigitalLearn.org DATE: May 27, 2016
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT: Report ACTION REQUESTED BY: Scott Allen, Deputy Director and Lian Drago, Program Officer DRAFT OF MOTION: N/A
BACKGROUND AND FUNDING The DigitalLearn.org site (https://www.digitallearn.org/) was developed with an IMLS grant of $465,475 from September 2012 to August 2014. Two attempts for continued IMLS funding (a full proposal in 2015 and a letter of intent in 2016) were rejected. In FY16, the site was supported through $210,000 from the ALA Office of Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS) and $140,000 from the Chicago Public Library (CPL) Foundation. PLA continues to use Anneal, Inc. (Jamie Hollier) for site development and Kixal for instructional design.
NEW FEATURES IN 2016 In January 2016, the site had 14 modules ranging from 6 to 22 minutes each on topics such as Navigating a Web Site, Creating Resumes, and Online Job Searching. Two of the 14 modules had been translated into Spanish. By late summer 2016, the following will be new or updated on the site: PLA eliminated the “Learn” (for learners) and “Teach” (for trainers) structure; the learner modules are now immediately available on the site’s home page, and a new “Help Learners” link leads to a revamped community of practice for digital literacy trainers and other library staff 3 courses (Intro to Email, Intro to Email 2, and Intro to Facebook) will be updated Handouts (PDFs with scripts and screen shots) for 7 courses that did not them were created 5 new courses (Online Scams, Logins/Passwords, Privacy, Why Use a Computer?, and Windows10) will be completed All site content (general information, handouts, and almost all of the 19 modules) will be translated to Spanish so toggling to Espanol creates a mirror of the English site Spanish version of DigitalLearn
The new courses and Spanish translations are major accomplishments for the project. A learner login feature that would allow learners to create accounts, develop learning plans, and track progress was created but removed in order to reduce confusion for learners using individual library sites (see below). Marketing and engaging digital literacy trainers and other library staff
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through the community of practice continue to be challenging for PLA due to lack of staff time and resources.
SITE CUSTOMIZATION Between November and April 2016, PLA worked with CPL to build and test a personalized site. The site includes CPL branding and colors, and through the administrative interface CPL staff can choose courses to offer, rename courses, upload post‐course learning materials, develop and post their own courses, and more. CPL staff also have access to These screen shots show the CPL analytics that provide data by course, user and branch. Learners can color scheme and logo and highlight also create accounts, develop learning plans, and track progress and where logins are personalized by certificates. The site is now being used in all 80 CPL branches. branch and where CPL staff has posted community-specific job resources. In order to promote customized sites to other libraries, PLA bought a booth and built a display at the PLA 2016 Conference in Denver. Attendees were overwhelmingly positive about DigitalLearn, and nearly 60 completed a short survey expressing interest in developing their own sites. PLA followed up with about one‐third of them and held webinars on May 5 and 11 for about 15 library staff. A few continue to talk to PLA about their own sites. Additional marketing is needed.
PLA is presenting the opportunity to libraries through three strategies: Do It Yourself (no cost): Libraries can clone the project using open source files on Github but must set up their own hosting and analytics and will not automatically receive updates and new content. Basic Customization ($15,000 for development and 1 year of hosting): Over a 4‐week period, PLA will build, test and deploy a site branded for the library with the same features as the CPL site. Some minor customization in user registration and analytics is possible. Enhanced Customization (cost TBD): PLA will negotiate to rebuild the site according to the library’s needs and to connect to existing library initiatives as needed. PLA has budgeted $50,000 in revenue for customized DigitalLearn sites in FY17. After development costs and ALA overhead, PLA will make about $5,700 on each ‘basic’ library site.
USAGE AND FEEDBACK Core site: From May 2015 to May 2016, the site had 55,054 unique visitors and 14,610 classes were completed. This is about 7% higher than the same period a year earlier. About 9% and 6% of users come to DigitalLearn from the Saint Paul Public Library and Learnmyway.com respectively, otherwise most users arrive directly or via Google. Certain states have high rates of sessions (Minnesota 6,668, California 5,185, Pennsylvania 4,307, Illinois 4,045, Florida 3,491, and New York 2,325); a few other states are over 1,000 but most were below. The most popular classes continue to be Getting
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Started on a Computer, Using a PC, Intro to Email, Basic Search and Navigating a Website. CPL site: Since its inception but primarily since testing began in February 2016, the CPL site has had 1,837 users and 3,259 sessions. About 56% are new users and 44% are returning users.
MISCELLANEOUS User Engagement: PLA identified 18 DigitalLearn.org users to provide input on course development and guidance and convened a few of them at the ALA 2016 Midwinter Meeting. The intent to continue to convene this group and use them to help develop the site has stalled due to other priorities. CPL Convening: PLA (staff and 2016‐2017 President Felton Thomas) participated in the Digital Skills: A Gateway to Opportunity event convened by CPL on June 13, 2016. The meeting shared lessons from many partners’ work to increase the number of people who are digitally prepared for jobs, civic engagement and the internet of everything in order to create a shared framework for moving such activity forward. The event included about 8 representatives of public libraries plus nearly a dozen foundations, as well as agencies promoting employment, digital skills, and general literacy.
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TO: PLA Board of Directors RE: Family Engagement DATE: May 24, 2016
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT: Information ACTION REQUESTED BY: Scott Allen, Deputy Director DRAFT OF MOTION: N/A
BACKGROUND The PLA Family Engagement Task Force is co‐chaired by Clara Bohrer, chair of the PLA advisory committee to our IMLS early literacy research grant, Kathleen Reif, past chair of the Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) committee. The Task Force met twice, at the 2015 Annual Conference and 2016 Midwinter Meeting, and will meet again on Monday, June 27, 2016.
“Family engagement” refers to the beliefs, attitudes and activities of families to support their children’s learning, whether at home, at school or in the community. Children exhibit healthy development and academic success when families foster warm and nurturing parent‐child relationships, take responsibility for children’s learning, and encourage children to focus on effort and learn from failure. However, it is no longer appropriate or fruitful to focus family engagement solely on what happens in school or in the home given the growth and potential of out‐of‐school learning settings. Libraries are part of the family engagement ecosystem but need tools, strategies, and advocacy to be seen as part of family engagement networks. PLA can lead in preparing public libraries to think about family engagement across the variety of services offered and for families with children through high school age.
LIBRARIES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: IT'S A FAMILY THING PROJECT The Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) received $250,000 in funding for the project from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation for November 2015 to June 2016. PLA received a $10,000 subcontract. Phase 1 project activities and status are below. Documenting existing practices and opportunities in family engagement. HFRP completed a survey of public librarians and has collected model programs through a learning community, web site form, and focus group at PLA 2016 in Denver. Discussions at the 2016 Annual Conference meetings will focus on measures and how to assess family engagement program impacts. Creation of a learning community. Sixteen PLA members formed the learning community and met virtually in February, March and April. An in‐person meeting is planned for June 27, 2016. If phase 2 of the project (see below) is funded, the learning community will continue to meet virtually through the fall of 2016. Creation of a toolkit or “ideabook” about family engagement in public libraries. A 15‐page foundational document (making the case for public library involvement in family engagement and citing research) was drafted by HFRP and reviewed favorably by Task Force members. This document was intended to be the preface of the toolkit, but instead will be released as a PDF in June 2016. This strategy will both meet the grant’s intent of delivering a product by June while
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also starting to educate PLA members about the concepts and stimulating interest in the “ideabook.” HFRP has collected over 50 models of public library family engagement programs and is currently refining them to release in the “ideabook” by the end of 2016. Harvard and PLA are discussing licensing, and the Task Force will be discussing a release strategy at its 2016 Annual Conference meeting. This product will be distributed by PLA and may form the basis for future products such as additional publications and educational activities.
In addition to the core activity above, an educational program was presented at PLA 2016 in Denver to great success, and a program entitled “Family Engagement in Public Libraries Is Valued, But There Is Work To Be Done” is scheduled for Sunday, June 26 during the ALA Annual Conference. HFRP has also submitted to present at the 2016 National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) conference. In January 2016, PLA staff also provided input on the draft Principles on Effective Family Engagement Practices issued by the US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services (DOE and DHHS), which was submitted to the agencies by the ALA Washington Office.
HFRP has applied to the Packard Foundation for phase 2. This phase will cover July to December 2016 and will include continued convening of the learning community, “human centered design” sessions at two libraries to further inform development of the “ideabook,” and eventual release of the “ideabook.” If funded, PLA will again receive $10,000 and be expected to promote the project, contribute content through the learning community and Task Force, and assist in conducting the human‐centered design events.
NEXT STEPS Task Force co‐chairs and PLA staff will finalize and implement a series of awareness‐building activities to educate PLA members about the project HFRP and PLA will release the foundational document The Task Force will discuss ideas for both marketing and ancillary products, which will be developed into plans by PLA staff Phase 2 will be initiated to continue developing and eventually release the “ideabook” PLA will begin to identify and engage partners who have either expressed interest or are expected to be interested, including NCFL, Parents as Teachers, the National PTA, DOE, DHHS, and Urban Libraries Council PLA staff will begin to identify potential revenue to continue the family engagement work, including both product sales and grants
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Date: May 27, 2016 To: PLA Board of Directors From: Kara O’Keefe, Manager, Membership Marketing Re: Membership Report
Overview
As of April 2016, PLA membership was 9,121, which reflects a 12.62% increase from April 2015 numbers (non‐conference year). This is evidence of the lasting effect of PLA Conference on membership.
In fall 2015, PLA Conference registration opened and membership began to steadily grow. In March 2016, PLA membership hit 9,242.
As of April 2016, ALA membership was 59,625, a 6.54% increase from April 2015 (55,963).
PLA Membership Numbers by Type
Personal: 8,729 Retired: 140 Regular: 6,691 International: 113 Student: 427 Other: 371 Non‐salaried: 379 Trustee: 377 Organization: 371 Support Staff: 231 Corporate: 21
Division Membership Comparison (As of October 2015) These numbers reflect the total membership for each division. Percentage reflects percentage increase or decrease from October 2014.
AASL 6,861 (‐0.48%) LITA 2,678 (‐4.46%) ACRL 11,023 (‐4.46%) LLAMA 3,746 (+0.67%) ALCTS 3,550 (‐2.10%) RUSA 3,333 (‐4.00%) ALSC 4,179 (+5.08%) UNITED 4,430 (+277.99%) ASCLA 836 (+5.03%) YALSA 5,188 (‐0.02%)
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Membership Considerations In considering the cycle of membership from conference to non‐conference years, it seems that primary efforts should be on retaining members and reducing the number of dropped memberships. Here are some potential reasons for dropped memberships with possible communication activities to address them:
Cost of membership: This has been the ongoing, primary reason for dropping. While we unfortunately cannot reduce the amount of membership dues, we can help members find a way to ease the financial burden. Continue to promote the installment pay option. Many members are unaware of the option to break their payments into two installments. PLA renewal reminders and dropped messaging now encourage members to take advantage of this if the cost of membership is a deterrent. Information regarding installments has now been added to our website as well. Find better ways to communicate the value of membership. PLA may wish to develop a calculation of benefits and their monetary value to include on the website and in member communications.
Relevance of membership: We continue to collect new member surveys, which indicate that the top two reasons for joining are “staying up‐to‐date on the latest issues and trends affecting the profession” and “professional development opportunities.” Continue to enhance e‐news content with more valuable and useful information Promote publiclibrariesonline.org as a key product of PLA Expand professional development offerings, especially to different member groups – support staff, students Find ways to pull member data that allows for more targeted communications Consider adding a mentor program for members to reach out, ask questions, and engage
Feeling Valued: While feedback to ALA indicates that many members feel overwhelmed by the variety of communications, it’s also important that they feel recognized and valued by the organizations. Some of these ideas could overlap with “relevance of membership.” Send an email update to members post board meetings with key discussions Continue email communication to new members from a member of the membership advisory group. This effort has been highly successful in engaging new members with a personal PLA connection over the past year. Continue to host PLA social gatherings at conferences including the PLA Member Welcome Breakfast at Annual and member receptions at Midwinter. Communicate the range of ways to get involved with PLA to foster member engagement. This has been a key theme when reviewing member responses to the membership advisory group’s new member outreach emails. PLA is currently 2 of 3
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working to improve communicating ways to get involved through automated email campaigns and updated website content. Consider hosting regional gatherings for PLA members to connect closer to home.
Current PLA Connections PLA reaches out to members and nonmembers alike in a variety of media to deliver benefits or introduce/reinforce the value of PLA membership.
Facebook (12,901 page likes) Twitter (13,205 followers) Instagram (186 followers) Monthly E‐News Public Libraries www.publiclibrariesonline.org www.pla.org New member e‐mail campaigns within week of joining, renewing, reinstating o Welcome letters designed to show appreciation and highlight valuable benefits and membership. Also includes survey. Dropped member e‐mails with “why did you drop” survey Thank you e‐mails to renewed and reinstated members Reminder e‐mails to members due for renew Assorted e‐mail blasts (weekly) o Webinars o Other professional development o New publications National Meetings – PLA Conference, ALA Annual Conference, ALA Midwinter
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DATE: June 6, 2016
TO: PLA Board of Directors
FROM: Marcellus Turner, 2016 Conference Chair Melissa Faubel Johnson, Conference Manager Steven Hofmann, Manager, Web Communications Kathleen Hughes, Manager of Publications Angela Maycock, Manager, Professional Development
RE: PLA 2016 Conference Report
With the hard work and support of the Conference Committee, Program and Local Arrangements subcommittees, and the PLA staff, PLA 2016 in Denver, was a huge success. The following report will address final numbers, financial figures and evaluation results.
Registration In Denver, 8,001 librarians, exhibitors, speakers, guests and others attended PLA 2016. This compares to 7,662 in attendance at the 2014 Conference in Indianapolis. There was an increase in overall attendee registration (5,942 in 2016 vs. 5,686 in 2014), with a slight decrease in the number of exhibitor representatives (1,949 in 2016 vs. 1,976 in 2014).
PLA continues to draw the highest attendance of any of the ALA divisional conferences.
Financial Status These figures are preliminary and subject to revision.
2016 Revenues 2016 Revenues 2014 Revenues Actual as of April (Budget) Actual
$3,522,342 $3,121,487 $3,287,991
2016 Expenses 2016 Expenses 2014 Expenses Actual as of April (Budget) Actual
$2,162,863 $2,117,603 $1,927,766
2016 Net 2016 Net (Budget) 2014 Net as of April Actual
$1,359,479 $1,003,884 $1,360,225
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Final net will be available when ALA closes the fiscal year, likely in October.
PLA paid an estimated $831,563 in overhead to ALA for the 2016 conference. This compares to $729,036 paid for the 2014 conference.
Programming
PRECONFERENCES Eleven preconferences were held in Denver: four full-day events on Tuesday and seven half-day events on Tuesday and Wednesday. PLA sponsored nine of them, including events focused on leadership development, Every Child Ready to Read, and Project Outcome. One full-day event and one half-day event were sponsored by the Colorado Association of Libraries. Total attendance for all preconferences was 941, 811 of whom paid a fee (The Project Outcome preconference was free). This compares with 12 events, 894 total attendance/807 paid in Indianapolis; 11 events, 742 total attendance/665 paid in Philadelphia; and 13 events, 968 total attendance/888 paid in Portland.
PROGRAMS The Colorado Convention Center offered a very attendee-friendly floor plan, with all program rooms located on one level adjacent to the Bellco Theatre, where general sessions took place. A total of 115 concurrent program sessions were scheduled (compared to 105 in Indianapolis). Programs took place during 3 sessions on Thursday and Friday, and 2 sessions on Saturday morning, each one hour in length.
In the past, educational sessions have been divided into lower-interaction programs and higher-interaction ConverStations. ConverStations were eliminated for PLA 2016 and, instead, all programs were identified to attendees by interaction level (Low interaction: single speaker/panel with Q&A at the end of the program, Medium interaction: single speaker/panel with questions or audience participation throughout, or High interaction: facilitated discussion; small group discussion; hands-on activity). A majority of rooms for concurrent program sessions (11 rooms or 83 programs total in theater) were set in theater style seating.
For this conference we experimented with having some of the program rooms set in banquet rounds or in a “hybrid” combination of banquet and theater seating, with the goal of facilitating higher interaction while also accommodating high interest in programs (“high interest” being based on results of the Session Preference Survey, which PLA staff use in assigning rooms to sessions). Some programs in hybrid rooms exceeded capacity, so additional theater seating was added to these rooms, which addressed the issue effectively. Many attendees enjoyed and appreciated both the seating options and the interactive programming.
The PLA 2016 Program Subcommittee developed 8 new program tracks, which were used to organize concurrent program sessions for this conference:
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BROADCAST – Tell your story CHALLENGE – Push boundaries COLLABORATE – Share success IMAGINE – Think big INVENT – Design, test, repeat LEAD – Inspire, listen, empower PLAN – Invest with purpose PLAY – Energize and engage
In addition to these new tracks, attendees were still able to search and browse by the old tracks (such as Leadership, Collections/Tech Services, Spaces and Places, etc.) and also to use the Secondary Topics/Tags in the searchable program list.
Over 1275 attendees completed the post-conference evaluation. Nearly 86% selected the educational programs as their most important reason for attending the conference. The exhibits were the #2 reason, with almost 38%. 98.5% learned something they felt would help in their work, and 97.3% learned something they felt they could apply immediately in their library. Almost 99% of respondents would recommend the PLA Conference to a colleague. 98.7% attended educational programs and of those, 89.9% rated them as excellent or good.
SPECIAL EVENTS Book Buzz: Presented by Booklist A panel of premier publisher representatives including: Jen Childs, Penguin Random House; Golda Rademacher, W. W. Norton & Company; Talia Sherer, Macmillan; Virginia Stanley, HarperCollins and Donna Seaman, Booklist Editor, Adult Books highlighted some of the best upcoming books for adults.
Make It Extraordinary Sessions and Book All PLA 2016 full conference registrants received the PLA “Make It Extraordinary” guide written by Kari Chapin, an author and speaker on goal-setting and productivity. The guide contained tips for optimizing the conference experience and included a daily conference planner, exercises for working through ideas or problems, notes and reflections pages, a post-conference action plan, and a post-conference 30 Day Challenge. The conference also featured two “Make It Extraordinary” sessions with Chapin providing tips and motivation and also showing the audience how to use the “Make it Extraordinary” guide.
How-To Festival PLA’s first-ever mini How-To Festival was held during the conference. These popular twenty-minute sessions were held during the ‘no-conflict exhibits times’ and featured presentations on subjects like creating artisan bread, protecting your library’s Facebook page from hackers, launching a Pirate Radio Station, creating glitter tattoos, how to improve meetings, how to breathe, how to cook for one, how to boost your energy level,
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PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.67 how to podcast, and more. We modeled this event on the fabulous St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) How-To Festival, and two staffers from SLPL helped us vet the programs and managed the event onsite.
Film Night Over 200 attendees joined us for light refreshments and a special screening of Emmy Award-winner Laurie Kahn’s documentary film about romance novelists, “Love Between the Covers,” with a short preview of an upcoming documentary film about public libraries, “Free for All.”
Post-conference Thirty Day Challenge The PLA 30-Day Challenge began on the last day of conference (Saturday, April 8) and featured activities on each of the next 30 days designed to keep the PLA 2016 momentum going. In addition to being in the “Make it Extraordinary” guide, the challenges were also available on the PLA 30-Day Challenge Facebook page. Over 200 people joined us on the Facebook page with many participating in the challenges.
General Session & Big Ideas Series The Opening General Session featured journalist and author, Anderson Cooper. Designed to motivate and empower attendees to consider and execute new ideas; the Big Idea Series included inspiring talks with Harvard-trained lawyer, entrepreneur, author and cultural innovator Vernā Meyers; clinical psychologist, MIT professor and author Sherry Turkle; and New York Times columnist Anand Giridharadas. Comedian Tig Notaro brought PLA 2016 to an official end as the closing session speaker.
Meal Events 2,132 tickets were sold for five meal events, four author luncheons and the Audio Publishers Dinner. This compares to 2,800 sold for six events in Indianapolis.
Mobile App The mobile app launched prior to the conference on February 22, and the deadline to complete session evaluations in the mobile app after the conference was May 9. During this period, almost 4,800 people used the mobile app for a total of approximately 1.04 million minutes. Users viewed session descriptions 226,000 times and viewed exhibitor profiles almost 15,000 times. Also, there were approximately 22,600 user contributions (social shares, attendee messages, etc.) in or originating from within the app during this period. In the overall conference evaluation, 55.86% of respondents said the mobile app was more useful than the program book, and 36.25% said it was as useful as the program book.
Attendee Evaluation Results An online evaluation was sent to all full conference attendees on April 11. Attendees were sent individualized links in order to avoid duplicate responses. Access to the Virtual Conference recordings was provided as an incentive for completing the survey. The evaluation was open for four weeks and ended on May 9. Final results of the online
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PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.67 evaluation will be available at Annual Conference. A total of 1287 attendees completed the conference evaluation and among the results:
98.9% of the respondents would recommend the PLA conference to a colleague. 92.3% of the respondents felt that there were sufficient opportunities to network/meet new colleagues at this conference. 99.3% of the respondents visited the exhibits at least once.
Comments from respondents include: “What a great conference! I came back to work revitalized and inspired to implement everything I learned as soon as I got back!” “This conference was the best I’ve attended in terms of getting me thinking about my view of libraries and librarianship in a new way.” “This was my first PLA conference, and it was absolutely life-changing. I came back from the conference feeling educated, energized, and full of hope about the profession.” “This was the best conference I’ve attended – ever!”
Attendees expressed disappointment in wifi coverage at the convention center. PLA staff are working to ensure outstanding wifi coverage in 2018. Conference committees and staff will hold a debriefing meeting in Orlando, and PLA staff will hold a planning session later this summer to map out plans for PLA 2018 in Philadelphia.
Virtual Conference The Virtual Conference featured five live programs per day on Thursday and Friday of conference. Virtual conference registrants also got a taste of the PLA 2016 live author events, with Lindy West joining them for an interview over the break on Thursday afternoon. Friday afternoon’s author interview featured Jim Obergefell, the co-author (and lead plaintiff in the case) of Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality.
Registrants were happy with their Virtual Conference experience. Selected comments from the survey: “It was a good mix of sessions, even though I no longer do youth services. It was my first virtual conference and I was happy the sessions were presented especially for the virtual audience not just listening into sessions as they were presented in person. Really pleased with my experience! “ “As always, thank you for providing this opportunity to attend PLA. Since more and more libraries are dealing with budget issues, this is far more cost effective and helps greatly with staffing desks as no one is gone for days on end.” “Thanks to PLA for providing the Virtual Conference. It was well organized and the interface was easy to use. The technician was very responsive and handled any issues quickly. I am the first one in my library system to try the virtual conference
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(the library sent several people to the actual conference) and will be talking about my experience in a staff committee meeting this month.” I really enjoyed the lectures and material. I'd love to see an even longer/more diverse Virtual Conference in 2017.
Exhibits Exhibit sales were strong – 310 companies exhibited from 677 booths and 2 table tops. This compares to 338 exhibiting companies from 675 booths and 10 table tops in 2014.
Exhibitors were very pleased with traffic in the hall. 78% of the exhibitors reported that the attendee foot traffic met their expectations, an increase from 70% in 2014. This is very positive and reflective of the increase in attendance we had in Denver. Their satisfaction in the Denver conference is reflected in booth sales for the next PLA conference in Philadelphia in 2018. 180 companies reserved a total of 531 booths, which represents a 7% increase over 2014/2016 onsite renewals. 58% of exhibitors reserved 78% of 2016 booth space.
An email with a link to an online questionnaire, developed by Corcoran Expositions, Inc., was sent to the exhibitors of PLA 2018. Results included: 66% reported the overall conference as “Excellent” or “Good” compared to past PLA conferences. 78% of respondents reported that the overall traffic in the exhibit hall met their expectations. 81% of the respondents reported that they were “Extremely Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” with PLA 2016.
Positive comments included: PLA 2016 was an amazing conference. We were able to meet with our amazing customers, announce new features, and meet potential customers face to face. It was awesome! In the past 20 years, PLA is always our #1 tradeshow. This year did not disappoint. PLA is the best conference for exhibiting - but also for amazing programs and sessions for staff development! We never know if we should staff or own booth or be inspired by amazing programming. We wish it were every year! PLA 2016 was the best library convention we have ever attended. The traffic was outstanding as was the quality of the attendees. The exhibit breaks were great and the food was outstanding. Well done!
Areas for improvement: The exhibit hours are too long considering the non-conflict time allowed. If there was more non-conflict time then good. I would like more time with the exhibits open without programming. If it means exhibits are only open fewer hours but we can have more concentration of time with them that would be better
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I strongly believe that the exhibit hours should only be 1 1/2 days- with no other sessions or events concurring during that time. There was far too much dead time during the show because librarians were attending other events.
New for PLA 2016 was the Extraordinary Exhibits photo challenge game. Based on the familiar “Passport to Prizes” game, and with the same goal of building booth traffic for participating exhibitors, we decided to experiment by using the mobile app’s built-in photo scavenger hunt game in lieu of the traditional method of collecting stamps on a paper game card. Players snapped and upload photos in the mobile app to complete a series of challenges and earn badges from our participating exhibitors. Nine exhibitors participated, and although we only had 91 attendees play the game this first time, we received enough positive feedback from exhibitors that Corcoran wants us to offer—and more heavily promote to both exhibitors and attendees—the game again at PLA 2018.
Conclusion PLA 2016 was a great success. Excellent programming and well-attended exhibits again prevailed at PLA, making for a very successful conference. All parties involved should be very proud of their accomplishments!
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May 27, 2016
To: PLA Board of Directors
From: Angela Maycock Manager of Professional Development
Re: Update on Educational Activities
A report on the programming at the PLA 2016 Conference is included in the Conference Manager’s report (document 2016.67).
PLA @ ALA Annual Conference Attached to this report is a list of the PLA sponsored preconference (1) and programs (17), along with co‐sponsored programs (3), to be offered in Orlando. The ALA Annual Conference website is available at www.alaannual.org/; the ALA Annual Conference Scheduler at www.eventscribe.com/2016/ala‐ annual/index.asp; and the PLA @ ALA web page at www.ala.org/pla/education/alaannual.
Online Learning The following PLA webinars were presented since our last update to the Board for Midwinter 2016:
Date Title Registration 12/16/2015 Attack of the “Best” Lists (free) 189 individuals 1/20/2016 Leadership Workshop for Women: Tapping the 30 individuals/15 groups Power of the Female Vision – Part I 1/27/2016 Leadership Workshop for Women: Tapping the Power of the Female Vision – Part II 3/3/2016 LibERate the Telecommunications Act of 1996! 106 individuals Making E‐Rate Make Sense (free) 3/23/2016 YOU are the goal! Career & Individual Development 27 individuals/3 groups Planning 5/4/2016 Building & Operating Your Digital Media Lab 49 individuals/5 groups
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We also hosted the following free webinars for Project Outcome:
Date Title Registration 12/10/2015 Project Outcome: An Integral Part of the Planning 225 individuals Process 1/21/2016 The Value of Outcome Measurement for Library 453 individuals Programs: An Overview of Project Outcome 2/11/2016 Project Outcome: Using Survey Results to Influence 194 individuals Library Programming 3/17/2016 Make a Splash with Project Outcome: Measuring the 324 individuals Success of Summer Reading 5/4/2016 Measuring Program Outcomes: A Toolkit for Small 546 individuals Libraries (Partnered with & hosted by TechSoup)
In the month of June, PLA will be hosting the webinar, Engaged and Inclusive: Libraries Embracing Racial Equity and Social Justice, on June 8. Participants will gain a better understanding of the role public libraries have to play in social justice; take away concrete programmatic ideas and inspiration for ways public libraries can operate as a platform for social justice action; and discover tools to look inward at equity and social justice in their institutions.
In addition, another Project Outcome webinar, featuring a panel of Project Outcome users who will share their experiences in surveying adult programming using the Project Outcome Education/Lifelong Learning and Digital Learning surveys, will be offered on June 9.
Strategic Planning Institute PLA offered Results Boot Camp for the tenth and final time in 2015, and has been working on a new training opportunity for 2016 that builds on and goes beyond the Boot Camp experience. The new Strategic Planning Institute, with content developed and delivered by trainer Stephanie Gerding, will blend an in‐person workshop with online learning. In addition to covering best practices in strategic planning and project management, this program will be unique in its focus on simple, low‐cost planning. Participants will learn key time saving principles, including using existing community needs assessments, quick methods for getting input and buy‐in, and incorporating existing community plans. The program offers particularly high value to librarians in leadership positions, with beginning to intermediate knowledge of strategic planning issues, and particularly those in smaller libraries or library systems.
Applications will open in summer 2016. The in‐person institute will take place October 5‐7, 2016 in Washington, DC, with online components taking place both before and after. More information will be available on the PLA website at www.ala.org/pla/education.
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PLA@ALA 2016 Annual Conference Programming
PLA PRECONFERENCES
Title: Project Outcome Enrollment Workshop Organizer: Emily Plagman, Public Library Association Description: Field experts and library leaders from PLA’s Project Outcome Task Force kick off this preconference by describing their experience in pilot‐testing seven core performance measure. Attendees will learn how to deploy outcome measures in their libraries, collect and use resulting data, and leverage the project's support network to ensure successful adoption. Date/Time/Location: 6/24/2016 9:00 AM 4:00 PM OCCC W203
PLA PROGRAMS
Title: 3D Printing: Programs and Partnerships Description: Is your library interested in 3D printing but is not quite sure where to begin? Do you own a 3D printer but feel it has lost its novelty after a few prints? Then join us as we discuss ways to creatively use 3D print technology. We will discuss different types of programs as well as partnerships, 3D printing resources, and obstacles to avoid. Programs include 3D design and animation, cosplay design, robotics, and much more! Learn how to take that 3D printer off the shelf to become an important tool in your public programming. Speakers: Michael Cherry, Charles Sutton Date/Time/Location: 6/26/2016 1:00 PM 2:30 PM OCCC W101B
Title: Being Intentional about Your Culture Description: As library leaders, we often focus on developing detailed strategic plans and implementing the latest innovative ideas. But how often do we intentionally build shared attitudes, values, and beliefs to guide our organizations? This program will explore how library leaders can take steps to both create and sustain an intentional culture or set of values. Speakers: Richard Kong, Natalie Nation, Aaron Schmidt, Susan Brown Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 10:30 AM 11:30 AM OCCC W104
Title: Digging deeper ‐ can patrons use our resources, and are basic digital literacy classes enough? Description: We know our resources are easy to use and our patron training is relevant...don’t we? International assessment data show the US population scores below the international average in problem solving in technology‐rich environments. At risk of disrupting the status quo, a public library collaborates with an urban university on a project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to assess patrons’ skills. Results will help inform how library services and digital content are presented and will help ensure patron training content includes meaningful skills. Come learn how our research might reflect the needs of your patrons. Speakers: Amy E. Honisett, Cindy Gibbon Date/Time/Location: 6/26/2016 1:00 PM 2:30 PM OCCC W102B
Title: From the Ground Up: Building a Community‐Based Project Competition for Staff at All Levels Description: Take on your community's needs by investing in front‐line staff. Funded by an IMLS Sparks! 3 of 7
PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.68 Ignition grant, BPL created a platform for staff of any level to pitch a dream program that is assessed and voted on by stakeholders from community based organizations, co‐workers, and library card holders. Winning proposals are funded with micro‐grants and guided through program development, implementation, and evaluation by a team of internal and external project mentors. Join us for a discussion on how to create a similar model that bolsters staff morale and fosters a culture of innovation, all while supporting the community. Speakers: Nicholas Lee Higgins, Kerwin Pilgrim, Lisa Chow, Diana Plunkett Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 1:00 PM 2:30 PM OCCC W230A
Title: Increasing Early Literacy Skills through Creative Outdoor Spaces Description: This session will focus on creating outdoor spaces at public libraries, and the impact this can have on early literacy skills. While my co‐presenter and I have been fortunate enough to have a designated outdoor space at our library, but we know this type of space isn't always possible. We’ve spent the last 5 years adding early literacy elements such as music structures, water and sand tables, a story walk, outdoor learning tubs and a raised bed garden. We’d like to share our best practices, as well as our shared experience with other branches in a multi‐library system. Speakers: Elizabeth A. Guarino, Julie Ralston Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 8:30 AM 10:00 AM OCCC W206A
Title: Lessons from Learning Spaces: What Are Patrons Really Learning? Description: Libraries are shifting the intentionality of their hands‐on programming to focus on learning as an explicit goal. But how do we know that patrons are learning when engaged in informal activities, not just doing, and how do we communicate this learning to taxpayers, granting organizations, and patrons themselves, who increasingly seek evidence of success? What are granting organizations looking for in proposals as effective evidence of learning? In this panel discussion, IMLS funded researchers working in school and public libraries will distill their experiences analyzing informal learning into practical strategies that librarians can implement on the ground. Speakers: Kristin Fontichiaro, Mega Subramamian, Rebekah Willett, Tim Carrigan, Jack Martin Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 1:00 PM 2:30 PM OCCC W206A
Title: Mental Health Challenges in the Library: An Opportunity for Impact Description: America's public libraries serve as the public institution where everyone is welcome. Due to the breakdown of the mental health and substance abuse safety net in recent decades, our patrons include individuals who are using our libraries as both a resource and a refuge. This session will explore that history and provide practical tools for librarians in how to best assist patrons dealing with behavioral health issues. Our speaker is a librarian who served as the Chief of Staff of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the State of Texas from 2002‐2015. Speakers: Mimi Martinez McKay ‐ Library Consultant, Recovery Resources Consulting Date/Time/Location: 6/26/2016 10:30 AM 11:30 AM OCCC W108
Title: Not Your Grandma’s Bridge Group: Community Partnerships and Programs for Older Adults Description: By 2020, the older adult population will have grown 74%. Will your library be ready? The concept of recreation and leisure activities for seniors is changing. Libraries must be ready to provide dynamic educational and creative programming, but we’re not alone. Learn how to leverage community partnerships to provide programs for older adults, including those who are reluctant to visit age‐specific venues, such as senior centers. Discussion will include the pros and cons of in‐house vs. partner‐ provided programming, tips for developing and sustaining partnerships, and specific of programs that 4 of 7
PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.68 have worked in a metropolitan library system. Speakers: Stacey Lewis, Susan Bushnell Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 3:00 PM 4:00 PM OCCC W206C
Title: Play Today, Prosper Tomorrow! Designing, Developing and Delivering an Early Literacy Play Room in a Public Library Description: Meaningful play enables babies and toddlers to make sense of their world; develop their social and emotional selves; and express their thoughts and feelings in a safe, nurturing manner. Research supports that interactive and innovative play between babies/toddlers and their caregivers results in children who are enriched and ultimately better prepared learners than their lesser or non‐ engaged counterparts. Early learning and literacy playrooms can help to foster creative and imaginative thinking for children 0‐5 and serve as a fun and engaging way to encounter and solve real world, age‐ appropriate problems while developing emergent literacy and language skills. Speakers: Rena M. Baker, Joanne Federman, Tatiana Wells, Nichole Shabazz Date/Time/Location: 6/27/2016 1:00 PM 2:30 PM OCCC W206A
Title: The Power of Partnerships: Library as Leader in Local Collaborations Description: By identifying mutual interests and leveraging skills and resources, local libraries can serve patron needs and highlight library services to their local community. Hear how the Orange County (Fla.) Library System creates successful partnerships to serve their patrons of all ages. Speakers: Karen Danczak Lyons, Richard Maladecki, J. Clay Singleton, Joyce Nutta, Kat Gordon; Laurene Tetard; Mimi Coenen; Mary Anne Hodel Date/Time/Location: 6/26/2016 10:30 AM 11:30 AM OCCC W110B
Title: The Power of Performance: Project Outcome Description: Just like Dancing with the Stars, if the public doesn’t like your performance they vote – usually with their feet. If you are interested in understanding your community by using a simple and straight forward measurement process, come hear from colleagues that have been trained and implemented the process, and what differences it has made in planning services, improving programming, and enhancing their connection with their communities. Speakers: Emily Plagman Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 3:00 PM 4:00 PM OCCC W206A
Title: Public Librarians Serving those on the Autism Spectrum: Practical Solutions Resulting from Online Training Description: Project PALS, an IMLS funded collaboration between autism experts and librarians, created four online training modules to teach librarians about how to best provide services for patrons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These trainings are now available on Webjunction, and initial data reveals how librarians who have taken the modules plan to implement recommendations into their libraries to best serve members of this population. Presenters will discuss practical solutions for public libraries to implement in their own locations, as well as the most popular suggestions for implementation as chosen by librarians and library staff who have taken the full trainings. Speakers: Nancy Everhart, Amelia Anderson, Cay Hohmeister Date/Time/Location: 6/26/2016 10:30 AM 11:30 AM OCCC W232
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PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.68 Title: Serving New Immigrants through Partnerships and Federal Resources Description: More than 55% of immigrants use the public library at least once a week, and libraries across the country are finding many ways to serve them. Whether easing the path to citizenship or offering English language learning outlets, partnerships are key to this programming. Since 2013, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has formally partnered with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to bring federal resources to libraries serving these populations. Find out what successful implementation looks like in a range of libraries, and learn about resources that you can start using today. Speakers: Teri DeVoe, Nathan Stiefel, Sandra Toro, Gregg B. Gronlund, Karisa Tashjian, Nora J. Bird Date/Time/Location: 6/26/2016 1:00 PM 2:30 PM OCCC W222A
Title: Timberland Writes Together: Public Libraries Publishing Description: The changing publishing landscape opens opportunities for librarians to take on a new role as community publishers. Learn how Timberland Regional Library engage with local communities to publish a short story anthology with work from local authors and artists, which then became the focus of the district's big community read initiative. This session will cover the process and considerations in pursuing a publishing program from initial concept, approval and funding to development, production and distribution. Attendees will come away with information to evaluate and implement a community publishing program. Speakers: Ryan M. Williams ‐ Circulation Services Coordinator, Timberland Regional Library Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 4:30 PM 5:30 PM OCCC W104
Title: Uncommonly Good: Public Librarians and School Librarians Working Together for Common Core Description: What do public librarians and school librarians have in common? We all want to serve our patrons as well as contribute to literacy and higher reading rates within our communities. Since the adoption of Common Core Standards in many states, users have called on librarians for assistance with information, resources and knowledge relating to these standards. Public librarians and school librarians can effectively collaborate to help each other reach their goals of user satisfaction and increased reading. Join this session to discover the fundamentals of Common Core and how we can help. Speakers: Deborah J. Parrott, Renee' C. Lyons Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 3:00 PM 4:00 PM OCCC W222A
Title: Using Digital Content to Engage your Community Description: The Cleveland Public Library offers individuals, institutions and families help with digitizing, preserving and showing‐off their collections at the Cleveland Digital Public Library (CDPL.) Opened in February of 2015, the 4000 square foot facility offers a wide range of services including a learning commons classroom, a Digital Gallery, Touch Wall and Preservation Lab. Join CDPL staff members as they walk you through the design, construction, opening and current progress of this innovative community engagement program and digital technology center. Speakers: Robin S. Wood, Chatham Ewing Date/Time/Location: 6/26/2016 10:30 AM 11:30 AM OCCC W107
Title: Victorious Battle! Public Library's Educational Value delivered through Original Librarian created Book Battle Program Description: The librarian created Book Battle program was used in China, Taiwan and Florida to deliver measurable educational value to public library services. The North Miami Beach Library embarked on a summer reading program that included Book Battle as part of their #StopTheSummerSlide campaign. 6 of 7
PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.68 Participants competed with other students at an international level with measurable results. Attendees will learn about the development, enactment, motivation and support received from parents/students, through video testimonials. This program became the highlight of the Library’s 2015 educational services. Participants received recognition before the City Council and skills were gained not lost! Speakers: Edenia M. Hernandez, Samuel Chu, Hong Huang Date/Time/Location: 6/27/2016 10:30 AM 11:30 AM OCCC W104
COSPONSORED PROGRAMS
Title: Conversation Starter: Libraries, Archives, Museums – Better Together Description: We are a unique and diverse cohort of professionals from library, archives and museum (LAM) organizations. We represent a range of institutions, from the Smithsonian to Tulare County Library (CA) to American Samoa Office of Archives and Records, and more. We have joined together in the Collective Wisdom LAM Conference Exchange project. Our mission is to break through the barriers between libraries, archives and museums, and explore cross‐sector culture, policies, and practices, especially related to the continuing education and professional development of our workforce. Find out what we’ve learned about getting out of our silos. Join this ongoing conversation to share your ideas and visions for creating a strong LAM network that delivers high‐quality services to our communities. Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 4:00 PM 4:45 PM OCCC W414CD
Title: Family Engagement in Public Libraries Is Valued, But There Is Work To Be Done Description: Ever wonder what libraries around the country are doing to engage families? Interested to know what libraries consider their greatest family engagement needs? We've got some preliminary answers for you. As part of the Libraries for the 21st Century Project: It's a Family Thing, we, the Public Library Association and Harvard Family Research Project, conducted a national survey of existing family engagement practices in libraries. We define family engagement as a shared responsibility among families, schools, and communities to support children’s learning and development. Research shows that family engagement is important for children’s outcomes from birth through young adulthood and it happens everywhere children learn – including the library. For families, family engagement is about knowledge, attitudes, values, and behaviors that enable children to be motivated, enthusiastic, and successful learners. For libraries, family engagement entails respectful partnerships that offer the information, guidance, and opportunities for families to be active in children’s learning and development. At this discussion, come hear about our expansive survey findings and join us in a conversation about the implications of our results! Date/Time/Location: 6/26/2016 10:30 AM 11:30 AM OCCC S320 A‐C Speakers: Scott Allen, Clara Bohrer
Title: Further down the Alphabet – Embracing B Movies! Description: Finding A‐list films and current blockbusters can be pretty straightforward, but there’s a world of B, C & D movies out there that patrons love, too. No need to hide in terror from requests for films about mutant vegetables! From Mothra to Mother May I Sleep With Danger, Sudden Death to Sharknado, we will embrace the cheese and share with you some of our favorites! Date/Time/Location: 6/25/2016 10:30 AM 11:30 AM OCCC W206A Sponsor: Video Round Table Speakers: Laine Thielstrom, Kati Irons Perez, Conan McLemore
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Date: 5/27/2016 To: PLA Board of Directors From: Kathleen Hughes, Editor and Manager, Publications Re: Public Libraries
According to the April report, ad sales in fiscal year 2016 are a bit behind budget. The report shows that gross advertising revenue is at $26,573; the budgeted figure is at $28,900. For comparison purposes, at this time last year, advertising sales were at $18,527. This is a conference year, and we typically experience a bump in ad sales during a conference year. In addition, we have hired a new ad sales team. As revenues are collected, we should meet our year-end advertising target.
Our subscription base has shrunk a tiny bit; we currently have 537 subscriptions. At this time last year we had 548 subscriptions. Subscription revenues are slightly behind; budgeted to be $26,749; the actual figure is $25,843, this is a timing issue. A planned subscription drive for this summer should bolster subscriber numbers and we should be at our budgeted revenue figure by the end of the fiscal year.
In terms of expenses, we are budgeted to be at $53,958; at this point expenses are at $77,375. This is due to the March/April issue mailing early (in order to be available by PLA conference in early April), so postage expenses were billed earlier. Expenses will catch up to the budgeted figure, as the fiscal year progresses. We are planning to hold the line on spending, to remain in line with the budgeted expense figure through the end of the fiscal year.
Publiclibrariesonline.org The online companion site to “Public Libraries” continues to thrive. Like the print iteration, PLOnline (www.publiclibrariesonline.org) focuses on issues and topics that matter to public libraries and public librarianship. Updated daily, the site features selections from the print magazine as well as unique content. PLOnline offers hundreds of articles on library-related topics in addition to author interviews and Indie e-book reviews. Posts are comment-enabled so readers can share ideas on the often thought-provoking topics, as well as share their own stories or experiences. A variety of social networking options accompany the site, these include Facebook (www.facebook.com/publiclibrariesonline), Twitter (@publibonline), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/publibonline), and Instagram.
In past months we have pursued refining a multiplatform environment for PL Online, with content distributed across many platforms. To that end, this year we have developed a podcast series, to further explore and expand PL content. FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast debuted in November, since that time we have completed eleven episodes. These short, information-packed segments offer an easy way to explore initiatives or hear more about current ideas in the public library world. Listeners can stream the episodes directly from the PL Online site, or subscribe via iTunes. Currently available episodes include:
Episode 1 (756 listeners as of 5/25/16) Douglas Crane, director of the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Library System, discusses his project to interview long-time public library directors to learn more about the job and to try and determine what makes a great library director. Episode 2 (457 listeners as of 5/25/16) Valerie Gross, president and CEO of the Howard County (Md.) Library System, discusses the principles of two library initiatives, Libraries = Education and Choose Civility. 1 of 5
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Episode 3 (303 listeners as of 5/25/16) Sarah Kittrell, Wichita (Kans.) Public Library, discusses her PLA Book, The Bed Bug Guide for Public Libraries. Episode 4 (312 listeners as of 5/25/16) Amy Koester, Skokie (Ill.) Public Library discusses the concept of unprogramming: creating and offering programs that are at once highly engaging and collection-driven without requiring large amounts of planning, funds, and staff time. Episode 5 (177 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Kari Chapin, best-selling author, teacher, marketing mentor, consultant, and "Make It Extraordinary" guest speaker, discusses how her books and products help readers generate and capture their best ideas, as well as improve productivity and manage their time. Episode 6 (237 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from the PLA 2016! Erica Jesonis, Chief Librarian for Information Management, Cecil County (Md.) Public Library, discusses how to keep your library’s Facebook page from getting hacked. Episode 7 (172 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Amy Holcomb, Experiential Learning Coordinator and Mikael Jacobson, Learning Experiences Manager at Skokie (Ill.) Public Library discuss The BOOMbox, an experimental space designed to facilitate STEAM learning for all ages. Episode 8 (102 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Dan Wilson, Associate Director for Collections & Library Services at the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, University of Virginia Health System, and Siobhan Champ-Blackwell, Librarian at the National Library of Medicine, discuss how librarians and libraries are vital resources for the community during disasters, as they are in the best position to verify and disseminate correct information to the community. Episode 9 (138 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Nichole Shabazz, Youth Outreach and Programming Coordinator at the Cleveland Public Library and Phyllis Hunter, Reading and Literacy Expert, Phyllis C. Hunter Consulting, Inc., discuss the program, "Where the Black and Brown Boys Aren’t (and Why)” at PLA 2016. Episode 10 (195 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Sarah Lawton, Neighborhood Library Supervisor, Madison (Wisc.) Public Library and Tariq Saqqaf, Neighborhood Resource Coordinator, City of Madison, Office of the Mayor, discuss how libraries can address racial disparities and create more inclusive public spaces. Episode 11 (118 listeners as of 5/25/16) Ady Huertas, Branch Manager of the Logan Branch/San Diego Public Library discusses the library's program, "Out of the Shadows." The program is designed to raise public awareness about the problem of sex trafficking in San Diego, bring to light the plight of sex trafficking victims and at-risk youth, and provide resources and support services for those in need in the San
In the past year, we also began publishing a weekly PLOnline Newsletter. The opt-in newsletter pushes out PLOnline articles and information. We currently have over 1,300 subscribers, with new subscribers signing up every day, at this time last year we had 400 subscribers. You can see archived copies of the newsletter at http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/05/public-libraries-online-weekly-may-14-2015/. We are happy to report that www.publiclibrariesonline.org continues to be very busy – here is a look at recent statistics:
Sep 2015-May 2016 Sep 2014-May 2015 % Change Users 221,362 162,865 35.92% Sessions 280,918 202,136 38.97% 2 of 5
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Average Session Duration 0:01:06 0:01:04 3.13% Pageviews 391,368 289,433 35.22%
For a complete overview of PLOnline data view PLA Technology Report – Board Document 2016.73a-d. Finally, this year we conducted a reader survey – questions covered both the print and virtual iterations of PL. The survey revealed: Nearly half of all respondents spend up to two hours with each issue and share their copy with an average of five colleagues. More than half reported that they learn something from the magazine that helps them do their job(s) better. In the same survey the magazine also received high marks in most areas including: Timeliness, Authoritative Information, Evidence-based information, Relevance, Readability, Practical Information, and Value in Professional Development. Nearly 70% are aware of www.publiclibrariesonline.org Nearly 25% view weekly or visit the site a few times per month, but most visit the site every few months. Reasons for visiting PLOnline included: To view exclusive content 20.94%; To gather information on a topic 34.62% 81; Because I clicked on a link 47.86% 112. Reasons for reading Public Libraries, comments included: o I read because I want to learn and to know what is going in the world of public libraries. I work in a public library. I'm a long standing patron and supporter of the public library system. o It is a good industry resource and it is nice to get the perspectives and things happening in other public library... many are so different but our issues are usually the same. o Stay on top of trends, bigger picture issues o interesting to my profession, targeted specifically to my role as a public librarian o To keep informed and up to date o Benefit to me in the profession, support public libraries o To discover ideas and practices that WORK and are able to be duplicated in our library system. Also love the 'what are they currently reading' after each writer. o I work in a public library, not an academic, school, or special library. You address the topics that actually affect me. o Gather information on what new services libraries are offering library patrons; how libraries are engaging businesses in their area; fundraising. o Keeps me abreast of how libraries deal with sea changes, helpful research articles, enjoy reading about libraries that have the same challenges we do o Stay in touch with all the issues in public libraries o I want to keep up with what's going on in the library world. o To learn of what other public librarians are doing or reading. o new ideas, trends o I want to keep up with the state of the art of public libraries. o I look for ideas for myself and for my team. It also offers a connection point and makes me feel as if I am part of a larger effort since it includes issues/experiences that are common to my library. o Like the focus is just on public libraries o to see what else is going on and to see if I can make things better in my community o to see what's going on in other libraries and to get ideas
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o New ideas. Reminder that I don't have to solve all of the above problems all by myself. Friendly advice o To keep current; review what others are doing; personal and professional edification. o I enjoy the articles. They are very relevant. o I love perspectives from other librarians and what they are working on developing and how I could potentially use it in my own experiences.Inspiration, ideas, build confidence in the profession and look for creative ways to deal with difficult and complex issues o To stay current on developments in the field and find out how other libraries and librarians are handling things. o I consider it a crucial part of my professional reading. o It is provided as part of my annual paid membership o To try to keep up with a changing library environment. Gain knowledge on numerous subjects and get program ideas. o Articles apply to public libraries, innovative ideas, interesting perspectives. o To keep current on what is happening in other libraries and in other states. To get good advice on new directions we can follow. To be knowledgeable about trends that may affect us/ o To keep abreast of issues and trends affecting libraries, get inspired by neat things and successes from other libraries, and to broaden my perspective on how we can improve our own service offerings. o As a Board Trustee, I want to be more familiar with the issues facing our Public Libraries today... o When I get I hope to find that the content has changed, but it never has. The one I just got had, yes, another article from another librarian with ideas on how to weed. Groundbreaking. I orchestrated weeding for years and unless it becomes automated, nothing new can be written about it. Talk about a waste of paper and time. o It is a great way to stay connected to the profession. o To learn what other libraries are doing and get ideas that might work for my library. Also, to stay up-to- date with what is happening in the field. o To keep up with what's going on in libraries outside of my geographic area. I'm a CE Consultant and work at the system level. I'm always looking for new speakers/topics to bring to our system. o Again, I'm trying to stay on the top of my game. The quickest, most efficient way you can help me with that the better. Thank you! o I enjoy it and am inspired by it, as well. o I feel that there is something of interest in each issue. o Keep up with broader trends; learn new ideas. Please keep the paper version of Public Libraries - it is easier to route around to various other coworkers. (I dropped my LAMA membership when LAMA dropped their printed quarterly magazine) o As a public librarian, I feel it should have the most relevance to my work. This is not always the case. o Though I am retired, I like keeping up with what is current. o Because I still consider myself a public librarian, even though I'm now retired. It's rare that I don't find something in every issue that's relevant to my research or classes I teach. o Because I want to be the best public librarian that I can. o Public Libraries contains a wealth of information that can be applied to my job. It is a concise source of practical and timely information and it is written in a conversational tone that makes it fun to read. o As a branch manager, I find the information to be timely and addresses real world issues.
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o Because I am a professional librarian and it is what a professional does to keep in touch with others. Print is more portable than online, sorry! o I want to be knowledgeable on the cutting edge of topics and trends so that I can have relevant and current information when called upon by my board, my administration, my community, and my department.
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Date: 5/27/2016 To: PLA Board of Directors From: Kathleen Hughes, Manager, Publications Re: PLA Publications
Sales As of the April report, PLA Publications revenues are behind budget. Currently at $2700, the sales figure was budgeted to be $18,971. At this time last year, sales were at $8,165. We have recently released two new publications (with another out soon) and are confident that as promotional activities are undertaken, sales figures will reach or at least approach the budgeted figure by the end of the fiscal year. These sales figures are for PLA publications only and do not include ECRR figures, or the PLAmetrics (PLDS subscription database) which are listed separately, below.
Current Project We are working on a new series entitled “Quick Reads for Busy Librarians.” At no more than 100 pages, these books cover both emerging and essential topics in public librarianship with style, clarity, and above all brevity. These short books are the perfect size in terms of depth and coverage for many public library world topics. Each book in the series has a similar look and design and is available as a pdf download (available immediately). Quick Reads currently available include:
The Bed Bug Guide for Public Libraries (Since its release in January has sold 66 copies). Author: Sarah Kittrell. January, 2016, 66 pages. Price:$19.95 PLA Member / $22.00 ALA Member / $24.00 Nonmember The Bed Bug Guide for Public Libraries is a thorough look at managing what is becoming an increasingly common problem for public libraries. The book’s expert author, Sarah Kittrell, collection development division manager of the Wichita Public Library, has served as her library’s pest management coordinator since 2012 and has amassed a lot of experience in the arena. As Sarah says, “…while there is no doubt that bed bugs are a headache for libraries…this guide is meant to help you and your library develop the plans and tools that are necessary to ensure introductions are caught and dealt with as quickly as possible, stopping infestation scenarios before they have a chance to truly start. Libraries around the country and world have successfully dealt with bed bugs and you can too.” This digital download provides information that will help you: o Recognize the signs of bed bug introductions and infestations; o Create an action plan for dealing with bed bug introductions; o Develop policies and procedures to help you work with customers who may have pest issues in their residences; o Understand bed bug treatment and mitigation options, allowing you to protect your facilities and collections; and o Feel confident talking to the public about bed bugs and what your library is doing to proactively protect your facilities, equipment, and collections. Weeding Manual (Since its release a week prior to this writing, has sold 5 copies). Authors: Holly Hibner and Mary. May, 2016, 71 pages. Price: $19.95 PLA Member/ $22.00 ALA Member / $24.00 Nonmember Weeding is an important step in collection management, and one that must be handled sensibly. Under-weeded collections can quickly look messy, old, and unappealing. Overweeded Cover of Weeding Manual Book collections become irrelevant, lacking materials that patrons want and need. There is a fine balance in weeding, and it all begins with knowing your community and what they 1 of 3
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expect from their public library. Weeding also has implications for public relations. This manual will help library workers weed smartly. We are stewards of shared community assets, so weeding decisions must be carried out carefully and respectfully. Weeding garners attention from patrons, so their feelings and responses must be taken into consideration. Readers can also use this manual to help define a library collection with policies and objectives. Collection development factors like depth, breadth, relevancy, and currency are discussed. Also in this book are methods for ongoing weeding as well as starting points for long-overdue weeding projects. The authors explain how to create space, appeal, and usefulness and describe how to create a weeding schedule that is both possible and practical. They recommend reports to run through integrated library systems and discuss ways to analyze collection data. All of these approaches to weeding will help you decide what to weed, how often, and how much. Finally, the authors go collection-by-collection with specific weeding criteria to consider. Each Dewey decimal category is covered. Many different formats, and even classic and series-driven fiction, are also touched upon. This digital download provides practical advice that will help: Any public library to get started, or to continue, weeding with confidence. Readers will feel empowered to create a weeding plan that is useful to heir building, their community, and their staff.
Building a Digital Media Lab will be out soon.
Expenses We are well below budget on expenses. The budgeted figure is $12,157; we are actually at $6,209. While there will be some expenses based on launching our new book series, we do not anticipate going over the budgeted figure.
Other PLA Publishing Activities
Public Library Data Service Statistical Report (PLAmetrics) As of the 2011 report, PLA ceased printing a paper PLDS report. For the past few years, PLA has offered access to the PLDS data, initially via the University of Illinois and for the past two year via Counting Opinions. The database, now known as PLAmetrics (www.plametrics.org) is available via subscription. A subscription ($250) provides unlimited web access to data and reports from the Public Library Data Service Survey for one year (12 months). At this point, we have 175 active subscriptions. For comparison purposes here are the subscription numbers from previous years: 2015 (June) – 145 subscriptions 2014 (June)- 171 subscriptions 2013 (June) – 167 subscriptions (PLAmetrics via Counting Opinions) 2013 (March) – 169 subscriptions (PLAmetrics via Counting Opinions 2012 (December) – 173 subscriptions (PLAmetrics via Counting Opinions) 2011-138 subscriptions (PLAmetrics via Counting Opinions) 2010 – 69 subscriptions (PLAmetrics via Counting Opinions) 2009 – 78 subscriptions (PLDS subscription database via the University of Illinois) 2008 – 83 subscriptions (PLDS subscription database via the University of Illinois) 2007 – 70 subscriptions (PLDS subscription database via the University of Illinois)
At the 2013 Annual Conference, the PLDS committee recommended, to the PLA Board of Directors, that PLA discontinue the PLDS survey and PLAmetrics. Their exact recommendation was accepted by the board, this is it:
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As the PLDS committee cannot foresee a reduction or elimination of public library data collection by IMLS, we recommend to the PLA Board the discontinuation of the majority of the PLDS annual survey. The survey questions that duplicate those asked in the IMLS survey do not need to continue. However, the PLDS survey could transform into a small set of more‐frequently issued, thematic questions that PLA could distribute. We could investigate utilizing the ALA Office for Research & Statistics (ORS) to conduct these trends surveys. It is anticipated that, based or similar work done by ORS for ACRL, the trends surveys could be conducted at greatly reduced costs compared to outsourcing to Counting Opinions. If supported by ALA‐ORS, the first trend survey (on Outcomes) could be issued this fall; this specialty trend survey would complement PLA President Carolyn Anthony's creation of the Performance Measurement Task Force.
Upon notification that that PLA would cease production of PLDS/PLAmetrics, Counting Opinions offered PLA a licensing agreement, wherein they would continue to manage the survey, taking over all aspects of the project, and would pay PLA royalties based on sales. PLA accepted and entered into this agreement in January, 2014. Royalties received in FY16 to date are $918. Last fiscal year total royalties received were $1,265.33.
The PLDS Committee is again looking at possible futures for the PLDS and hopes to have a recommendation for the future of the project available by the 2016 ALA Annual Conference.
Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) 2nd Edition (2011) Sales of the ECRR kit and auxiliary products have been very strong. Since its release in June, 2011, we have sold 5,952 kits. At this point last year we had sold 4,246 kits.
Outside of the kits we have sold additional products: English Brochures - Packets of 100 –4,906; last year at this time 4,076 packets English Bookmarks – Packets of 100 – 3,661; last year at this time 3,069 packets English Posters – 6,299; last year at this time 5,570 Spanish Brochures: 1,234; last year at this time 1,052 packets Spanish Bookmarks – 2,364; last year at this time 1,064 packets Spanish Posters – 1,605; last year at this time 1,569 posters The ECRR Toolkit for Spanish-Speaking Patrons has sold 104 copies since being released in March, 2014; at this time last year the total was 96.
As of the April reports ECRR sales revenue is at $61,197; we were budgeted to be at $25,380. As far as expenses, we are at $10,366; against a budgeted figure of $8,619. This can be attributed to increased overhead thanks to the unanticipated uptick in sales this year (attributed to the State of Michigan purchase of ECRR kits for each library in the state, in addition to general overall brisk sales). Net revenues are currently at $49,226 budgeted to be at $16,761.
Last year at this time, ECRR sales revenue was at $31,324; we were budgeted to be at $26,664. As far as expenses, we were at $8,568; against a budgeted figure of $14,376. Net revenues were at $22,597; budgeted to be $12,288.
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Date: June 25th, 2016
To: PLA Board
From: Emily Plagman, Project Manager
RE: Project Outcome Update
On June 26th, PLA will celebrate the one year anniversary of Project Outcome, which launched at ALA in San Francisco at a preconference workshop that included 60 libraries and 113 participants. As of May 25th, an estimated 1,000 libraries have signed up online, approximately 225 of which are running surveys, representing over 13,000 patron completed surveys.
A lot has happened in the first year: Continual improvements: The adaptation of the tools and resources continues based on user feedback. Improvements to the online systems or resources are made regularly. Increased conference presence: In-person presentations have been delivered across 12 conferences/venues. Estimated attendance per session is 50-60 people. Monthly webinars: 12 have been completed, offering users opportunities to learn best practices relating to planning for and administering surveys and how to take action using the results. Attendance is usually between 100-150 with an average of 60% registration- to-attendance rate, which is higher than most free PLA webinars. Formalization of communication processes: Monthly e-news, regular social media posts, and peer engagement have been delivered regularly. PLA preconference training: A full-day training at PLA was a resounding success, having built upon lessons learned from the launch. An estimated 130 attendees representing 90 libraries attended the preconference training. State-level engagement: States receive monthly user updates and received an in- person update at their COSLA meeting on May 4th. Staff will attend 7 library conferences in the fall of 2016 and will present on Project Outcome alongside libraries participating in each state. Sustainability planning: In July, Project Outcome will offer a webinar for groups interested in having a full-day training, similar to what is offered at ALA and PLA. This is the first step in sustainability planning, which may also include data sharing partnerships, or one-on-on consultations (as examples). New Summer Reading surveys: The Task Force re-drafted and expanded the Summer Reading measures, made available June 8th, 2016. The improvements were made based on last year’s user feedback and now include three sub-categories (teens/children, caregivers, and adults). Collaboration: Project Outcome has expanded its collaboration with partners, most recently coordinating with ULC to schedule staff-to-staff webinars about each product as well as to each other’s respective user base. Staff also discussed opportunities for collaboration about large library engagement. Lastly, Project Outcome has formally partnered with the Research Institute for Public Libraries, developed by Colorado State Library Staff, and will be co-presenting at the fall Institute as well as hosting one in Chicago in Fall 2017.
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Follow-Up Surveys NEW at ALA!: The Task Force has been working diligently to develop and test a set of Follow-up Surveys, launched at the ALA preconference on June 24th, that will help libraries measure actual adoption. The measures are designed to be administered 2-4 weeks after a patron has completed a program or used a service.
Coming Fall 2016: A set of “Write-Your-Own-Outcomes” guidelines for libraries interested in administering more advanced surveys and conducting longitudinal studies pre/post assessments. The guidelines will also include instruction around how to draft outcome questions will be released fall 2016. The guidelines and, to some extent, the Follow-Up measures, are primarily designed for libraries with specific measurement goals or needs. Staff will develop a cohort of large libraries to review and test some of the concepts as the guidelines are developed.
PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.72
TO: PLA Board of Directors RE: Leadership Academy DATE: May 27, 2016
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT: Information ACTION REQUESTED BY: Lian Drago, Melissa Faubel Johnson, Angela Maycock DRAFT OF MOTION: N/A
BACKGROUND: The PLA Leadership Academy is a career‐changing event for public librarians, designed to empower participants with the knowledge necessary to be innovative and successful leaders of change. Its focus is on developing skills to work with municipal officials to enhance the position of the library within the community and improve the effectiveness of library activities and programs. It consists of: An Immersive In‐Person Event Unique City/County Management Perspective Professional Coach Program Project‐Based Engagement
As a result of participating in the PLA Leadership Academy, applicants will: Understand the nature of effective leadership in public libraries and the context in which that leadership will be needed in the coming years; Build personal leadership awareness and effectiveness; Understand the opportunities for and challenges of civic engagement, including skills for effective community partnerships; Form a long term, sustainable mentoring network with colleagues and other experienced leaders; and Know how to apply the above in the context of their particular library and community.
STATUS: The 2017 Leadership Academy will take place March 19‐24, 2017 in Portland, OR.
Applications will open in summer 2016, and a total of 28 participants will be selected. This compares to 24 participants in 2013 and 32 participants in 2015.
For more information, visit www.ala.org/pla/education/leadershipacademy.
PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73a
Date: May 27, 2016 To: PLA Board From: Steven Hofmann, Manager, Web Communications Re: Technology
PLA On‐Demand Webinars The archived recordings of PLA’s webinars went on sale as on‐demand webinars (http://www.ala.org/pla/onlinelearning/webinars/ondemand) via the ALA Store on February 13, 2012.
FY16 gross sales September 1, the first day of the fiscal year, through May 22, 2016, were $4,533.50. Detailed reports for both FY16 and Life‐to‐date (i.e. FY12–FY16) are attached.
PLA Web Analytics In addition to the website analytics below, a comparison of PLA’s primary analytics with those of the other ALA divisions is attached. Although comparisons with other divisions do not necessarily have an “apples to apples” correlation, they may still offer some internal context. A comparison of analytics for the PLA site and Public Libraries Online with the same period last year is also attached.
PLA Website FY16 statistics September 1, the first day of the fiscal year, through May 22, 2016, reported by Google Analytics for the PLA website:
57,035 users 118,842 sessions, with 42.2% by new visitors and 57.8% by returning visitors and an average session duration of 2 minutes, 10 seconds 237,817 pageviews, for an average of 2.00 pages per session 87.98% of sessions were from the U.S., 2.94% from Canada, and the remaining from countries including India, the U.K., Australia, the Philippines, China, Kenya, Malaysia, and Spain Top 10 pages by pageviews were: o Homepage – 57,519 pageviews o Conferences & Continuing Education – 22,577 pageviews o On‐Demand Webinars – 6,865 pageviews o Membership – 5,803 pageviews o Performance Measurement – 5,410 pageviews o Careers in Public Librarianship (Professional Tools) – 5,239 pageviews o Public Libraries Magazine (not Public Libraries Online) – 4,987 pageviews o Awards – 4,890 pageviews o About PLA – 4,212 pageviews o Professional Tools – 3,653 pageviews PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73a
Primary source of traffic on the site was organic (i.e. free) search results (64.19% of sessions), followed by users entering URLs directly in their browsers or using bookmarks (19.81%), then links from other sites (12.43%), links from social media (2.37%), links from e‐mail communications (.69%), paid search results (.48%), and other (.02%) Top 10 sources of traffic by sessions were: o Google (organic) – 67,137 sessions o entering URLs or bookmarks – 23,545 sessions o Bing (organic) – 4,774 sessions o Yahoo (organic) – 3,979 sessions o placonference.org – 1,962 sessions o Experient (PLA 2016 registration vendor) – 1,122 sessions o Facebook – 1,072 sessions o Public Libraries Online – 989 sessions o Facebook Mobile – 640 sessions o ALA Shibboleth Authentication – 622 sessions
PLA 2016 Conference Website The full version of the PLA 2016 Conference website launched on September 3, 2015, replacing the temporary “Plan Ahead for PLA 2016” webpage. New for PLA 2016 was our own customized, searchable schedule of preconference and concurrent program sessions. Previously (for both PLA 2012 and PLA 2014), this schedule was embedded in our conference site, but it was hosted by our proposals/abstracts vendor and we had little control over its user interface. That this content was part of the conference website might account, at least in part, for the 38.5% increase in pageviews over PLA 2014 while the number of users and sessions remained relatively consistent.
FY16 statistics September 1, the first day of the fiscal year, through May 22, 2016, reported by Google Analytics for the PLA 2016 Conference website:
89,082 users 161,762 sessions, with 54.4% by new visitors and 45.6% by returning visitors and an average session duration of 4 minutes, 11 seconds 567,957 pageviews, for an average of 3.51 pages per session 92.02% of sessions were from the U.S., 3.35% from Canada, and the remaining from countries including Russia, India, the U.K., Australia, unknown, Germany, Egypt, and Pakistan Top 10 pages by pageviews were: o Homepage – 163,081 pageviews o Programs (searchable schedule) – 92,920 pageviews o Registration – 47,726 pageviews o Housing – 19,997 pageviews o Preconferences – 19,288 pageviews o Virtual Conference – 14,585 pageviews PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73a
o Tracks – 5,133 pageviews o How Two Libraries Quit Summer Reading and You Can, Too – 5,007 pageviews o For Exhibitors – 4,944 pageviews o Opening Session with Anderson Cooper – 4,000 pageviews Primary source of traffic on the site was organic (i.e. free) search results (52.11% of sessions), followed by links from other sites (26.52%), then users entering URLs directly in their browsers or using bookmarks (18.46%), links from social media (2.89%), and links from e‐mail communications (.03%) Top 10 sources of traffic by sessions were: o Google (organic) – 76,124 sessions o ala.org (this would include the PLA site) – 30,303 sessions o entering URLs or bookmarks – 29,856 sessions o Bing (organic) – 4,528 sessions o Yahoo (organic) – 3,422 sessions o fountas‐and‐pinnell.wikispaces.com – 2,403 sessions o Facebook Mobile – 1,811 sessions o Facebook – 1,598 sessions o a2zinc.net (PLA 2016 exhibits management site) – 972 sessions o Public Libraries Online – 709 sessions
Public Libraries Online Website FY16 statistics September 1, the first day of the fiscal year, through May 22, 2016, reported by Google Analytics for the Public Libraries Online website:
221,362 users 280,918 sessions, with 77.3% by new visitors and 22.7% by returning visitors and an average session duration of 1 minute, 6 seconds 391,368 pageviews, for an average of 1.39 pages per session 64.61% of sessions were from the U.S., 5.52% from Canada, and the remaining from countries including the U.K., Australia, India, Kenya, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa, and the Netherlands Top 10 pages by pageviews were: o Community Centered: 23 Reasons Why Your Library Is the Most Important Place in Town (Sep/Oct 2011; posted Apr 2013) – 61,394 pageviews o Homepage – 34,334 pageviews o Ten Essential Qualities for Success: A New Cataloging Librarian’s Guide from a Supervisor’s Perspective (May/Jun 2013; posted Jun 2013) – 7,374 pageviews o Customers or Patrons? How You Look at Your Library’s Users Affects Customer Service (Jan/Feb 2015; posted Mar 2015) – 6,563 pageviews o Ten Things a Children’s Librarian Needs to Know (posted Jan 2015) – 4,250 pageviews PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73a
o Remember When This Was Full‐Time? Your Newest Coworkers Don’t. (posted May 2016) – 4,227 pageviews o The 2013 Public Library Data Service Statistical Report: Characteristics and Trends (Mar/Apr 2014; posted May 2014) – 3,586 pageviews o Refugees Supported by Public Libraries in Europe (posted Nov 2015) – 3,517 pageviews o The Physical Effects of E‐Reading (posted Feb 2014) – 3,324 pageviews o Can I Bring My Gun to the Library? (Jul 2015) – 3,141 pageviews Primary source of visits to the site was organic (i.e. free) search engine results (63.75%), followed by users entering URLs directly in their browsers or using bookmarks (21.14%), then links from social media (7.88%), links from other sites (5.76%), links from e‐mail communications (1.45%), and other (.02%) Top 10 sources of traffic by sessions were: o Google (organic) – 170,370 sessions o entering URLs or bookmarks – 59,394 sessions o Facebook Mobile – 8,352 sessions o Facebook – 7,153 sessions o Bing (organic) – 4,281 sessions o ala.org (this would include the PLA site) – 4,202 sessions o Public Libraries Online e‐mail – 3,966 sessions o Yahoo (organic) – 3,705 sessions o Twitter – 2,397 sessions o Redirect thru Facebook (i.e. link shim) – 1,110 sessions PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73b PLA On-Demand Webinars - FY16 Gross Sales through May 22, 2016
ALA Unit Fiscal Year Item Code Item Desc Orig Presented List Price Gross Sales Amt Sales Qty
PLA 2016 05181101 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II 5/18/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 05181109 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II GROUP 5/18/2011 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 11301101 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library 11/30/2011 $28.00 $280.00 10
PLA 2016 11301109 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library GROUP 11/30/2011 $119.00 $595.00 5
PLA 2016 01251201 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library 1/25/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 05081201 E-Books and Libraries: What's Next? 5/8/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 06131201 Copyright: What You REALLY Need to Know 6/13/2012 $28.00 $112.00 5
PLA 2016 07181201 Screentastic! Using Screencasting as a Reference and Customer Service Tool 7/18/2012 $38.00 $114.00 3
PLA 2016 08081201 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? 8/8/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 08081209 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? GROUP 8/8/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 10171201 Make Way for Makerspaces in the Library 10/17/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 11071201 The Elusive Library Non-User: How Can Libraries Find Out What Non-Users Want? 11/7/2012 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2016 11071209 The Elusive Library Non-User: How Can Libraries Find Out What Non-Users Want? GROUP 11/7/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 11151201 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century 11/15/2012 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2016 11151209 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century GROUP 11/15/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 01231301 The Thinking Person's Guide to Stress Management 1/23/2013 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 01231309 The Thinking Person's Guide to Stress Management GROUP 1/23/2013 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2016 02271301 How to Be a Webinar Superstar: Tips for Running Effective Online Presentations 2/27/2013 $28.00 $168.00 7
PLA 2016 02271309 How to Be a Webinar Superstar: Tips for Running Effective Online Presentations GROUP 2/27/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 04171309 Early Literacy Programming in the Digital Age GROUP 4/17/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 09181301 Face-to-Face Presentation Skills: How to Present Like a Lion (Even if You Feel Like a Lamb) 9/18/2013 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2016 09181309 Face-to-Face Presentation Skills: How to Present Like a Lion (Even if You Feel Like a Lamb) GROUP 9/18/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 12041301 Partners in Literacy: How Schools and Public Libraries Can Work Together 12/4/2013 $28.00 $168.00 6
PLA 2016 12111301 Creating Engaged and Motivated Staff: From Expectations to Excellence 12/11/2013 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2016 12111309 Creating Engaged and Motivated Staff: From Expectations to Excellence GROUP 12/11/2013 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2016 01291401 Friends & Foundations: What They Do and How to Make the Most of Them 1/29/2014 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2016 02051401 It's All in the Planning: Getting Started on Strategic and Development Plans 2/5/2014 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2016 02051409 It's All in the Planning: Getting Started on Strategic and Development Plans GROUP 2/5/2014 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 04021401 Supervise with Success: A Two-Part Webinar Series 4/2/2014 $45.00 $220.50 8
PLA 2016 05141401 Violence Prevention in the Public Library 5/14/2014 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 05141409 Violence Prevention in the Public Library GROUP 5/14/2014 $119.00 $119.00 1 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73b
PLA 2016 06231401 Marketing Plans for the Faint of Heart 6/23/2014 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 02251501 Passion and Partnership: How a Very Small Library Created Programs with Huge Success 2/25/2015 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 02251509 Passion and Partnership: How a Very Small Library Created Programs with Huge Success GROUP 2/25/2015 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2016 03181501 Managing Age Diversity in the Workplace 3/18/2015 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 03181509 Managing Age Diversity in the Workplace GROUP 3/18/2015 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 10021501 Weeding Smart 10/2/2015 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2016 10281501 Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite 10/28/2015 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 10281509 Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite GROUP 10/28/2015 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 11181501 Podcasting for Public Libraries 11/18/2015 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 11181509 Podcasting for Public Libraries GROUP 11/18/2015 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2016 01201601 Leadership Workshop for Women: Tapping the Power of the Female Vision 1/20/2016 $45.00 $45.00 1
$5,433.50 110 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73c
PLA On-Demand Webinars - FY12-FY16 Cumulative Gross Sales through May 22, 2016
ALA Unit Fiscal Year Item Code Item Desc Orig Presented List Price Gross Sales Amt Sales Qty
PLA 2012 01191101 Right on the Money: Financial Literacy @ your library 1/19/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
$28.00 1
PLA 2012 02231101 Creating a User-Centered Website for Your Library 2/23/2011 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2012 02231109 Creating a User-Centered Website for Your Library GROUP 2/23/2011 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2013 02231101 Creating a User-Centered Website for Your Library 2/23/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
$287.00 7
PLA 2012 04201101 Cracking QR Codes—What Are They and How Can They Help Your Library? 4/20/2011 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2013 04201101 Cracking QR Codes—What Are They and How Can They Help Your Library? 4/20/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
$112.00 4
PLA 2012 05181101 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II 5/18/2011 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2012 05181109 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II GROUP 5/18/2011 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2013 05181101 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II 5/18/2011 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2013 05181109 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II GROUP 5/18/2011 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2014 05181101 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II 5/18/2011 $28.00 $168.00 6
PLA 2014 05181109 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II GROUP 5/18/2011 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2015 05181101 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II 5/18/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2015 05181109 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II GROUP 5/18/2011 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 05181101 Transforming Our Image Parts 5/18/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 05181109 Transforming Our Image Parts I & II GROUP 5/18/2011 $119.00 $119.00 1
$1,190.00 23
PLA 2012 07191101 Dive into a Good Book: Great Summer Reads to Recommend to Your Patrons 7/19/2011 $28.00 $84.00 3
$84.00 3
PLA 2012 09211101 Check Out E-Readers! Sacramento Public Library Did It and You Can Too! 9/21/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2013 09211101 Check Out E-Readers! Sacramento Public Library Did It and You Can Too! 9/21/2011 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2013 09211109 Check Out E-Readers! Sacramento Public Library Did It and You Can Too! GROUP 9/21/2011 $119.00 $119.00 1
$203.00 4 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73c
PLA 2012 10251101 Intro to E-Books 10/25/2011 $28.00 $168.00 6
PLA 2012 10251109 Intro to E-Books GROUP 10/25/2011 $119.00 $119.00 1
$287.00 7
PLA 2012 10261101 Building Community: Online Tools for Spanish Speakers 10/26/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2013 10261101 Building Community: Online Tools for Spanish Speakers 10/26/2011 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2014 10261101 Building Community: Online Tools for Spanish Speakers 10/26/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
$112.00 4
PLA 2012 11011101 Laying the Groundwork for a Successful E-Book Collection 11/1/2011 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2012 11011109 Laying the Groundwork for a Successful E-Book Collection GROUP 11/1/2011 $119.00 $119.00 1
$231.00 5
PLA 2012 11081101 Powering Up Your E-Book Program 11/8/2011 $28.00 $56.00 2
$56.00 2
PLA 2012 11151101 Strategies for Sustaining Your Library's E-Book Program 11/15/2011 $28.00 $28.00 1
$28.00 1
PLA 2012 11301101 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library 11/30/2011 $28.00 $308.00 11
PLA 2012 11301109 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library GROUP 11/30/2011 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2013 11301101 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library 11/30/2011 $28.00 $448.00 16
PLA 2013 11301109 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library GROUP 11/30/2011 $119.00 $833.00 7
PLA 2014 11301101 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library 11/30/2011 $28.00 $420.00 15
PLA 2014 11301109 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library GROUP 11/30/2011 $119.00 $1,428.00 12
PLA 2015 11301101 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library 11/30/2011 $28.00 $196.00 7
PLA 2015 11301109 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library GROUP 11/30/2011 $119.00 $1,190.00 11
PLA 2016 11301101 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library 11/30/2011 $28.00 $280.00 10
PLA 2016 11301109 Fully Engaged Customer Service at Your Library GROUP 11/30/2011 $119.00 $595.00 5
$5,936.00 96
PLA 2012 01251201 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library 1/25/2012 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2012 01251209 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library GROUP 1/25/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73c
PLA 2013 01251201 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library 1/25/2012 $28.00 $224.00 8
PLA 2013 01251209 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library GROUP 1/25/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2014 01251201 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library 1/25/2012 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2014 01251209 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library GROUP 1/25/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2015 01251201 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library 1/25/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2015 01251209 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library GROUP 1/25/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 01251201 Creating a Digital Media Lab at Your Library 1/25/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
$1,036.00 24
PLA 2012 02231201 Quick Fixes for Library Displays 2/23/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2013 02231201 Quick Fixes for Library Displays 2/23/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
$112.00 4
PLA 2012 03281201 Implementing "Choose Civility," a Community-wide Campaign 3/28/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2013 03281201 Implementing "Choose Civility," a Community-wide Campaign 3/28/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2014 03281201 Implementing "Choose Civility," a Community-wide Campaign 3/28/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
$140.00 5
PLA 2012 04171201 E-Books 101 – A Look at Devices, Platforms, and Training Ideas 4/17/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2013 04171201 E-Books 101 – A Look at Devices, Platforms, and Training Ideas 4/17/2012 $28.00 $224.00 8
PLA 2014 04171201 E-Books 101 – A Look at Devices, Platforms, and Training Ideas 4/17/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2014 04171209 E-Books 101 – A Look at Devices, Platforms, and Training Ideas GROUP 4/17/2012 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2015 04171201 E-Books 101 – A Look at Devices, Platforms, and Training Ideas 4/17/2012 $28.00 $140.00 5
$686.00 18
PLA 2013 04241201 Stretching Your Library’s E-Books Budget 4/24/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2015 04241201 Stretching Your Library’s E-Books Budget 4/24/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
$56.00 2
PLA 2013 05011201 E-Books and Customer Service at Your Library 5/1/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2013 05011209 E-Books and Customer Service at Your Library GROUP 5/1/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2014 05011201 E-Books and Customer Service at Your Library 5/1/2012 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2015 05011209 E-Books and Customer Service at Your Library GROUP 5/1/2012 $119.00 $238.00 2
$497.00 8 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73c
PLA 2012 05081201 E-Books and Libraries: What’s Next? 5/8/2012 $28.00 $168.00 6
PLA 2013 05081201 E-Books and Libraries: What’s Next? 5/8/2012 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2013 05081209 E-Books and Libraries: What’s Next? GROUP 5/8/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2014 05081201 E-Books and Libraries: What’s Next? 5/8/2012 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2016 05081201 E-Books and Libraries: What’s Next? 5/8/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
$567.00 17
PLA 2013 06131201 Copyright: What You REALLY Need to Know 6/13/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2013 06131209 Copyright: What You REALLY Need to Know GROUP 6/13/2012 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2014 06131201 Copyright: What You REALLY Need to Know 6/13/2012 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2014 06131209 Copyright: What You REALLY Need to Know GROUP 6/13/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2015 06131201 Copyright: What You REALLY Need to Know 6/13/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 06131201 Copyright: What You REALLY Need to Know 6/13/2012 $28.00 $112.00 5
$693.00 16
PLA 2013 07181201 Screentastic! Using Screencasting as a Reference and Customer Service Tool 7/18/2012 $38.00 $152.00 4
PLA 2013 07181209 Screentastic! Using Screencasting as a Reference and Customer Service Tool GROUP 7/18/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2014 07181201 Screentastic! Using Screencasting as a Reference and Customer Service Tool 7/18/2012 $38.00 $76.00 2
PLA 2015 07181201 Screentastic! Using Screencasting as a Reference and Customer Service Tool 7/18/2012 $38.00 $38.00 1
PLA 2015 07181209 Screentastic! Using Screencasting as a Reference and Customer Service Tool GROUP 7/18/2012 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2016 07181201 Screentastic! Using Screencasting as a Reference and Customer Service Tool 7/18/2012 $38.00 $114.00 3
$856.00 14
PLA 2013 08081201 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? 8/8/2012 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2013 08081209 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? GROUP 8/8/2012 $119.00 $476.00 4
PLA 2014 08081201 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? 8/8/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2014 08081209 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? GROUP 8/8/2012 $119.00 $476.00 4
PLA 2015 08081201 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? 8/8/2012 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2015 08081209 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? GROUP 8/8/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 08081201 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? 8/8/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 08081209 Are Your Mental Models of a Library Holding You Back? GROUP 8/8/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
$1,470.00 20 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73c
PLA 2013 09191201 Alternative Reads: Discovering and Sharing Great Indie Fiction Books with Your Patrons 9/19/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
$28.00 1
PLA 2013 10171201 Make Way for Makerspaces in the Library 10/17/2012 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2013 10171209 Make Way for Makerspaces in the Library GROUP 10/17/2012 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2014 10171201 Make Way for Makerspaces in the Library 10/17/2012 $28.00 $168.00 6
PLA 2014 10171209 Make Way for Makerspaces in the Library GROUP 10/17/2012 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2015 10171201 Make Way for Makerspaces in the Library 10/17/2012 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2016 10171201 Make Way for Makerspaces in the Library 10/17/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
$1,015.00 20
PLA 2013 10311201 The State of E-books in Public Libraries and Publishing 10/31/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2013 10311209 The State of E-books in Public Libraries and Publishing GROUP 10/31/2012 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2014 10311201 The State of E-books in Public Libraries and Publishing 10/31/2012 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2015 10311201 The State of E-books in Public Libraries and Publishing 10/31/2012 $28.00 $56.00 2
$378.00 7
PLA 2013 11071201 The Elusive Library Non-User: How Can Libraries Find Out What Non-Users Want? 11/7/2012 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2014 11071201 The Elusive Library Non-User: How Can Libraries Find Out What Non-Users Want? 11/7/2012 $28.00 $224.00 8
PLA 2014 11071209 The Elusive Library Non-User: How Can Libraries Find Out What Non-Users Want? GROUP 11/7/2012 $119.00 $476.00 4
PLA 2015 11071201 The Elusive Library Non-User: How Can Libraries Find Out What Non-Users Want? 11/7/2012 $28.00 $168.00 6
PLA 2015 11071209 The Elusive Library Non-User: How Can Libraries Find Out What Non-Users Want? GROUP 11/7/2012 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2016 11071201 The Elusive Library Non-User: How Can Libraries Find Out What Non-Users Want? 11/7/2012 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2016 11071209 The Elusive Library Non-User: How Can Libraries Find Out What Non-Users Want? GROUP 11/7/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
$1,477.00 30
PLA 2013 11151201 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century 11/15/2012 $28.00 $336.00 12
PLA 2013 11151209 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century GROUP 11/15/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2014 11151201 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century 11/15/2012 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2014 11151209 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century GROUP 11/15/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2015 11151201 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century 11/15/2012 $28.00 $224.00 8
PLA 2015 11151209 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century GROUP 11/15/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 11151201 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century 11/15/2012 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2016 11151209 On Life Support, But Not Dead Yet! Revitalizing Reference for the 21st Century GROUP 11/15/2012 $119.00 $119.00 1 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73c
$1,316.00 34
PLA 2013 01231301 The Thinking Person's Guide to Stress Management 1/23/2013 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2013 01231309 The Thinking Person's Guide to Stress Management GROUP 1/23/2013 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2014 01231301 The Thinking Person's Guide to Stress Management 1/23/2013 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2014 01231309 The Thinking Person's Guide to Stress Management GROUP 1/23/2013 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2015 01231301 The Thinking Person's Guide to Stress Management 1/23/2013 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 01231301 The Thinking Person's Guide to Stress Management 1/23/2013 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 01231309 The Thinking Person's Guide to Stress Management GROUP 1/23/2013 $119.00 $357.00 3
$1,323.00 18
PLA 2013 02271301 How to Be a Webinar Superstar: Tips for Running Effective Online Presentations 2/27/2013 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2014 02271301 How to Be a Webinar Superstar: Tips for Running Effective Online Presentations 2/27/2013 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2015 02271301 How to Be a Webinar Superstar: Tips for Running Effective Online Presentations 2/27/2013 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2016 02271301 How to Be a Webinar Superstar: Tips for Running Effective Online Presentations 2/27/2013 $28.00 $168.00 7
PLA 2016 02271309 How to Be a Webinar Superstar: Tips for Running Effective Online Presentations GROUP 2/27/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
$539.00 17
PLA 2013 04171309 Early Literacy Programming in the Digital Age: Apps and E-Books in Storytime GROUP 4/17/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2014 04171301 Early Literacy Programming in the Digital Age: Apps and E-Books in Storytime 4/17/2013 $28.00 $280.00 10
PLA 2014 04171309 Early Literacy Programming in the Digital Age: Apps and E-Books in Storytime GROUP 4/17/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2015 04171301 Early Literacy Programming in the Digital Age: Apps and E-Books in Storytime 4/17/2013 $28.00 $140.00 5
PLA 2015 04171309 Early Literacy Programming in the Digital Age: Apps and E-Books in Storytime GROUP 4/17/2013 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2016 04171309 Early Literacy Programming in the Digital Age: Apps and E-Books in Storytime GROUP 4/17/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
$1,134.00 21
PLA 2013 05151309 Street Smart: Urban Fiction in Public Libraries GROUP 5/15/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2014 05151301 Street Smart: Urban Fiction in Public Libraries 5/15/2013 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2015 05151301 Street Smart: Urban Fiction in Public Libraries 5/15/2013 $28.00 $84.00 3
$231.00 5
PLA 2014 08141301 Is Community Assessment a High Hurdle? Get Over It! 8/14/2013 $28.00 $137.20 5
PLA 2014 08141309 Is Community Assessment a High Hurdle? Get Over It! GROUP 8/14/2013 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2015 08141301 Is Community Assessment a High Hurdle? Get Over It! 8/14/2013 $28.00 $28.00 1 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73c
$403.20 8
PLA 2014 09181301 Face-to-Face Presentation Skills: How to Present Like a Lion (Even if You Feel Like a Lamb) 9/18/2013 $28.00 $252.00 9
PLA 2014 09181309 Face-to-Face Presentation Skills: How to Present Like a Lion (Even if You Feel Like a Lamb) GROUP 9/18/2013 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2015 09181301 Face-to-Face Presentation Skills: How to Present Like a Lion (Even if You Feel Like a Lamb) 9/18/2013 $28.00 $224.00 8
PLA 2015 09181309 Face-to-Face Presentation Skills: How to Present Like a Lion (Even if You Feel Like a Lamb) GROUP 9/18/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 09181301 Face-to-Face Presentation Skills: How to Present Like a Lion (Even if You Feel Like a Lamb) 9/18/2013 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2016 09181309 Face-to-Face Presentation Skills: How to Present Like a Lion (Even if You Feel Like a Lamb) GROUP 9/18/2013 $119.00 $119.00 1
$1,155.00 25
PLA 2014 12041301 Partners in Literacy: How Schools and Public Libraries Can Work Together 12/4/2013 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2015 12041301 Partners in Literacy: How Schools and Public Libraries Can Work Together 12/4/2013 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2015 12041309 Partners in Literacy: How Schools and Public Libraries Can Work Together GROUP 12/4/2013 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2016 12041301 Partners in Literacy: How Schools and Public Libraries Can Work Together 12/4/2013 $28.00 $168.00 6
$602.00 15
PLA 2014 12111301 Creating Engaged and Motivated Staff: From Expectations to Excellence 12/11/2013 $28.00 $168.00 6
PLA 2014 12111309 Creating Engaged and Motivated Staff: From Expectations to Excellence GROUP 12/11/2013 $119.00 $238.00 2
PLA 2015 12111301 Creating Engaged and Motivated Staff: From Expectations to Excellence 12/11/2013 $28.00 $196.00 7
PLA 2015 12111309 Creating Engaged and Motivated Staff: From Expectations to Excellence GROUP 12/11/2013 $119.00 $476.00 4
PLA 2016 12111301 Creating Engaged and Motivated Staff: From Expectations to Excellence 12/11/2013 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2016 12111309 Creating Engaged and Motivated Staff: From Expectations to Excellence GROUP 12/11/2013 $119.00 $357.00 3
$1,547.00 26
PLA 2014 01221401 Fundraising 101 1/22/2014 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2015 01221401 Fundraising 101 1/22/2014 $28.00 $56.00 2
$84.00 3
PLA 2014 01291401 Friends & Foundations: What They Do and How to Make the Most of Them 1/29/2014 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2014 01291409 Friends & Foundations: What They Do and How to Make the Most of Them GROUP 1/29/2014 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2015 01291401 Friends & Foundations: What They Do and How to Make the Most of Them 1/29/2014 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 01291401 Friends & Foundations: What They Do and How to Make the Most of Them 1/29/2014 $28.00 $84.00 3
$343.00 9 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73c
PLA 2014 02051401 It’s All in the Planning: Getting Started on Strategic and Development Plans 2/5/2014 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2014 02051409 It’s All in the Planning: Getting Started on Strategic and Development Plans GROUP 2/5/2014 $119.00 $595.00 5
PLA 2015 02051401 It’s All in the Planning: Getting Started on Strategic and Development Plans 2/5/2014 $28.00 $280.00 10
PLA 2015 02051409 It’s All in the Planning: Getting Started on Strategic and Development Plans GROUP 2/5/2014 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2016 02051401 It’s All in the Planning: Getting Started on Strategic and Development Plans 2/5/2014 $28.00 $112.00 4
PLA 2016 02051409 It’s All in the Planning: Getting Started on Strategic and Development Plans GROUP 2/5/2014 $119.00 $119.00 1
$1,253.00 22
PLA 2014 04021401 Supervise with Success: A Two-Part Webinar Series 4/2/2014 $45.00 $270.00 6
PLA 2014 04021409 Supervise with Success: A Two-Part Webinar Series GROUP 4/2/2014 $169.00 $338.00 2
PLA 2015 04021401 Supervise with Success: A Two-Part Webinar Series 4/2/2014 $45.00 $180.00 4
PLA 2015 04021409 Supervise with Success: A Two-Part Webinar Series GROUP 4/2/2014 $169.00 $338.00 2
PLA 2016 04021401 Supervise with Success: A Two-Part Webinar Series 4/2/2014 $45.00 $220.50 8
$1,346.50 22
PLA 2014 05141409 Violence Prevention in the Public Library GROUP 5/14/2014 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2015 05141401 Violence Prevention in the Public Library 5/14/2014 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2015 05141409 Violence Prevention in the Public Library GROUP 5/14/2014 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2016 05141401 Violence Prevention in the Public Library 5/14/2014 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 05141409 Violence Prevention in the Public Library GROUP 5/14/2014 $119.00 $119.00 1
$707.00 9
PLA 2014 06231401 Marketing Plans for the Faint of Heart 6/23/2014 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2014 06231409 Marketing Plans for the Faint of Heart GROUP 6/23/2014 $119.00 $119.00 1
PLA 2015 06231401 Marketing Plans for the Faint of Heart 6/23/2014 $28.00 $308.00 11
PLA 2015 06231409 Marketing Plans for the Faint of Heart GROUP 6/23/2014 $119.00 $107.10 1
PLA 2016 06231401 Marketing Plans for the Faint of Heart 6/23/2014 $28.00 $56.00 2
$618.10 16
PLA 2015 08271401 Weed 'Em and Weep: Hoarding Is Not Collection Development 8/27/2014 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2015 08271409 Weed 'Em and Weep: Hoarding Is Not Collection Development GROUP 8/27/2014 $119.00 $119.00 1
$147.00 2
PLA 2015 01141501 Memory Care and Technology: Innovative Ideas to Reach Seniors and Alzheimer's Communities 1/14/2015 $28.00 $140.00 5 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73c
$140.00 5
PLA 2015 02251501 Passion and Partnership: How a Very Small Library Created Programs with Huge Success 2/25/2015 $28.00 $84.00 3
PLA 2015 02251509 Passion and Partnership: How a Very Small Library Created Programs with Huge Success GROUP 2/25/2015 $119.00 $357.00 3
PLA 2016 02251501 Passion and Partnership: How a Very Small Library Created Programs with Huge Success 2/25/2015 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 02251509 Passion and Partnership: How a Very Small Library Created Programs with Huge Success GROUP 2/25/2015 $119.00 $238.00 2
$707.00 9
PLA 2015 03181501 Managing Age Diversity in the Workplace 3/18/2015 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 03181501 Managing Age Diversity in the Workplace 3/18/2015 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 03181509 Managing Age Diversity in the Workplace GROUP 3/18/2015 $119.00 $119.00 1
$203.00 4
PLA 2016 10021501 Weeding Smart 10/2/2015 $28.00 $84.00 3
$84.00 3
PLA 2016 10281501 Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite 10/28/2015 $28.00 $28.00 1
PLA 2016 10281509 Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite GROUP RATE 10/28/2015 $119.00 $119.00 1
$147.00 2
PLA 2016 11181501 Podcasting for Public Libraries 11/18/2015 $28.00 $56.00 2
PLA 2016 11181509 Podcasting for Public Libraries GROUP 11/18/2015 $119.00 $238.00 2
$294.00 4
PLA 2016 01201601 Leadership Workshop for Women: Tapping the Power of the Female Vision 1/20/2016 $45.00 $45.00 1
$45.00 1
$31,933.80 623 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73d FY16-to-Date (September 1–May 22, 2016) Comparison with Other Divisions
PLA AASL ACRL ALCTS ALSC ASCLA LITA LLAMA RUSA UNITED YALSA Users 57,035 279,642 300,566 88,860 789,326 26,358 26,488 12,568 122,341 29,373 170,129 Sessions 118,842 471,364 521,978 164,443 1,225,082 40,765 53,504 23,800 196,660 50,192 237,071 Average Session Duration 0:02:10 0:02:45 0:01:59 0:02:19 0:02:32 0:01:30 0:02:09 0:02:42 0:02:07 0:02:44 0:02:17 Pageviews 237,817 995,102 979,375 352,910 2,803,174 70,143 126,861 64,854 389,731 115,523 610,284 Average Pages per Session 2.00 2.11 1.88 2.15 2.29 1.72 2.37 2.42 1.98 2.30 2.57
PLA + PLA 2016 AASL ACRL ALCTS ALSC ASCLA LITA LLAMA RUSA UNITED YALSA Users 146,117 279,642 300,566 88,860 789,326 26,358 26,488 12,568 122,341 29,373 170,129 Sessions 280,604 471,364 521,978 164,443 1,225,082 40,765 53,504 23,800 196,660 50,192 237,071 Average Session Duration 0:02:50 0:02:45 0:01:59 0:02:19 0:02:32 0:01:30 0:02:09 0:02:42 0:02:07 0:02:44 0:02:17 Pageviews 805,774 995,102 979,375 352,910 2,803,174 70,143 126,861 64,854 389,731 115,523 610,284 Average Pages per Session 2.87 2.11 1.88 2.15 2.29 1.72 2.37 2.42 1.98 2.30 2.57
PLA + PLA 2016 + PL Online AASL ACRL ALCTS ALSC ASCLA LITA LLAMA RUSA UNITED YALSA Users 367,479 279,642 300,566 88,860 789,326 26,358 26,488 12,568 122,341 29,373 170,129 Sessions 561,522 471,364 521,978 164,443 1,225,082 40,765 53,504 23,800 196,660 50,192 237,071 Average Session Duration 0:02:14 0:02:45 0:01:59 0:02:19 0:02:32 0:01:30 0:02:09 0:02:42 0:02:07 0:02:44 0:02:17 Pageviews 1,197,142 995,102 979,375 352,910 2,803,174 70,143 126,861 64,854 389,731 115,523 610,284 Average Pages per Session 2.13 2.11 1.88 2.15 2.29 1.72 2.37 2.42 1.98 2.30 2.57 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.73d FY16-to-Date (September 1–May 22, 2016) Comparison with Same Period in Previous Years
PLA Website Sep 2015-May 2016 Sep 2014-May 2015 % Change Users 57,035 42,690 33.60% Sessions 118,842 89,165 33.28% Average Session Duration 0:02:10 0:02:24 -9.72% Pageviews 237,817 203,953 16.60% Average Pages per Session 2.00 2.29 -12.66%
PLA Conference Websites PLA 2016 PLA 2014 Sep 2015-May 2016 Sep 2013-May 2014 % Change Users 89,082 84,528 5.39% Sessions 161,762 157,986 2.39% Average Session Duration 0:04:11 0:03:26 21.84% Pageviews 567,957 410,081 38.50% Average Pages per Session 3.51 2.60 35.00%
Public Libraries Online Website Sep 2015-May 2016 Sep 2014-May 2015 % Change Users 221,362 162,865 35.92% Sessions 280,918 202,136 38.97% Average Session Duration 0:01:06 0:01:04 3.13% Pageviews 391,368 289,433 35.22% Average Pages per Session 1.39 1.43 -2.80% PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.74
TO: PLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FROM: EMILY SHEKETOFF
DATE: June 6, 2016
Re: Washington office six month report
ALA advises FCC why maintaining strong broadband privacy rules benefits the schools and communities that libraries serve
When the FCC determined just over a year ago that it prospectively treat the providers of broadband services to the public as “common carriers,” like telephone companies, exactly what consumer privacy protection standards the Commission would hold providers to was unclear. Recently, however, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler announced the outline of a proposal that likely will be voted on at the end of March. In anticipation of that meeting and likely “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,” ALA recently joined Common Sense Kids Action and the State Educational Technology Directors Association urging the Commission to move forward with a broadband privacy rulemaking and explaining why strong broadband privacy rules are necessary for schools and libraries and the communities we serve.
ALA advocates adding broadband to Lifeline at FCC and on Hill
The FCC continues work on its proposed modernization of the 1980’s era Lifeline program, which traditionally applied to telephone service and is slated for an FCC vote on March 31. Recognizing that access to broadband is today a “must‐have” service” for all Americans, the FCC is expected to rule that the $9.25 subsidy for lower income individuals can be used to secure access to broadband in efforts to close the “homework gap” and improve job prospects for families. ALA has been actively engaged in supporting this modernization—meeting with FCC Commissioners and staff; filing public comments with the FCC; and collaborating with a diverse coalition of public interest groups on joint letters, talking points and Congressional outreach. Net Neutrality, E‐Rate, Lifeline Programs Likely Safe from Legislative Attack in Current Congress Congressional Republicans have expressed strong opposition to a number of regulations issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the past year addressing network neutrality, the Lifeline and E‐rate programs, and other policies. While some in the majority have called for Congressional action to nullify the FCC’s net neutrality Order or to enact funding caps on Lifeline (both strongly supported by ALA), it does not appear that Republicans will be able to gain the bipartisan support needed to pass legislation materially affecting these important FCC initiatives in either chamber of Congress.
In other broadband/communications‐related news, in April ALA was invited by the newly created Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus to participate in a briefing for Congressional staff and the public on the role of libraries in providing connectivity for rural businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship. Appearing for ALA, OITP associate director Marijke Visser
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provided multiple illustrations of how today’s libraries are much more than book‐lending facilities and places for children’s story time. As reported in District Dispatch by OGR assistant director Kevin Maher, who also attended, in response to questions from Congressional staff Marijke also detailed library service to veterans. OGR will continue to collaborate with the new Caucus to build an understanding of, and support for, library funding and programs among all Members of Congress, particularly those representing rural areas.
Through the voice of LCA, ALA is advocating for copyright policy reforms
The Library Copyright Alliance (of which ALA and ACRL are members) submitted comments to the Copyright Office on two concerns. The first is regarding the triennial 1201 rulemaking process on anti‐circumvention. The LCA argues that the process is time and resource consuming and that previously made exemptions—such as circumvention of DRM on DVDs for classroom use of film clips—should be made permanent if there is no objection from the copyright holder and that if seeking to renew an exemption, the burden of proof should be on the rights holder to show harm. The second concern is the notice and takedown provision of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. LCA argues that the third party liability provision is necessary for libraries, particularly to protect libraries when library users allegedly infringe copyright using public library computers. Responses from the Copyright Office are expected in late spring. LCA is also urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to act quickly on the ratification of the Marrakesh treaty that would allow for the creation and sharing of accessible content across borders for people with print disabilities.
Washington Copyright Plate Full, though Not of Legislative Fare
Studies: As previously reported, earlier this year the Copyright Office announced studies of three aspects of copyright law and invited public input on each issue. The formal comment and reply comment periods on all three have now closed. ALA, in concert with library and/or other coalition partners, participated in each of these proceedings (see links to key filings here), which were augmented by the Copyright Office with multi‐stakeholder “roundtable” events on all three issues.
Roundtables: The first roundtables concerned the controversial “triennial rulemaking” proceeding through which exceptions to the law’s prohibition against “circumventing” a copyright protection mechanism or technology under Sec. 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) may be requested. A second set also were held to elicit comment on the so‐called “safe harbor” provisions of the DMCA, pursuant to which online service providers are granted immunity from liability for facilitating copyright infringement by their users if they agree to “take down” allegedly infringing material from their networks upon receipt of a statutorily dictated notice from a copyright owner. A third proceeding concerns the transferability of “embedded software” like the forms increasingly incorporated in consumer goods and vehicles of every kind.
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ALA and several of its partners in the Re:Create Coalition (including past PLA president Jan Sanders), as well as the group’s Executive Director, participated actively in the roundtables. In all cases, ALA and its fellow Coalition members urged the Copyright Office to make its processes, and the law, substantially more fair use‐ and consumer‐friendly to facilitate scholarship, creativity and national economic health.
Congress: In Congress, the House Judiciary Committee’s extensive “review” of the Copyright Act is finally nearing a close. After holding more than two dozen hearings over more than two years, the Committee is currently in the process of meeting with stakeholders who wish to make further suggestions or arguments. Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R‐VA6) recently announced publicly, in a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, that he intends to move legislation on matters of “consensus.” It is unclear to virtually all stakeholders, however, to what the Chairman may have been referring as all potential statutory changes still appear moderately to hotly contested.
In the Senate, action is similarly stalled on possible ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty. A Resolution of Council urging Congress to approve the Treaty and its associated implementing legislation is anticipated at the upcoming Annual meeting. Finally, neither chamber has yet to address modernization of the Copyright Office, or much more controversial proposals to remove it from the Library of Congress.
Courts: Finally, in mid‐April the U.S. Supreme Court denied without opinion the Authors Guild’s request that the Court hear its appeal from the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit’s late‐October decision holding the Google Books project and database to be lawful fair use of books digitized and stored en masse. No further opportunities to litigate this matter are open to the Guild.
CopyTalk Webinar Discusses State Governments Copyrighting Works
Ernesto Falcon, legislative counsel with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, recently reviewed California state legislation that would authorize copyright authority to all state agencies, local governments, and political subdivisions—as well as the court decisions that led to its creation and the debate that now faces the state legislature. When drafting the federal copyright law, Congress explicitly prohibited the federal government (and its employees) from having the authority to create a copyright in government‐created works. Federal law, however, is silent on state government power to create, hold, and enforce copyrights – resulting in a patchwork of state copyright laws. In recent years entities of state government have attempted to rely on copyright as a means to suppress dissemination of taxpayer‐funded research and to chill criticism but have failed in the courts due to a lack of copyright authority.
Libraries celebrate Fair Use Week
ALA staff and members boosted the signal on Fair Use Week with the Association of Research Libraries from February 22 to 26. Daily blog posts highlighted the important role fair use plays
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in achieving the Constitutional purpose of intellectual property rights in the US: to promote the progress of science and the useful arts. The flexible nature of the fair use doctrine has permitted copyright to adapt to new technologies and changes. More than 135 organizations participated this year—double that in 2015. Check out the District Dispatch to see posts from Carrie Russell, Tom Lipinski, Tammy Ravas, Eric Harbeson and more.
ALA former E‐Rate Chair Linda Lord assists in tribute to those who forged ’96 Telecom Act
ALA’s Washington Office helped to coordinate logistics for former Maine state librarian Linda Lord, former chair of ALA’s E‐Rate task force, to travel to the Nation’s Capital to accept an inaugural Access to Opportunity award on behalf of Senator Olympia Snowe (R‐ME). The award was presented as part of an historic 20th Anniversary celebration of the landmark 1996 Telecommunications Act. The E‐Rate Program, in particular, has helped fuel the range of services libraries are able to provide. Before 1996, only 28 percent of public libraries provided public Internet access, compared with over 99 percent who report this today. ALA invited IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn Matthew, to join Emily Sheketoff and Linda Lord for the event. Among the many luminaries who spoke were former Sen. Trent Lott (who served as emcee), Sen. Ed Markey, and Sen. Angus King, who presented Linda with Sen. Snowe’s award.
Application Window for E‐rate Extended
The Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers the E‐rate program, announced on April 15 that it will extend the current form 471 filing window through May 26. For libraries and consortia, a second window will open to extend the filing window for those two groups until July 21. ALA advocated for this extension and submitted a formal request for such on April 4.
E‐rate advocacy and support continues with a PLA webinar on “Making E‐rate Make Sense.” OITP Assistant Director Marijke Visser and E‐rate Taskforce members presented on recent changes to the program and new resources available to support library applications.
Wall Street Journal editorial board meets with ALA President Sari Feldman
The Washington Office helped facilitate ALA President Sari Feldman’s meeting with four members of the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board. At the meeting, Sari was able to brief the group on the ways that libraries and library professionals are transforming communities across the nation. She described how libraries are fostering economic opportunity and entrepreneurship, citing examples of hi‐tech companies that have sprung up from library services and the resources made available. She fielded questions and laid the groundwork for future editorial opportunities. She also met the letters editor, an influential member of the WSJ newsroom staff.
Continuing Advocacy Efforts Pay Off
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Staff from the Washington Office have continued to look for opportunities for libraries (public and community colleges) to engage more in the nation’s efforts around workforce investment activities. Emily Sheketoff did three presentations at the National Association of Workforce Boards, in a session they call “Quickshops,” where you make the same presentation to a number of small groups. Her presentation was put online, along with the handout, so others who couldn’t get to her presentation could read what she had to say.
The senior manager of the Walmart Foundation’s Career Opportunity program approached Emily and she was able to interest her in including public libraries in her $100 million program connecting local organizations doing workforce activities. She will be meeting with the Phoenix Public Librarian April 28; Phoenix is the first pilot city for this project.
Office of Government Relations
ALA Laying Groundwork for Broad Support of Librarian of Congress Nominee
In the wake of Dr. Carla Hayden’s nomination to serve as the nation’s next Librarian of Congress, OGR has established active communication channels with relevant senior staff in the White House, Library of Congress and the Senate Rules Committee, which is tasked with holding confirmation hearings on her appointment. Once that hearing is held, ALA will launch a multi‐front “grasstops” and grassroots campaign in support of her rapid confirmation by the full Senate. The timing of these events remains unclear. ALA, of course, has urged her earliest possible consideration by the Rules Committee.
Dr. Hayden’s Procedural Path to Confirmation Votes Clear, but Timetable Unknown
Librarian of Congress designee Dr. Carla Hayden, as reported in District Dispatch, was warmly received by Members of the Senate Rules Committee in a late April confirmation hearing. Subsequently, Committee staff reports, she has responded to supplemental written questions submitted in mid‐May by several Committee Senators and, OGR has learned, met just before the Memorial Day recess with long‐time fair use supporter Sen. Ron Wyden (D‐OR). To date, no public opposition to her nomination has surfaced in any quarter of the larger copyright community including, perhaps most significantly, from representatives of major copyright‐ based industries like the Motion Picture Association of America or the Association of American Publishers. At this writing, however, it remains unclear when the Rules Committee will meet to vote on whether to recommend that Dr. Hayden be confirmed by the full Senate or, if/when they do, a chamber‐wide vote would occur. Absent new opposition, however, there remains a good chance that one or both such approvals could come prior to Congress’ next major recess for Independence Day. OGR will continue to monitor the “state of play” closely.
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ALA Again Wages Multi‐Front Campaign to Protect FY2017 LSTA Funding
As recently reported in District Dispatch, continued federal funding for libraries is again a target of proposed budget cuts, including a specific Administration proposal to trim nearly $1 million from LSTA’s popular and successful “Grants to States” program. As in past years, OGR has responded with a multi‐faceted campaign to place LSTA and IAL in the best possible position as Congress begins its FY 2017 appropriations cycle. Specifically, in coalition to date ALA has: participated in nearly three dozen meetings with key members of Congress and/or their staffs; co‐edited the annual Committee for Education Funding Budget Response (which included two chapters written by ALA) that will be presented to Congress; joined a letter to Congress urging fair funding for education and domestic programs signed by 660 organizations; and joined with four coalitions to urge Congress to increase education funding (Early Literacy, Non‐Defense Discretionary, Committee for Education Funding, and Title IV Funding).
ALA individually has submitted 13 funding requests backing LSTA to individual Members of Congress and orchestrated a multi‐week grassroots effort to secure the maximum number of signatures by Members of Congress on two annual “Dear Appropriator” letters in support of LSTA . OGR’s two blogs, multiple email alerts and twitter announcements, several grassroots alerts, and targeted state appeals made in conjunction with state chapters produced: more than 14,000 confirmed individual emails by ALA members and other library supporters, at least 725 tweets, and a significant volume of non‐logged phone calls. These contacts resulted in: 34 signatures on the Senate LSTA (+2 over 2015), and; 88 signatures on the House LSTA letter. In sum, 529 of a total 535 Members of the Senate and House have been contacted at least once thus far by ALA’s grassroots in support of FY2017 LSTA funding.
Fight for FY 2017 LSTA Funding Moves into High Gear; Outcome Uncertain
House and Senate appropriators have begun to move spending bills with an eye towards finishing all 12 bills by October 1, the start of the new fiscal year. If they do, it will be the first time since 1994 that Congress has hit that mark. The odds, however, aren’t helped by Speaker Ryan’s commitment to House Republicans that the House would conduct its business pursuant to procedures called “regular order,” under which bills may be amended more often and more extensively. Lately, House Democrats have taken advantage of that promise to force the majority to take votes on amendments to appropriations bills on uncomfortable subjects, like “LGBT” anti‐discrimination proposals, as the November’s elections loom.
To date in the appropriations process, ALA has focused its efforts on opposing the President’s recommended cuts in funding under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), among them a nearly $900,000 cut in the Grants to States program. ALA is urging lawmakers to instead fund that critical program at last year’s level of $182.9 million.
As always, ALA’s current appropriations advocacy has taken multiple forms. In mid‐ and late‐ March, OGR issued a grassroots call‐to‐action (to which the grassroots responded splendidly) to urge Senators and Representatives to sign on to the annual “Dear Appropriator” letters. In late
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March, ALA presented its funding priorities to Congressional staff at a spring Committee for Education Funding briefing coincident with the release of CEF’s annual education funding budget response book. Also, in April, ALA Washington Office Executive Director Emily Sheketoff submitted comments to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees’ again urging at least level funding for LSTA. Supporting LSTA funding also was a priority issue at this years’ National Library Legislative Day.
ALA’s Washington office also participated in dozens of Congressional meetings and other events in support of funding for LSTA, IAL, and Every Student Succeeds Act Title IV programs. Funding for LSTA, IAL, Title IV and other education programs is expected to be taken up by House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees in June. Beyond that, the timing of subsequent steps in the legislative process is unclear.
ALA Opposes Congressional Moves to Block LC Subject Heading Changes
As reported recently in both mainstream press and District Dispatch, the House Legislative Branch appropriations bill recently was approved by the full House Appropriations Committee on May 17 with report (non‐bill) language effectively instructing the Library of Congress not to implement its proposal to change the subject headings “Aliens” and “Illegal Aliens” to less pejorative terms. The action came after an amendment (strongly backed by ALA and ALCTS) to strip the objectionable language by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D‐FL23) failed (24‐25). (The language had been inserted in the bill’s report at the Subcommittee level.) The amendment also was supported by a joint letter, entered into the record, by the Chairs of the Hispanic, Black, and Asian Pacific American Caucuses.
The full Senate Appropriations Committee passed its version of the bill on May 19th, however, with no such language ‐‐ as also jointly requested of key Senators by the presidents of ALA and ALCTS. Consequently, even if both chambers pass their Legislative Branch appropriations bills, the matter now must be negotiated “in conference.” November, post‐election, is the earliest that such a scenario is likely to play out. The unprecedented “standalone” bill to preempt the Library’s proposed actions, the “Stopping Partisan Policy at the Library of Congress Act” (H.R. 4926), remains unlikely to advance.
As in the past, library professionals and the public at large have been invited by the Library to comment informally through mid‐July on the proposed subject heading changes. Given the volume of comments anticipated with respect to the terms “Aliens” and “Illegal aliens,” the Library has for the first time turned to an online survey form. It is unclear how such comments, which have not been solicited as part of a formal rulemaking proceeding, will be assessed by the Library or when it will make a final determination as to whether to proceed with its controversial proposed changes.
ALA Backs Bill to Repeal Cybersecurity/“Information Sharing” Statute Passed as Part of Massive Year‐End Funding Package
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With Senate passage of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (S. 754) or “CISA” in late October, OGR last reported in December 2015 that negotiations were then actively underway to include the privacy‐hostile legislation in the massive “omnibus” funding bill that Congress was then pushing hard to pass by year’s end. Sadly, over ALA’s individual public objection and objection in coalition with many other diverse national groups, the renamed Cybersecurity Act of 2015 was included in the omnibus bill approved by Congress and signed by the President just after that report. In late January, ALA joined 16 other national groups from across the political spectrum in calling upon all Members of Congress to support H.R. 4350, introduced by Reps. Justin Amash (R‐MI) and John Conyers (D‐MI) in late January, to repeal the cybersecurity legislation. The bill’s prospects of passage are low, however, in the current political environment.
Congress Enters Encryption “Back Door” Mandate Debate
Fueled by the controversy and litigation arising from the FBI’s recent demands of Apple (publicly opposed by ALA) in the wake of the San Bernardino attack, the debate over whether encryption systems can or must be built with “back doors” to permit authorized law enforcement access and/or surveillance has become legislative. As expected at last report, several bills addressing the issue in multiple ways already have been introduced or are anticipated imminently. Specifically: House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R‐Texas) and Senate Intelligence Committee member Sen. Mark Warner (D‐Va.) introduced a bill on February 29 (H.R. 4651/S. 2604) proposing a commission comprised of technology, law enforcement, intelligence, privacy groups and others to thoroughly discuss how law enforcement can access encrypted communications that involve terrorism and make recommendations; at this writing, Senate Intelligence Committee co‐chairs Richard Burr (R‐NC) and Dianne Feinstein (D‐CA) are expected within days to formally propose a bill to require that “back doors” be built into all encryption systems; and the ENCRYPT Act (H.R. 4528), sponsored by Rep. Ted Lieu (D‐CA) and Rep. Blake Farenthold (R‐TX), would "prevent any state or locality from mandating that a 'manufacturer, developer, seller, or provider' design or alter the security of a product so it can be decrypted or surveilled by authorities." Other legislation is expected, however, no bill is expected to have an easy or rapid path to passage.
Encryption “Back Door” Mandate Debate Continues Unabated Post‐Apple/FBI Controversy
In the wake of the Apple/FBI fight, federal legislation to mandate a “back door” into encryption systems remains a hotly debated subject in Washington. On paper, there remain two principal competing legislative vehicles for the debate: a likely “dead” draft bill, the “Compliance with Court Orders Act of 2016,” by Intelligence Committee Vice‐Chairs Sens. Richard Burr (R‐NC) and Dianne Feinstein (D‐CA) that would compel companies to assist law enforcement in accessing encrypted data when so‐directed by a valid court order; and the Digital Security Commission Act (H.R. 4651) by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R‐TX) and Sen. Mark Warner (D‐VA),summarized here, to establish a national commission to address and make recommendations on the issue.
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In addition to working with Congress on the matter, in mid‐April ALA and its coalition partners also continued to pressure the White House to publicly oppose restrictions on robust encryption or mandates to weaken or circumvent it. Notably, positive legislation also has been introduced in the House. The “ENCRYPT Act” (H.R. 4528), sponsored by Rep. Ted Lieu (D‐CA33) and Rep. Blake Farenthold (R‐TX27), would "prevent any state or locality from mandating that a 'manufacturer, developer, seller, or provider' design or alter the security of a product so it can be decrypted or surveilled by authorities." No bill discussed above is expected to have an easy or rapid path to passage.
“Save Crypto” Campaign against Mandated Encryption System “Back Doors” Continues; “Save Security” Campaign Launches on Day of Argument to Support Apple’s Case in Court
Last year, ALA joined a large number of other national groups in promoting the #SaveCrypto campaign. The campaign, launched on September 30, 2015, initially was organized around a drive to encourage 100,000 individuals to sign a petition mounted on the White House’s “We the People” website calling on the President to confirm that he opposes efforts to mandate that encryption designers include a “back door” ‐‐ ostensibly for the use of law enforcement only when authorized ‐‐ in their systems. The 100,000 signature target was reached four months ago in just nine weeks. The White House, however, has yet to substantively respond as it promises on the “We the People” website to do so for all petitions that meet the 100,000 signature threshold. Coalition efforts to secure that detailed reply continue. In addition, in early January ALA and scores of other national organizations and individual technical experts wrote to the President asking him to affirmatively and publicly reject policies that would weaken encryption, and to urge other world leaders to take a similar stand. ALA and others also wrote in early March to senior White House staff at the heart of encryption policymaking to respectfully ask that civil society and human rights organizations be included in high‐level discussions bearing on mandated encryption to the same extent as technology companies that participated in a recent Administration/Silicon Valley “summit” have been.
ALA Supported Coalition Pushes Landmark Privacy Protections Unanimously through House
After literally years of work by ALA and many coalition partners, a bill to finally reform the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), H.R. 699, passed the House on April 27th. Critically, it did so by a vote of 419–0 and devoid of language that, until late in the process, threatened to weaken the bill to the point that ALA and other privacy advocates likely would have been forced to withdraw their support. ALA and its grassroots actively lobbied for passage of H.R. 699, releasing a statement by president Sari Feldman and writing in coalition to the Senate on May 24th, the House on April 26th, and all House Judiciary Committee Members on April 13th. (As passed by the House, HR. 699 would require law enforcement authorities to obtain a judicial warrant based on probable cause to obtain the content of personal emails, texts, electronic files, photos and virtually any other private and electronically stored data. Under current law, in most cases, only a subpoena is needed to get such material after it’s more than six months old.)
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The bill’s fate in the current Congress now rests with the Senate Judiciary Committee, which was to have “marked up” a slightly altered version of the bill on May 26th but was forced to forego action in the face of a flurry of late amendments seemingly designed to make the bill unsupportable by advocates of real reform. The Committee is now scheduled to again consider the measure and amendments to it on June 9th. It is unclear at this writing, however, whether the Committee will succeed in reporting the bill out to the full Senate and, if it does so, whether that bill will be one that contains unsupportable “poison pill” provisions. Those could include exempting certain civil agencies from the bill’s strong new judicial warrant requirements, or affording law enforcement exemptions from the new warrant requirement in “emergencies” so broadly defined as to effectively nullify the bill’s intended new protections.
House Judiciary Committee to Finally Vote on Electronic Communications Privacy Act
As previously reported in District Dispatch many times over the past several years, despite enormous bi‐partisan support, bills to meaningfully reform the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) have been bottled up in the House Judiciary Committee. As last reported, the House Judiciary Committee held a long‐sought and contentious hearing on the current bill, the Email Privacy Act (H.R. 699), in early December of last year at which proponents repeatedly pressed the bill’s principal antagonist – Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R‐VA6) ‐‐ to immediately bring it before the Committee for an “up or down” vote. The pressure worked.
Initially committing publicly to “marking up” H.R. 699 in the Judiciary Committee “in March,” the Chairman now formally has set April 13, 2016 for markup of H.R. 699. Anticipating efforts by Chairman Goodlatte to weaken the bill, ALA is actively working in coalition with other public and private sector groups to move an unweakened Email Privacy Act out of the House Judiciary Committee and to a vote in both chambers of Congress before year’s end. HR. 699 would require law enforcement authorities to obtain a judicial warrant based on probable cause to obtain the content of personal emails, texts, electronic files, photos and virtually any other private and electronically stored data. Under current law, in most cases, only a subpoena is needed to get such material after it’s more than six months old.
ALA Backs Whistleblower Protection Bill, Protests Mischaracterization of Whistleblowers as Threat by Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Together with the ACLU, OpentheGovernment.Org, PEN American Center, Public Citizen and more than two dozen other national groups, ALA wrote in December to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R‐IA) and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D‐VT) in support of their FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, S. 2390. As noted in this Bill of Rights Defense Council blog, current law does not adequately shield FBI whistleblowers from professional retaliation. No near‐term action on the bill is expected. ALA also joined with a similar group of organizations from across the political spectrum in a letter to the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, Charles McCullough, seeking public correction of a top
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national intelligence community official’s public mischaracterization of whistleblowers as an “inside threat” to the government and national security. His response remains pending.
Other Diverse ALA Pro‐Privacy Coalition Work Continues Apace
During the current reporting period, ALA has helped craft and leant its name to several additional coalition communications to Congress pertaining to privacy and surveillance. Specifically, ALA has: written to the Director of National Intelligence seeking information on the number of American citizens whose communications have inadvertently been gathered in pursuit of foreign intelligence under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA); asked the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to hold hearings regarding the widely reported incidence of communications by Members of Congress having been intercepted by the National Security Agency; and urged the House Judiciary Committee to redesignate a hearing on Section 702 of FISA as at least partially unclassified to allow for public attendance and participation in building a record.
ALA Succeeds in Push for Legislation to Make CRS Reports Publicly and Freely Available
At last report, support was growing in the private sector, press and among Members of Congress for a bill that would direct the US Government Publishing Office to presumptively make almost all Congressional Research Service research reports promptly and widely available to the public without charge. Legislation to do just that, the Equal Access to Congressional Research Service Reports Act of 2016, S. 2639 and H.R. 4702, was introduced in early March. As noted then in District Dispatch, ALA worked closely with more than 40 other organizations to reach this milestone, including particularly Demand Progress. The coalition’s statement on introduction of the bill, as well as the press statements released by all four of its Senate authors, are available on the Demand Progress website. Currently the public is able to get only piecemeal access to these reports as they are released at the discretion of various Congressional offices. ALA has expressed its appreciation to Senators John McCain (R‐AZ) and Patrick Leahy (D‐VT) who sponsored the bill in the Senate and Representatives Leonard Lance (R‐NJ) and Mike Quigley (D‐IL) who introduced it jointly in the House. OGR looks forward to working closely with these offices and others in Congress to bring this long overdue legislation to a vote in both chambers.
Legislation Mandating Broad Public Access to CRS Reports Likely Stalled
As reported previously, ALA joined with a number of other groups to support the early March introduction of the “Equal Access to Congressional Research Service Reports Act of 2016,” S. 2639 and H.R. 4702. Given the compressed congressional calendar, on April 6th ALA again teamed with our coalition partners to urge House and Senate committees to move forward with a markup of the bill. While that has not yet happened, Rep. Quigley (who introduced H.R. 4702) attempted to provide access to CRS reports through another avenue, introducing two amendments during the a House Appropriations Committee markup on May 17th. Regrettably, both amendments failed.
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The first amendment, as proposed in H.R. 4702, would have directed the Government Publishing Office (GPO) to establish and maintain a public website to provide searchable, sortable, and downloadable public access to Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports without charge. When that amendment failed, Rep. Quigley then offered language to the appropriations bill that merely would have required a comprehensive list of all CRS reports produced (properly confidential documents excepted as in H.R. 4702) to be made publicly available. The lack of support during the House Appropriations markup is of concern, but ALA and our partners will continue to try to move this issue forward. That effort is likely to continue in the 115th Congress, which will be constituted in early 2017.
Seamus Kraft wins 2016 James Madison Award
On March 11th, ALA president Sari Feldman awarded the OpenGov Foundation’s Director Seamus Kraft with the James Madison award. Kraft has engineered a number of breakthrough initiatives aimed at opening government access and transparency to the public. Those projects include: creating America Decoded, which publishes legal codes, legislative data and existing laws in standardized data for major states and cities; launching MADISON—an open legislative data and engagement platform for writing, publishing and annotating legislation—in federal, state and local governments; being the driving force behind the recent successful bipartisan push that officially opened the House of Representatives to open‐source software; and hosting four, nationwide #Hack4Congress events to catalyze progress and strengthen the open government community.
Broad FOIA reform bill passes in the Senate
A year after it was introduced, the Senate finally voted on S. 337, the FOIA Improvement Act, and the bill passed unanimously. It is now time for the Senate and House negotiators to reconcile S. 337 with the House’s own version of FOIA reform, H.R. 653, which passed unanimously in January of this year. With an extra‐long summer recess to accommodate the major parties’ political conventions looming, and a legislative calendar further truncated by the 2016 elections themselves, time will be tight if Congress and the public are to avoid the sad situation we were left in at the end of the 113th Congress when time simply ran out to enact FOIA reform in 2014! Thanks to Senator John Cornyn (R‐TX), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R‐IA) and Judiciary Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D‐VT) not only for introducing and supporting S. 337 in the current Congress, but for their longstanding commitment to meaningful FOIA reform over many years and multiple Congresses. We now have forward movement!
National Library Legislative Day Tops Grassroots Highlights List
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Just over 400 participants from all but three states again attended this year’s National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) in Washington. Participants reacted favorably to changes in the structure of the event, including particularly condensed issue briefings and added time for a media training panel. The event’s popular “newbie” training session, traditionally offered on the Sunday before Monday’s formal “Leg Day” briefings, was in particularly high demand this year. Subscription by more than 120 first‐time NLLD participants necessitated the addition of a second training session for the first time in NLLD’s more than 40 year history. NLLD this year also both facilitated and showcased ALA’s deepening collaboration with the Harry Potter Alliance (HPA). Pre‐NLLD social media and email “challenges” inaugurating a constructive and friendly rivalry between our respective grassroots netted more than 630 contacts by HPA members, and almost 2200 contacts by ALA activists, to congressional offices in support of ALA’s key policy “asks” on federal funding, copyright and privacy legislation. They also actively advocated for Dr. Carla Hayden’s immediate confirmation as Librarian of Congress and in support of the Library of Congress’ autonomy in subject heading determinations (see discussion above).
This year for the first time, we were able to live‐stream the morning briefings for those who participated in NLLD virtually.
NLLD participants also were afforded a preview of the inaugural “SPARK” video, jointly produced by OGR with HPA. Comprised of 3 ‐5 minute “shorts” designed to introduce teens and young adults to Congress and federal advocacy, the new video series (publically announced by ALA on May 2) aims to demystify the advocacy process for young and new advocates, giving them concrete tips on calling legislators’ offices, scheduling meetings and planning their own campaigns. Three of eight videos have been completed at this writing with the remainder expected to be released this summer.
Finally, OGR is pleased to report that interest in active advocacy by members and other supporters is strong. In the past year: net subscriptions to District Dispatch increased and the number of individuals who follow District Digest (the weekly Washington Office newsletter) now stands at 9,825, up 60% (from 6,000); more than 12,700 new advocates signed up to receive legislative alerts through Engage, increasing ALA’s pool of recipients by more than 10%; and the Washington Office Tumblr account, Library Advocates, reached the 15,000 follower milestone.
Open Government Data Bill Introduced in both Chambers and Advances in Senate
In late April, the “OPEN Government Data Act” was introduced in both the House (H.R. 5051) and Senate (S. 2852). These identical bills would establish a comprehensive policy across the federal government to ensure that government data is accessible to the public by requiring federal agencies to publish government data in machine‐readable and open formats, and to use open licenses. While the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has not yet acted on H.R. 5051, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs approved S. 2852 on May 25th, making it “ripe” for potential floor consideration. In early May,
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ALA joined in expressing its support for these bills and OGR will continue to work to move them forward in Congress, as possible. With very few actual “legislative days” remaining in the current Congress’ calendar prior to its extended summer recess and the November elections, however, their prospects for passage remain unclear.
New Initiative Archives Key Washington Office, COL Documents in Easily Searchable Form
In close collaboration with ALA archives staff at the University of Illinois, Urbana‐Champaign, the ALA Washington Office Information Manager Stephen Mayeaux has initiated a program of metadata curation for, and regular document uploads to, the ALA Institutional Repository (ALAIR). All deposits will be made available in ALAIR . This effort is part of a long‐term content management strategy by the Office intended to facilitate searchable access to past and present Washington Office materials. It is also intended to ensure the long‐term storage and discoverability of current, “born digital” office content on a range of federal legislative, regulatory, and library advocacy issues.
Newly archived and preserved materials include: ALA‐ and coalition‐authored letters to federal officials and congressional committees, newsletters, publications, amicus briefs, and comments and submissions on federal rulemaking procedures, among others. To date, more than 1100 documents have been uploaded to the ALA Washington Office collection. A parallel project also is underway to build a comparable Committee on Legislation collection.
These projects represent a continuation and expansion of work that the Washington Office has undertaken since the arrival of its Information Manager to upload large quantities of older materials to the Archives that previously were unavailable in digital format elsewhere on www.ala.org. A complete and fully searchable database of all ALA Council Resolutions addressed by the Committee on Legislation from 2001 forward is now complete. Select other Council Resolutions dating back as far as 1961 also are available. Regular updates of the archives will continue with the goal of making ALAIR a thorough, searchable permanent collection of Washington Office‐generated content.
Office for Information Technology Policy
Information Policy Workshop for ALA Leaders
In collaboration with the ALA Executive Board, OITP organized an all‐day information policy workshop for member and staff leaders from the various divisions and offices of the association just prior to the 2016 Midwinter Meeting. The workshop was part of the implementation plan for ALA’s strategic direction on information policy. ALA President Sari Feldman served as general chair of the workshop, and featured speakers included Marjory Blumenthal from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Gwenn Weaver from the U.S.
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Department of Commerce, IFLA President Donna Scheeder, and Alan Fishel, partner at D.C. law firm Arent Fox.
New Collaboration on Financial Counseling and Veterans
ALA has joined forces with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) and local libraries to deliver financial education and resources to members of the military and their families across the country. Members of the U.S. armed forces, Coast Guard, veterans, and their families face financial challenges often not adequately addressed by resources designed for the general public. ALA and NFCC will leverage local member agencies and libraries to help improve the financial lives of service members, veterans and their families. Participating pilot libraries will be announced in mid‐March, with programs to begin this spring.
OITP other select activities:
South by Southwest: Charlie Wapner presented with Benetech at South by Southwest EDU regarding how 3D printers can be leveraged in libraries, museums and schools to create new learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
OITP Deputy Director Larra Clark also participated in South by Southwest Interactive as part of a library outreach contingent and met with Texas State Libraries and Archives and Texas library leaders.
ALA Holds First‐Ever National Policy Convening
ALA held a National Policy Convening in Washington, D.C., April 12–13, to highlight the contributions of libraries to national policy priorities and raise the profile of libraries and ALA within the policy community. Chaired by ALA President Sari Feldman, the convening included a broad range of speakers that included a U.S. Senator and representatives from the National League of Cities, U.S. Small Business Administration, Aspen Institute, Harvard University Library, Google, Consumer Technology Association, and more. The convening represents one part of the plan and strategy to position libraries in the next Presidential Administration.
ALA Issues New Report on the Practical Aspects of 3D Printing
Co‐authored by 3DPrint360 CEO Zach Lichaa and OITP’s Charlie Wapner, “Progress in the Making: Librarians’ Practical 3D Printing Questions Answered” poses and answers sixteen practical questions related to establishing 3D printing as a library service. All of the questions were fielded from library professionals interested in 3D printing technology. As a by‐product of OITP’s policy advocacy on 3D printers and libraries, we are able to provide this practical information to assist library professionals.
ALA Briefs Congressional Caucus on Value of Broadband for Rural Libraries
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At the April meeting of the bipartisan Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus, OITP Associate Director Marijke Visser and co‐panelists from the public and private sectors briefed the caucus, congressional staff and a general audience at a public session entitled “Strengthening Rural Economics through Broadband Deployment.” Marijke provided examples of how libraries have helped small businesses develop business plans, conduct market research, foster employee certification, use 3D printers, and even use library software programs to design and print creative menus for a restaurant. Membership in the caucus currently stands at 34 representatives.
ALA Joins Roundtable on “What’s Your Digital IQ?”
OITP Deputy Director Larra Clark, speakers from the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB), Nielsen and the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) in a roundtable discussion on the importance of digital empowerment. “What’s Your Digital IQ?” was opened by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R‐FL) and former Federal Trade Commissioner Julie Brill talking about the importance of the $1 trillion digital economy and the need for tools to help people be smart online and protect themselves against hackers and scams. Brill referenced recent analysis from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) citing that a lack of trust in Internet privacy and security may deter online activities.
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EBD #5.8 2015-2016
TO: ALA Executive Board
RE: ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Final Report and Recommendations
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT: Charged in 2014 by then ALA president, Barbara Stripling, the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion presents the attached report and recommendations and requests that the Executive Board accept and move forward with the recommendations as outlined. The Board has already charged an Implementation Working Group that will be able to assist the various staff, offices and other groups with the implementation process.
ACTION REQUESTED BY: Trevor A. Dawes and Martin L. Garnar, on behalf of the Task Force.
CONTACT PERSON: Trevor A. Dawes Martin L. Garnar 917.327.9905 (mobile) 720.560.6004 (mobile) [email protected] [email protected]
DRAFT OF MOTION: We move that the Executive Board accept the final report of the Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and move forward with the recommendations as outlined in the report.
DATE: June 7, 2016
BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2014, motivated by the grave concern of some members about the association hosting its 2016 Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, the Association determined that an Association-wide Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion was necessary. The Task Force, chaired by Martin L. Garnar and Trevor A. Dawes gathered information from ALA members and non-members about the state of diversity in the Association and how the Association and the profession could be more welcoming and inclusive. The attached report provides a summary of our work over the past two years and makes some recommendations on how we can achieve some of the stated diversity goals of the Association.
ATTACHMENTS:
Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Final Report and Recommendations.
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Final Report of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion June 2016 BACKGROUND Embracing and celebrating diversity, and creating a more inclusive profession have been long-standing goals of the American Library Association (ALA)1. The Association, its divisions, roundtables and other groups have long had committees or other member groups devoted to diversity in librarianship. However, in the spring of 2014, motivated by the grave concern of some members about the association hosting its 2016 Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, the Association determined that an Association-wide Task Force was necessary. The concerns about the conference location stemmed from Florida’s application of the “Stand Your Ground” laws as it relates to the Trayvon Martin case [Appendix I].
In March of 2014, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) released a statement critiquing ALA for continuing to hold the conference in Florida. Then-ALA president Barbara Stripling immediately engaged with leaders from ALA and the ethnic library associations2 to subsequently issue a joint statement [Appendix II]. The ALA’s Executive Committee and BCALA’s Executive Board agreed that the best way to respond to the concerns about hosting a conference in Florida was to turn the event into an opportunity to educate, build awareness, and advocate for equitable treatment, inclusion, and respect for diversity. Among the agreed-upon items was the creation of a special task force.
In the spring 2014 Barbara Stripling then established the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and appointed its members. The charge of the Task Force reads as follows:
The Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will develop a plan and strategic actions to build more equity, diversity, and inclusion among our members, the field of librarianship, and our communities. The most important Task Force outcome is the public and honest conversation that will be generated by its plan and recommended actions. The final Task Force report will include recommendations for ensuring that a continuing focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion is embedded throughout the ALA organization. [see Appendix III]
1 See ALA mission and priorities key action areas: http://www.ala.org/aboutala/missionpriorities/keyactionareas
2 There are five ethnic library associations affiliated with ALA: the American Indian Library Association (AILA), Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) and The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking (REFORMA).
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Task Force members were appointed from a wide variety of stakeholder groups, and included ALA Executive Board members. 3
SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Task Force (TF) started its work by defining the terms equity, diversity, and inclusion so that both the TF members as well as all stakeholders would have a shared understanding of what the TF was being asked to address [Appendix IV]. The next step was to gather information from stakeholders in a variety of ways. These included conducting surveys (see results below), hosting conversations at various conferences4, and collecting feedback from the groups represented on the task force. These data points have been instrumental in helping the TF to formulate the recommendations that are included in this report.
During the process, the TF presented updates at ALA Council, Board, and/or Membership meetings at the 2015 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Chicago, the 2015 ALA Annual Conference in San Francisco, and the 2016 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston. The TF also participated in virtual membership meetings in 2015 and 2016. In addition to gathering information, the TF offered two interactive workshops on systemic racism in partnership with Community Change, Inc. and co-sponsored Senator Cory Booker’s appearance at the 2016 ALA Midwinter Meeting. The TF will sponsor Michael Eric Dyson as the speaker for the Opening General Session at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. Members of the TF will also present on the work of the past two years at the National Diversity in Libraries Conference in August 2016.
SURVEY RESULTS: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY From late January 2015 to March 2016, the TF released three short surveys intent on soliciting information from respondents, who are both ALA members and non-members. The purpose of the surveys was to gain feedback from current and potential members regarding the climate of ALA as an association that strongly values equity, diversity, and inclusion. The TF surveys were meant to supplement the larger surveys created and released by ALA’s Office for Research & Statistics (ORS), particularly the ALA Member Demographics Survey, of which the latest report is available for September 2014. All three TF surveys were intended to work together to provide a more complete picture of respondent perceptions and consisted of two parts. The first part contained four to five theme-based questions. The themes for each survey were chosen after deliberations by TF members and the responses garnered from previous TF surveys. The second part consisted of a set of demographic questions that was meant to provide context to the responses in each survey’s first part, hence the need
3 The Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion roster and composition: http://www.ala.org/groups/task-force- equity-diversity-and-inclusion 4 Facilitated conversations and/or listening sessions were held at the following conferences: (2015):ALA Midwinter Meeting, REFORMA National Conference, ATLA National Conference, ALA Annual Conference, NCAAL Conference, and (2016):ALISE National Conference.
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to repeat these questions for each released survey. The results of the demographic portions of the surveys are not included in this report.
The first survey focused on the definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion, which the TF had discussed and disseminated to different ALA groups prior to the release of the first survey. The second survey focused on the ALA Annual Conference 2016 to be held in Orlando, Florida. The third survey focused on the affordability of ALA conferences and events.
Taken together, the three surveys developed by the TF indicate an interesting picture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within ALA as an organization and as a membership body. The third survey strongly suggested that financial matters impede ALA members from being able to participate fully--as committee, working group, and task force members and volunteers. Yet most respondents indicated in the first survey that they believed ALA is an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization. The contrast between the first and third surveys ought to be studied and probed further. The second survey indicated that ALA membership have a multiplicity of nuanced opinions regarding the association’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly with how these relate to matters regarded as political and not part of the domain of “library work.”
To reiterate, it is important to recognize that these surveys should not be seen as “the voice of ALA,” but as tools to gain insight and gauge future directions for research and change within ALA. For example, further analysis of all three surveys still needs to be undertaken in order to discern the professional and social classifications of all respondents, as well as the frequency of their responses. In addition, inferential and predictive analyses concerning the composition and perceptions of ALA members are beyond the scope of this report and the three surveys themselves. However, these survey results should still be weighed seriously, as a first step toward future actions and more thorough research-based investigations to ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion remain practiced, as well as uttered, values within ALA.
The complete survey report is available in Appendix V.
RECOMMENDATIONS The TF made two initial recommendations in its report to Council at the 2015 ALA Annual Conference:
1. The ALA Executive Board, Council, or appropriate body should direct the Policy Monitoring Committee to collect all ALA discrimination policies into one document in order to point vendors and others with whom ALA does business to a single policy related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. 2. ALA should include language in all future contracts that assures all vendors, conference sites, and others with whom the Association does business have policies that complement ours.
Additionally, the TF has compiled the following list of 58 recommendations for the Association that fall into six main areas: PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
1. Conference Program Planning 2. ALA actions for all Annual Conferences 3. Working with the community for ALA host cities 4. Association Priorities and Planning 5. Membership and Participation 6. Recruitment, Education, and Retention
While many of the recommendations focus specifically on the conference experience, the TF recognizes that a majority of members cannot attend conferences on a regular basis, which is why more than half of the recommendations focus on structural issues within the association and profession.
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1: Conference Program Planning Now, Year 1, Year 2, Delegated to: Year 3 1.1 Plan a discussion on definitions of diversity Now ODLOS where people who are doing diversity programming shall have a consistent message. (see clearinghouse idea below: 1.9) 1.2 Engage in diversity with “big name” Now Conference Committee, speakers, even when controversial; and have Conference Services speakers represent underrepresented constituencies. Speaker suggestions include: Angela Davis, Christopher Hedges. 1.3 Encourage grassroots efforts to push for Every year Start with continuous reminders equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) from ALA President, and include programming at all levels of ALA, including Executive Director office, division division presidents' programs, and encourage presidents, ethnic library all program selection committees to consider associations, Round Tables, etc.5 inclusion of EDI as part of the process. 1.4 Develop a conference theme related to EDI Every year Conference Committee matters/issues typical of that region/area. 1.5 Offer a free pre-conference on diversity Every year ODLOS or COD issues. 1.6 Add a section to the conference program Every year Conference Services that identifies all events related to equity, diversity, and inclusion; create a process to ensure that the tagging system is used to identify all relevant events. 1.7 Make entire conference more Every year Conference Committee, participatory—examples include walk-through Conference Services museum-type exhibits (Tunnels of Oppression); and partnerships with local groups. 1.8 Create a vision statement for EDI inclusion 2016 Annual (2017 COD in conference programming; share statement Annual for ranking) with publishers (as main source of big name speakers). 1.9 Create a clearinghouse (speakers bureau) of Fall 2016 - Spring ODLOS people with expertise in equity, diversity, and 2018 inclusiveness to aid program planners in choosing speakers. 1.10 Create an EDI programming checklist 2017 Midwinter COD, ODLOS Advisory informed by all groups that includes guidelines on content, presenters, advertising, etc.
5 Current, past and future ALA Presidents meet frequently as a cohort. It would be beneficial to have a conversation about diversity at one of the meetings or at the fall orientation. Co-sponsored programs are often discussed at ALA President meetings, so it would be an ideal place to talk about a co- sponsored diversity program. PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
1.11 Have a COD representative on the 2017 Midwinter COD, COO conference planning committee. 1.12 Create a scenario based session on micro- 2017 Midwinter, COD aggressions that addresses how allies of continuing as a targeted people can use the situations as series at subsequent teaching moments to help change behavior. conferences) 1.13 Build in a thoughtful reflection at the start 2017 Annual, COD of every EDI-related program; create continuing at each scripts/prompts for program hosts. conference 1.14 Conduct a session on archival projects that 2017 Annual, ACRL RBMS, ALCTS PARS provide context on the history of local areas. continuing as a series at subsequent conferences
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2: ALA actions for all Annual Conferences Now, Year 1, Year 2, Delegated to: Year 3 2.1 Create a list of local minority owned Now ODLOS, host chapters, ethnic businesses and cultural institutions with a affiliates, round tables focus on issues related to EDI for conference attendees to frequent / support. 2.2 Create EDI statement that's included in Now COD, Executive Board registration process, similar to the Code of Conduct, that outlines the Association's commitment to EDI principles; or incorporate EDI statement into existing Code of Conduct. 2.3 Make wifi hotspots available to Now Conference Services committees and other groups to enable virtual participation. 2.4 Create and distribute a pre and post Fall 2017 - Spring 2018 ORS, Implementation Team survey to attendees about experiences related to equity, diversity, and inclusion at the conference. 2.5 Encourage diversity among exhibitors Now ERT, Conference Services and their representatives participating in ALA Annual Conferences, Midwinter Meetings, and other ALA activities in alignment with ALA's policy on equity, diversity and inclusion (ALA Policy B.36). 2.6 Identify and implement an incentive Now ERT, Conference Services program (such as prime locations, discounts, Diversity Champions recognition) for vendors who strive to meet the diversity goals of recommendation 2.5 in a meaningful way. 2.7 Establish a robust virtual option for Fall 2017-Spring 2018 Conference Committee, conference attendance (e.g., main speakers, Conference Services key workshops, membership meetings, Council sessions) that allows members and non-members to participate at a reasonable cost in real time.
6 http://www.ala.org/aboutala/governance/policymanual/updatedpolicymanual/section2/diversity PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
3: Working with the community for ALA host Now, Year 1, Year 2, Delegated to: cities Year 3 3.1 Provide additional staff support for the Now Executive Director, Associate Libraries Build Communities Member Interest Executive Director Group to enable them to carry out the work being suggested in the TF report. 3.2 Research and collaborate with local Every year LBC MIG, ODLOS community organizations who are doing work on equity, diversity, and inclusion; ask them what types of support they would like from ALA conference attendees. 3.3 Research the local community perspective Every year LBC MIG, Conference Services on equity, diversity, and inclusion and share with attendees in order to build understanding before going to a city for a conference. 3.4 Make connections to local media outlets, Every year PAO and release press statements on how librarians support the local organizations advocating equity, diversity, and inclusion. 3.5 Create programming open to the local Every year COD, ODLOS community centered around equity, diversity, and inclusion. 3.6 Create and distribute a T-shirt, Hashtag, or Every year ODLOS a tag that supports equity, diversity, and inclusion. 3.7 Honor local culture (Native and other) by Every year Conference Services, ODLOS, in inviting presenters to be part of the opening of consultation with the American the conference. Indian Library Association
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4: Association Priorities and Planning Now, Year 1, Year 2, Delegated to: Year 3 4.1 Establish a process for consulting with COD Now Executive Board, COD, ODLOS and ODLOS on how to respond when issues arise related to equity, diversity, and inclusion that impact members. 4.2 Add the definitions of EDI developed by the Now; Fall 2016 - Policy Monitoring Committee Task Force to the ALA Policy Manual. Audit all Spring 2017 definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion across the association to ensure the broadest possible understanding; and explore core values and roles and responsibilities statements to assess equity, diversity, and inclusion. 4.3 Task the Center for the Future of Libraries Fall 2016 - Spring Center for the Future of with inclusion of trends illustrating equity, 2018 Libraries diversity, and inclusiveness within the profession as part of their work. 4.4 Strongly encourage all offices, divisions, and Fall 2016 - Spring Executive Board, ALA Executive round tables within ALA to audit their goals, 2017 Director and Associate Executive strategies and outcome for diversity and inclusion Director every three years. 4.5 Expand ALA marketing to include promotion Fall 2016 - Spring Public Awareness Committee of librarians and library workers, in addition to 2017 libraries. 4.6 Assess ALA equity, diversity, and inclusion Fall 2017 - Spring COD activities across the association to look for 2019 synergies. 4.7 Consider creating a diversity and inclusion top Fall 2017 - Spring ODLOS ten list (similar to LITA’s and ACRL’s top issues) to 2018 aid in research, program planning, etc. 4.8 Work with other national associations to Fall 2017 - Spring ODLOS, maybe also COD share checklists, clearinghouse information, etc. 2018 (see ODLOS “Initiatives & Projects”)7; ODLOS shall also keep the list of associations (started by the TF) up to date. 4.9 Seek benchmarks and best practices to Fall 2017 - Spring Executive Board determine paths to increasing the association’s 2019 diverse membership, diversity programming, etc. 4.10 Expand advertising and discussion for the Fall 2017 - Spring ODLOS, Executive Board ODLOS Discovering Librarianship Initiative.8 2018 4.11 Maintain ongoing audits of goals, strategies Fall 2017 - Spring Executive Board and outcomes to ensure diversity and inclusion is 2019 present, with an annual report to Council on
7 http://www.ala.org/offices/diversity/initiatives 8 http://www.ala.org/offices/diversity/imls PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
these issues 4.12 Design a research agenda for equity, Fall 2017 - Spring ODLOS, ORS diversity, and inclusion that could include diverse 2019 collection development, models for delivery of reference services in general as well as specific to individual minorities 4.13 Explore training for ALA staff and officers, Fall 2018 - Spring HR, Each Department shall form etc. re: an organizational culture for diversity, 2019 Audit teams and give their equity and inclusion. One possibility could be department an Equity, Inclusion expanding the existing ODLOS webinars. and Diversity Audit, ODLOS 4.14 Increase the capacity of the Diversity Fall 2016 – Spring ODLOS, Executive Board Research Grants program. 2017 4.15 Survey the membership on a triennial basis Every third year ORS about issues related to EDI, using the TF’s surveys starting Fall 2017- as examples of the topics to be explored. Spring 2018 4.16 Conduct interviews and focus groups around Every year ALA Executive Director, the country on EDI issues within the association Associate Executive Director, and the profession, using the model of the Chapter Relations Office Kitchen Table conversations but expanding their reach beyond conference attendees.
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5: Membership & Participation Now, Year 1, Year 2, Delegated to: Year 3 5.1 Revive the Diversity Town Hall at Fall 2016 - Spring 2017 ODLOS, COD Midwinter Meetings. 5.2 Provide guidance for committee Fall 2016 - Spring 2017 Governance, TOLD, COO appointments to include and increase diversity and inclusion by including a representative from the Committee on Diversity. Assess ALA office advisory groups to determine if advisory groups are present and diverse enough; add a demographic section to the volunteer form to allow members to self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group. 5.3 Assess existing pathways to professional Fall 2017- Spring 2019 TOLD, COD success within the organization for underrepresented groups; make suggestions to fill gaps. 5.4 Create an infographic to advertise Fall 2017 - Spring 2019 Governance, TOLD and committee appointment process, Membership Development understanding that involvement encompasses just “committees.”
Develop a “how to get involved in ALA” campaign. 5.5 Determine the numbers of members from Reach 50% of target in Membership Committee or underrepresented groups within the 2021, 100% of target in another Presidential Task Force association and increase representation of 2026 with representation from the these populations within membership to Membership Committee with a match the proportions found in society; use focus on increasing number of the TF-EDI demographic questions as a model diverse members for collecting the information. 5.6 Develop uniform modes for member Fall 2016 - Spring 2017 Membership Committee involvement in committees, task forces, and other Association activities that does not require conference attendance; look at division initiatives in this area as a starting point. 5.7 Investigate alternate dues structures, Fall 2016 - Spring 2017 Membership Committee including salary-based categories and options to include an initial division and round table membership without additional costs.
6: Recruitment, Education, & Retention Now, Year 1, Delegated to: PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
Year 2, Year 3 6.1 Develop and implement a long-term library Fall 2016 - COA, ODLOS, Work with Ethnic profession recruitment plan; increase chances of Spring 2018 Affiliates to create recruitment recruiting professionals from diverse backgrounds program. Develop scholarships with through recruitment in high schools and ethnic affiliates, AASL, COE, YALSA , undergraduate institutions to increase LIS school ALSC, ALISE retention; design a plan for providing library experiences and career information early -- from childhood forward.9 6.2 Assess ALA’s mentor programs for equity, Fall 2016 - Mentor programs within each diversity, and inclusion. Spring 2018 division. Work with Ethnic Affiliates and divisions and round tables to create recruitment program. 6.3 Ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion (and Fall 2016 - COA (existing ALA group and the overall cultural competence) is integrated into Spring 2017 two new TF’s on Education and every part of every library school class and Accreditation); work with the ethnic training and is not a separate training. affiliates to accomplish this point. 6.4 Explore expanded training and continuing Fall 2017 - Membership Development, ODLOS, education so ALA members can easily educate Spring 2019 collaborate with Ethnic Affiliates themselves about 1) diverse groups, 2) building connections between people who are not like themselves. 6.5 Audit the definitions of and track the levels of Fall 2017 - COA, Research and Statistics, HRDR, professional success that affect the retention of Spring 2018 ODLOS LIS workers from underrepresented groups during their education and their career advancement, given the variety of acceptable education for library professionals. 6.6 Investigate a model for requiring continuing Fall 2018 - COA education (in relation to equity, diversity, and Spring 2019 inclusion) and development throughout a career. 6.7 Assess education and accreditation standards Fall 2017-Spring COA, Committee on Education in order to holistically include the profession's 2018 values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, from various historical, theoretical, and practical perspectives.
9 ALA Scholarship for a Day (Jim Rettig's initiative) was good in terms of getting students involved. This could be one of the community-related events (above) that happens in the conference city. It would be a way to combine multiple projects in a single initiative. COD also has a similar initiative. Both of these could be used as models for future initiatives. PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
CONCLUSION Thirty years ago, the ALA President’s Committee on Library Services to Minorities presented the report “Equity at Issue: Library Services to the Nation’s Four Major Minority Groups.”10 In the Personnel section of their report, they noted that 88.5 % of the library profession was white. By 2010, the ALA Diversity Counts study found that the percentage of credentialed white librarians stood at 88%, a rather disappointing result.11 Throughout our work, this task force has been very conscious of racial biases and the ways in which both conscious and especially unconscious bias impact the diversity and inclusivity of our association and profession. Race profiling by the application of Stand Your Ground laws in Orlando launched this task force as a result of frustration at how a major library association can be easily swept into patterns of structural discrimination without consciously intending to do so, or at the very least feel powerless to significantly transform discrimination in the society in which it participates, such as being unable or unwilling to withstand the costs of cancelling a contract because the outcome would likely mean harsh political or fiscal consequences. More recently the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC), a division of ALA, canceled their Institute that was to be held in a state where a recently enacted law was at odds with the division's - indeed ALA's - stated values. This decision, made mere months before the ALSC Institute, left members of the task force wondering if there is a dollar amount above or below which cancellation of an event would be supported. We encourage the ALA executive board and the boards of all divisions to ensure that decisions are made in a manner consistent with the values of the association, even if those decisions may have financial consequences.
Looking forward, the best of intentions are not enough to create permanent change; therefore, careful review, recommended actions, and subsequent analysis must be the foundation to create a path for transformation. The results from the three TF surveys, taking into account demographic indicators for as many diverse groupings as possible, show us that marginalized groups continue to feel underrepresented and undervalued within the association and the profession, and that ALA must increase its efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are confident that this list of recommendations is a step in the direction of codifying and implementing a more conscious and actionable structure toward meeting those goals of a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive library association, profession, and world. Our confidence, however, is not enough. ALA has stated its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion for decades, but has failed to completely live up to that commitment. While we have seen progress in recent years thanks to initiatives like the Spectrum Scholarships Program, our work is far from complete. Embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion as core principles matters only when sufficient resources of time, personnel, and finances are made available. We must move beyond lip service or “checking the boxes” to actual change, lest we remain a profession that continues to marginalize those outside of the majority.
10 American Library Association President’s Committee on Library Services to Minorities. Equity at Issue: Library Services to the Nation’s Four Major Minority Groups (1985-86 CD #30). Chicago: American Library Association. 11 For more detailed information on the demographics of the library profession, see American Library Association, Diversity Counts, http://www.ala.org/offices/diversity/diversitycounts/divcounts. PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
Submitted by: Trevor A. Dawes, Co-Chair Martin L. Garnar, Co-Chair and GLBTRT Representative Naomi R. Caldwell, AILA Representative Melissa I. Cardenas-Dow, APALA Representative Suzhen Chen, CALA Representative Leslie Campbell Hime, EMIERT Representative Andrew P. Jackson, BCALA Representative Majed J. Khader, Chapter Relations Committee Representative Max Macias, REFORMA Representative Mike L. Marlin, ASCLA Accessibility Assembly Representative Alanna Aiko Moore, Committee on Diversity Representative LaJuan Pringle, SRRT Representative Mark A. Puente, Member-at-Large Teri Sierra, Membership Meetings Committee Representative Nancy Snyder, Member-at-Large Julie B. Todaro, Executive Board Liaison Jody Gray, Staff Liaison
Previous members of the Task Force include:
Danielle Geller, AILA Representative Louis Munoz, Committee on Diversity Representative Jerome Offord, BCALA Representative Lian Ruan, CALA Representative Barbara Stripling, Executive Board Liaison Gwendolyn Prellwitz, Staff Liaison PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
APPENDIX I: BCALA Statement
Black Caucus of ALA Denounces ALA’s Decision to Hold 2016 Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla.
For immediate release: March 10, 2014
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), condemns the American Library Association’s (ALA) decision to continue with plans to hold the ALA 2016 annual conference in Orlando, Fla. in the wake of the George Zimmerman verdict and that state’s refusal to revise or repeal “Stand Your Ground” laws, which were included in jury instructions in Zimmerman’s trial for second degree murder for fatally shooting unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. in 2012.
BCALA believes that “Stand Your Ground” laws enable a “shoot first, ask questions later” mentality against African-American men perceived without merit to be threats or assumed without evidence to be engaged in criminal behavior. Kenneth Nunn, a professor at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, wrote in the New York Times in 2012 that, “African-Americans, black males in particular, have been constructed in popular culture as violence-prone and dangerous,” and that this construct produces a fear in Americans that deadly force against such people is consequently reasonable in general.
BCALA therefore contends that Florida law should require more than perception of a threat before use of deadly force is deemed justifiable. BCALA predicts “Stand Your Ground” will be used in future killings where racial bias played a factor in the actions of the accused. Months after the Zimmerman verdict, another travesty of justice occurred when a Florida jury failed to convict Michael Dunn of murder for shooting into a car and killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis. Dunn said he fired because he felt threatened by Davis and other Black teens in a car Davis was riding in, but the unarmed Davis had not exited his vehicle or physically confronted Dunn. Dunn was convicted only for attempted murder after he continued firing at the vehicle as the teenagers attempted to flee.
BCALA believes that ALA, which claims various commitments to diversity and tolerance, should have begun plans to find a new venue for ALA 2016 following the July 2013 acquittal of George Zimmerman. BCALA must question ALA’s true commitment to diversity and racial tolerance when ALA, North America’s largest and strongest library association, still plans to hold its largest and most financially lucrative function in a state that has become Ground Zero in initiating weapons laws, as well as voting policies, that potentially put the rights and safety of African-Americans at risk. ALA annual conferences are generally well-documented and publicized, and BCALA fears that librarians, 20,000 strong, conducting business and spending money in Orlando will negate any claim that librarians have to being advocates of equality and social justice.
BCALA, rather, is committed to creating, supporting and cheerleading initiatives that facilitate success in young Black males. The organization is particularly encouraged by President Barack Obama’s recent unveiling of the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, which the president hopes will, “(I)mprove significantly the expected life outcomes for boys and young men of color (including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans) and their contributions to U.S. prosperity.” An initiative to support Black male success coming from national leadership will hopefully catch on with those who otherwise wouldn’t care or would see these youths as a threat. PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
BCALA was formally established in 1970 and remains the forefront networking and professional development vehicle for African-American librarians. An independent non-profit organization, BCALA sponsors scholarships and travel assistance, produces a quarterly publication and holds a biennial conference. BCALA serves in an advisory role to the American Library Association and collaborates with other ethnic affiliate organizations on diversity initiatives in libraries. PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
APPENDIX II: Joint Statement from the presidents of AILA, APALA, BCALA, CALA, REFORMA and ALA
For Immediate Release Fri, 03/28/2014
CHICAGO —The values of diversity, equity, and inclusion form the foundation of the library profession and our professional associations. Those values have been challenged by the discriminatory enforcement of the “Stand Your Ground” law in Florida and the fact that ALA’s 2016 Annual Conference is scheduled for Orlando. The Executive Committee members of ALA and the BCALA Executive Board have actively engaged in conversation to determine the best solution to this challenging dilemma. That conversation has been extended to the Executive Boards of AILA, APALA, CALA, and REFORMA with a decision to issue a joint statement of commitment and action.
In response to BCALA’s concern regarding holding the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, in 2016, the ALA Executive Board thoroughly explored the options for moving the conference. ALA started by clarifying the facts underlying conference site selection, the implications of trying to move the Orlando conference, and the prevalence of Stand Your Ground laws across the United States. The contracts for Orlando were negotiated originally in 2000; the Stand Your Ground law in Florida became effective on October 1, 2005. Cancelling the hotel and convention center contracts would result in a minimum fine of $814,000. Conferences as large as ALA must be scheduled for specific sites and contracts signed at least 7–10 years in advance. At this late date, it would be highly unlikely that ALA would be able to find another site with availability during our window of late June/early July 2016.
Most troubling is the growing prevalence of Stand Your Ground laws. Twenty-two states have laws that allow for that self-defense provision to be asserted (as of August 2013). An additional 21 states have enacted laws that allow for self-defense within one’s home (called Castle Doctrines). However, each state has implemented and applied the Stand Your Ground laws differently, and it is the interpretation and application of the Stand Your Ground Law in the Zimmerman and Dunn cases, as well as the Marissa Alexander case, that has heightened the urgency for discussion and action.
With that information in hand, our ALA’s Executive Committee and BCALA’s Executive Board decided that the best way to respond to the Florida situation is by turning it into an opportunity to educate, build awareness, and advocate for equitable treatment, inclusion, and respect for diversity. We have agreed on the following actions:
• Town Hall discussions of racial diversity and inclusion in our profession, association, and communities. o Major topic of Membership Meeting at 2014 ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas. o Topic of discussion during Virtual Membership Meeting on June 5, 2014. • Support for conversations and actions at the state level facilitated by state library associations or other organizations within the states. • Formation of a Special Presidential Task Force involving members of the ethnic affiliates and ALA to (1) develop programs and other opportunities for members to learn about and engage in the issue, (2) build strong advocacy and awareness while at the Orlando conference, and (3) develop PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
communications directed toward the public. The Task Force will be formed immediately. The goal is to use the Orlando conference platform to provoke a national dialogue. • Collaboration with local Black and Hispanic/Latino community members and organizations in Orlando to determine the best ways for ALA members to be supportive of them. This will include compilation of a list of African-American and Hispanic/Latino businesses in Orlando for ALA members to patronize. • Outreach to national organizations with vested interest in the Stand Your Ground laws to build alliances and collaborative efforts in advocacy and public awareness (e.g., NAACP, La Raza, Urban League).
Most important to all the ethnic caucuses and ALA is the public and honest conversation that will be generated by our actions. We are committed to building more diversity and inclusion among our members, the field of librarianship, and our communities. We invite all members of AILA, APALA, BCALA, CALA, REFORMA, and ALA to engage with us in moving toward a more just society.
With respect,
Barbara Stripling President ALA (American Library Association)
Jerome Offord, Jr. President BCALA, Inc. (Black Caucus of the American Library Association)
Heather Devine President AILA (American Indian Library Association)
Eugenia Beh President APALA (Asian Pacific American Librarians Association)
Lisa Zhao President CALA (Chinese American Librarians Association)
Isabel Espinal President REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking) PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
APPENDIX III: Charge and Framework
Charge: The Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will develop a plan and strategic actions to build more equity, diversity, and inclusion among our members, the field of librarianship, and our communities. The most important Task Force outcome is the public and honest conversation that will be generated by its plan and recommended actions.
The Task Force will be appointed in the spring of 2014 for a term to last through Annual Conference 2016. The work of the Task Force should commence immediately once the Task Force is formed, so that programs and opportunities can be planned for the Las Vegas Annual Conference in 2014 if possible.
The following areas provide a framework for the Task Force plan, with other ideas to be provided by the Task Force itself: 1) Develop programs and other opportunities for members to learn about and engage in the issue; 2) Build strong advocacy and awareness at ALA meetings and conferences; 3) Work in partnership with the ALA Committee on Diversity and the Office of Diversity to centralize and coordinate activities including a permanent online repository through ALA Connect in which a diversity and inclusion "toolkit" of resources and related materials can be housed and accessed by the membership at large. 4) Use the Orlando conference as a platform to provoke a national dialogue; 5) Collaborate with local Black and Hispanic/Latino community members and organizations in Orlando to determine the best ways for ALA members to be supportive of them. This will include compilation of a list of African-American and Hispanic/Latino businesses in Orlando for ALA members to patronize; 6) Develop communications directed toward the public; 7) Support efforts by ALA to reach out to national organizations with vested interest in fighting racism and all forms of discrimination and in increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion in our society, as reflected in ALA Policy on Diversity B.3 (e.g., NAACP, La Raza, Urban League); 8) Develop an assessment plan to measure the impact of Task Force efforts.
The Task Force will communicate its plan and actions to ALA membership before each Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference during the term of the Task Force. The Task Force will submit a final report based on analysis of actions and outcomes, with recommendations for ensuring that a continuing focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion is embedded throughout the ALA organization.
The membership of the Task Force will be inclusive of the following perspectives: • ALA Executive Board • ALA Council • AILA • APALA • BCALA PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
• CALA • REFORMA • ASCLA and Accessibility Assembly • ALA Committee on Diversity and Diversity Council • ALA Chapter Relations Committee • GLBTRT • SRRT PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
APPENDIX IV: Definitions
Equity Equity is not the same as formal equality. Formal equality implies sameness. Equity, on the other hand, assumes difference and takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair (or equitable) outcome. Equity recognizes that some groups were (and are) disadvantaged in accessing educational and employment opportunities and are, therefore, underrepresented or marginalized in many organizations and institutions. The effects of that exclusion often linger systemically within organizational policies, practices and procedures. Equity, therefore, means increasing diversity by ameliorating conditions of disadvantaged groups. (Adapted from University of British Columbia: http://diversity.ubc.ca/valuing-difference/equity-and- diversity-%E2%80%93-definitions-and-philosophy/)
The Task Force believes that everyone deserves equitable rights and opportunities. Our goal is to create a just and equitable Association, profession, and society where everyone has access to social power, resources, and physical and psychological safety. (Adapted from ALA Office for Diversity “Strategic Planning for Diversity”: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/workplace/diversityplanning, and National Association of Social Workers: http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/standards/cultural_competence.asp)
Diversity Diversity can be defined as the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. Visible diversity is generally those attributes or characteristics that are external. However, diversity goes beyond the external to internal characteristics that we choose to define as ‘invisible’ diversity. Invisible diversity includes those characteristics and attributes that are not readily seen. When we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual.
The Task Force has chosen to define “diversity” in all its complexity in order to recognize and honor the uniqueness of each ALA member, all members of our profession, and our very diverse communities. The Task Force also agrees with the National Education Association that, “While diversity itself is not a value- laden term, the way that people react to diversity is driven by values, attitudes, beliefs, and so on. Full acceptance of diversity is a major principle of social justice.” (Adapted from National Education Association: http://www.nea.org/tools/diversity-toolkit- introduction.html)
Inclusion Inclusion means an environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; and can contribute fully to the organization’s success. PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
(Adapted from Society for Human Resources Management http://www.shrm.org/diversity and Hewlett Packard: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/hp-information/about-hp/diversity/meaning.html)
The Task Force believes that, to be inclusive, our association, profession, and society must recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every member of the community; involve and empower all members to participate and contribute; promote and sustain a sense of belonging; and value and practice respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of all members. (Adapted from Ferris State University: http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/administration/president/DiversityOffice/Definitions.htm)
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APPENDIX V: SURVEY REPORT
American Library Association Task Force on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (TFEDI)
REPORT ON ALL SURVEYS, 2015-2016 TASK FORCE MEMBERS: MELISSA CARDENAS-DOW, MAX MACIAS, LAJUAN PRINGLE, TERI SIERRA PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.75
Introduction
TFEDI Surveys: Rationale, Purpose, and Development
From late January 2015 to March 2016, the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (TFEDI) released three short surveys intent on soliciting information from respondents, who are both ALA members and non-members. The purpose of the surveys was to gain feedback from current and potential members regarding the climate of ALA as an association that strongly values equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The ALA TFEDI surveys were meant to supplement the larger surveys created and released by ALA’s Office for Research & Statistics (ORS), particularly the ALA Member Demographics Survey, of which the latest report is available for September 2014.
All three ALA TFEDI surveys were intended to work together to provide a more complete picture of respondent perceptions and consisted of two parts. The first part contained four to five theme-based questions. The themes for each survey were chosen after deliberations by ALA TFEDI members and the responses garnered from previous ALA TFEDI surveys. The second part consisted of a set of demographic questions that was meant to provide context to the responses in each survey’s first part, hence the need to repeat these questions for each released survey. The results of the demographic portions of the surveys are not included in this report.
The first survey focused on the definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion, which the ALA TFEDI had discussed and disseminated to different ALA groups prior to the release of the first survey. The second survey focused on the ALA Annual Conference 2016 to be held in Orlando, Florida. The third survey focused on the affordability of ALA conferences and events.
This report provides narrative explanations of each survey question, bar graphs depicting the distribution of responses, and a summary paragraph detailing highlights for the entire survey. Survey #1 and #2 have bar graph images taken directly from SurveyMonkey. However, due to the complexity of the questions asked in Survey #3, the graphs provided for each question was created by ALA ORS and feature vertical stack bar graphs.
TFEDI Surveys: Methodology
It is important to recognize that the three ALA TFEDI surveys were not intended to be seen as “the voice of ALA,” but as tools to gain insight and gauge future directions for research and practical changes within the association. More comprehensive and stringent probing to understand the perceptions of
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ALA members, as well as library information professionals and workers, regarding matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion, is still needed.
The ALA TFEDI surveys were all online surveys released using the SurveyMonkey online tool. To ensure respondent confidentiality and anonymity, identifying information was not collected and respondent tracking was not enabled. Additionally, direct quotations from the comments have been avoided in this report. Links to each of the ALA TFEDI surveys were released via an official ALA press release, announcements on ALA’s web pages, email lists, and social media through professional library communications channels and outlets sponsored by ALA and ALA affiliated groups. ALA TFEDI members representing various ALA groups and affiliates also shared the links to each of the surveys. Resharing of each of the surveys was also actively encouraged. Respondents self-selected themselves to respond to each survey. Respondents were not required to participate in these surveys. No question on any of the surveys was required in order to advance to other parts of the online questionnaire. Some facts regarding the responses gathered from each survey released are provided in greater detail below.
To continue to maintain confidentiality and anonymity of survey respondents and their responses, this report only discusses survey results as a whole. Please contact [email protected] if more detailed information is required.
TFEDI Surveys: Facts of Interest
● Total respondents ● Survey #1 total respondents: 1637 ● Survey #2 total respondents: 1544 ● Survey #3 total respondents: 2802
● Active dates ● Survey #1 active dates: January 14, 2015 to February 15, 2015 ● Survey #2 active dates: July 7, 2015 to August 17, 2015 ● Survey #3 active dates: February 22, 2016 to March 18, 2016
● Themes ● Survey #1: definitions of equity, diversity, inclusion within the context of ALA ● Survey #2: attendance at ALA Annual 2016 Orlando, Florida ● Survey #3: affordability of ALA events and ALA division offerings
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Details of Survey #1
ALA TFEDI’s first survey was made available for responses for a period of 32 days between mid-January and mid-February 2015. The first survey focused on the agreed-upon definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion that ALA TFEDI researched and formulated. The overall purpose of survey #1 was to get a better understanding of how ALA TFEDI’s conception of equity, diversity, and inclusion align with the experience and perceptions of ALA members and potential members. Below are the 5 questions asked of respondents in ALA TFEDI’s survey #1.
Survey 1. Question 1: Based on definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion as defined by the Task Force, do you feel that ALA is an equitable, diverse, or an inclusive organization?
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Survey 1. Question 1
Responded = 1,601 Skipped = 36
Answer Choices Responses in Percentages Responses by Count Yes 55.53% 889 No 19.30% 309 I don’t know/Unsure 25.17% 403 Total 1,601
Over half of the survey respondents who answered this question believe that ALA is an equitable, diverse, or inclusive organization. Nearly a fifth of respondents don’t agree. Nearly a quarter aren’t sure or don’t know. There was an overall sense from the comments that respondents felt as though the Association was making an effort to be equitable, diverse, and inclusive. However, respondents who didn’t agree with this assessment often reflected on race as an integral part of the discussion. There were several comments that used the term “white” to describe the Association.
Survey 1. Question 2: Based on the definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion, do ALA events have a welcoming climate?
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Survey 1. Question 2
Responded = 1,599 Skipped = 38
Answer Choices Responses in Percentages Responses by Count Yes 59.54% 952 No 11.57% 185 I don’t know/Unsure 28.89% 462 Total 1,599
Nearly 60% of the respondents of this survey believe that ALA events are welcoming for all. A little over 40% of respondents to this question didn’t agree or weren’t sure. The comments seem to suggest that many of the respondents were reflecting on their overall conference experiences as the basis for evaluating the climate at events. Interestingly enough, a few respondents shared that accessibility issues played a role in not being able to attend events. There were also some respondents who felt as though some events reflected a political tone, where dissenting views were not welcome.
Survey 1. Question 3: Do you consider yourself to belong to a group(s) that has/have experienced some form of marginalization within the association or the profession?
Survey 1. Question 3
Responded = 1,592 Skipped = 45
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Over 40% of the survey respondents who answered this question consider themselves belonging to a group that has experienced a form of marginalization within ALA or librarianship. Close to 60% don’t believe they are marginalized or don’t know. What stood out in the responses was the willingness for respondents to simply self-identify (I am a lesbian, I am Chicana, etc.). The responses encompassed racial, sexual, gender, political, and/or religious identity. Professional identity (MLIS vs. non-MLIS) was also mentioned as a form of marginalization.
Answer Choices Responses in Percentages Responses by Count Yes 41.21% 656 No 49.37% 786 I don’t know/Unsure 9.42% 150 Total 1,592
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Survey 1. Question 4: Is there an ALA Round Table, Division, Committee, or Ethnic Caucus to which you belong that serves your interests as a member of a marginalized group?
Survey 1. Question 4
Responded = 1,591 Skipped = 46
Answer Choices Responses in Percentages Responses by Count Yes 30.23% 481 No 17.35% 276 I don’t know/Unsure if a group 14.83% 236 exists I don’t consider myself a 37.59% 598 member of a marginalized group Total 1,591
A majority of respondents who answered this question do not consider themselves to be a member of a marginalized group. But for those who do belong to marginalized groups, roughly 30% of them belong to a Round Table, Division, Committee, or Ethnic Caucus that aligns with their experiences. Some belong to multiple groups. In many of the comments, the respondents named the specific RTs and Ethnic Caucuses
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that they belonged to, as opposed to stating whether or not they were marginalized. The responses were fairly diverse, with BCALA, GLBTRT, APALA, AILA, and REFORMA represented, along with other ALA groups.
Survey 1. Question 5: Do you think ALA endeavors to include your group(s) at ALA meetings, events, conferences, etc.?
Survey 1. Question 5
Responded = 1,554 Skipped = 83
Answer Choices Responses in Percentages Responses by Count Yes 54.57% 848 No 9.91% 154 I don’t know/Unsure 35.52% 552 Total 1,554
Close to 55% of the survey respondents who answered this question believes that ALA makes an effort to include all groups at ALA Meetings, events, and conferences. About 10% do not agree with this assessment. 36% of the respondents aren’t sure. A number of respondents believe that ALA makes an effort to be inclusive. However, there are a number of factors, including the size of the Association, the scope of its efforts, and diverse views that makes their efforts more of a challenge. Another noticeable aspect of the comments, particularly from respondents who didn’t feel included, was that many of them couldn’t attend conferences due to high costs. This factor contributed to their negative response.
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Summary for Survey #1
Almost 55% of respondents felt that ALA is equitable, diverse and inclusive. It is important to note that negative comments were related to race. Still, 60% felt the atmosphere at events was welcoming, whereas 40% felt that they belonged to a marginalized group. Approximately 50% felt that ALA is “trying” to act on its stated value of being a welcoming, all-inclusive professional organization, one that values and ensures the diversity of voices, participants, and points of view.
Details of Survey #2
The second survey of the ALA TFEDI focused on questions addressing interest and plans to attend or not attend the ALA Annual Conference 2016 in Orlando, Florida. This survey was open to receive responses for a period of 42 days, from July 7, 2015 to August 17, 2015. The questions attempted to discern what factors respondents prioritized in their decision to attend or not attend the 2016 ALA Annual Conference. Since the survey was released in the summer months of 2015, respondents’ plans for attending ALA Annual 2016 were likely yet to be firmed or finalized at the time they responded.
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Survey 2. Question 1: Are you planning to attend ALA Annual Conference 2016 in Orlando, FL?
Survey 2. Question 6
Responded = 1,541 Skipped = 3 Answer Choices Responses in Percentages Responses by Count Yes 34.91% 538 No 32.97% 508 Unsure at this point 32.12% 495 Total 1,541
This first question of the second survey released by the ALA TFEDI showed a little over a third of respondents intend to attend the ALA Annual 2016 Conference in Orlando, FL. As the question was open for responses in July and August 2015, many respondents still haven’t made firm decisions on their professional development travel for the summer of 2016. Nearly a third of all respondents didn’t intend to attend ALA Annual Conference 2016 and close to a third of respondents were as yet unsure.
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Survey 2. Question 2: Which factors weigh into your decision of whether or not to attend ALA Annual Conference 2016 in Orlando, FL? PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY.
Survey 2. Question 2
Responded = 1,522 Skipped = 22
Answer Choices Responses in Percentages Responses by Count Financial considerations (i.e., 77.00% 1,172 availability of funds (professional or personal)) Time (i.e., vacation time) 27.07% 412 Competing obligations (e.g., 42.58% 648 obligations to family and friends, other work or professional obligations) Location 50.13% 763 Other 15.18% 231 Total 1,522
Financial factors are the most frequently cited reasons in respondent answers, with 77% choosing that category. Location and competing obligations, respectively, came second and third. Within the comments, the most frequently expressed factors that respondents cited as important reasons to attend
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or not attend ALA Annual Conference 2016 are a) meeting ALA obligations for committee work; and b) the weather and climate in Orlando, Florida. Concerns about the political climate in the state of Florida, specifically the Stand Your Ground laws and the social ramifications of such state laws and policies were also frequently cited, many expressing solidarity with BCALA’s expression of concern for the safety of fellow conference attendees.
Survey 2. Question 3: If you are not planning to attend the ALA Annual Conference 2016 in Orlando, FL, why not? PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY.
Survey 2. Question 3
Responded = 854 Skipped = 690
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Answer Choices Responses in Percentages Responses by Count Orlando lacks convenient 13.23% 113 amenities. Orlando weather during the 45.08% 385 summer is not ideal. I have other obligations that 21.19% 181 must take precedence. I object to supporting ALA. 2.58% 22 I object to visiting Florida, 31.73% 271 specifically because of its Stand Your Ground laws. I support concerns voiced by 38.29% 327 the Black Caucus of ALA (BCALA). Other 11.59% 99 Total 854
For those who will not be attending ALA Annual Conference 2016 in Orlando, Florida, the most frequent response cited (50+% of responses) is that the trip is too expensive, followed by the choice “Orlando weather during the summer is not ideal” (about 45% of responses). The third most frequent response cited support concerns stated by the BCALA (Black Caucus of ALA) (about 38%). The fourth most selected response (31+%) cited objection to visiting the state of Florida, particularly due to the state’s Stand Your Ground laws.
Survey 2. Question 4: What should ALA prioritize in selecting conference locations as it pertains to ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment? Examples might be “sites where local/state legislation align with ALA Values, affordability, etc.”
For this fourth question in Survey #2, the first question in the survey that specifically asked for open-text responses, 1,028 responses were provided and 516 skipped. Since this survey question asked for priorities, most respondents provided multiple responses that could be grouped into different categories. One entry, therefore, counted in more than one category. The majority of the responses cited affordability, convenience to attendees, and accessibility as the most important considerations. The second most significant set of considerations was a welcoming, inclusive environment of the host city. This second category also included the concern for diversity, as well as the comfort and safety of attendees of color. Weather and climate of conference location was the third most cited priority. There was also some nuance in the responses given. Many respondents were concerned that the exclusion of
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cities will ultimately “punish” members of the potential host city who are attempting to change local and state views. Many also stated that going to cities which exhibit values contrary to those stated by ALA provides the organization with the opportunity to demonstrate ALA value. Others mentioned that ALA should not be too concerned about local and state politics and that the organization should primarily be concerned about libraries and their function and work.
Survey 2. Question 5: We heard, in the first survey, that ALA, at times, is not inclusive. What personal actions can you take in order to improve the climate of diversity and inclusion within ALA?
In this question, 807 responses were provided while 737 skipped. While a little less than half of the survey respondents skipped the above question, about 35% of those who did respond did decide to type in comments that didn’t answer the question directly. They expressed supportive or dissenting opinions about diversity and inclusion or suggested solutions that they think ALA should undertake. Of those who addressed the question, most expressed support for recruitment and mentoring efforts, as well as finding ways to enable colleagues to attend and participate in the conference and associated programs.
Summary for Survey #2
The respondents to ALA TFEDI’s second survey have demonstrated that the cost of attending ALA Annual 2016 is a major factor in their decision whether to attend the Orlando conference. In the two open-ended questions asked, concerns about ALA’s demonstration of valuing equity, diversity, and inclusion are mixed with expressions that such values are political in nature, not related to the work of libraries, and therefore are not primary concerns for a professional library organization.
Details of Survey #3
The initial raw findings of the third and last survey conducted by the ALA TFEDI focused on the theme of the affordability of participation in ALA functions and events. This third survey was the most responded to of all three released by the Task Force, garnering 2802 responses over the 26 days it was open, from
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February 22, 2016 to March 18, 2016. Most respondents indicated that the cost of attendance and of participation are major stumbling blocks for people who would like to become ALA members, or are already members but who would like to become more meaningfully involved. More details are provided below.
Survey 3. Question 1: How often does the cost of the following ALA events deter your attendance? Please respond for each event.
Survey 3. Question 1
Responded = 2,786 Skipped = 16
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Answer Choices Very often Somewhat Not very Never I don’t Total often often know ALA Conferences 54.97% / 23.22% / 644 13.66% / 6.16% / 1.98% / 2,774 1,525 379 171 55 Conferences 50.56% / 27.45% / 754 10.08% / 4.62% / 7.28% / 2,747 sponsored by 1,389 277 127 200 ALA divisions ALA webinars 25.22% / 27.65% / 751 27.28% / 10.20% / 9.65% / 2,716 685 741 277 262 Webinars 23.85% / 26.73% / 733 28.12% / 10.07% / 11.23% / 2,742 sponsored by 654 771 276 308 ALA divisions ALA workshops 46.82% / 21.26% / 582 9.82 % / 5.15% / 16.95% / 2,738 (in-person) 1,282 269 141 464 Workshops 44.51% / 22.64% / 625 9.89% / 5.22% / 17.75% / 2,761 sponsored by 1,229 273 144 490 ALA divisions (in- person)
Of the 2786 responses to the first question, which focused on the cost of ALA events as deterrence to fuller participation, the most frequent response chosen at the highest possible rating of “very often” was ALA conferences, followed by conferences sponsored by ALA divisions. The most frequent comments indicated that the cost of travel has significant effect on whether respondents choose to attend an ALA conference.
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Survey 3. Question 2: Do you believe there are specific means to express your opinions about the cost of attending the following ALA events? Please respond for each event.
Survey 3. Question 2
Responded = 2,522 Skipped = 280
Answer Choices Yes, very Somewhat Not really No I don’t Total much so know ALA Conferences 5.29% / 133 12.41% / 312 32.45% / 28.71% / 21.15% / 2,515 816 722 532 Conferences 4.90% / 123 13.00% / 326 30.74% / 27.35% / 24.00% / 2,508 sponsored by 771 686 602 ALA divisions ALA webinars 4.67% / 117 10.34% / 259 30.49% / 27.29% / 27.21% / 2,506 764 684 682 Webinars 4.64% / 116 11.27% / 282 29.66% / 26.58% / 27.86% / 2,502 sponsored by 742 665 697 ALA divisions ALA workshops 4.47% / 112 9.85% / 247 30.34% / 26.71% / 28.63% / 2,508 (in-person) 761 670 718 Workshops 4.48% / 112 10.64% / 266 29.92%/ 26.36% / 28.60% / 2,500 sponsored by 748 659 715 ALA divisions (in- person)
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The majority of respondents felt that there is little to no means for attendees to express their opinions on the cost of attendance, especially attending ALA conferences. In the comments, the most frequently expressed comment was not knowing where to address or offer their opinion about the cost of attendance and participation.
Survey 3. Question 3: Does your organization financially support your participation in ALA related activities? Please respond for each event.
Survey 3. Question 3
Responded = 2,485 Skipped = 317
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Answer Choices Yes, Yes, Yes, but No. I must I don’t Total completely, completely, only support my know. for most of but only for partially own the time. some of the for most of participation. time. the time. ALA 13.49% / 18.46% / 457 35.02% / 30.17% / 747 2.87% / 2,476 Conferences 334 867 71 Conferences 10.27% / 17.69% / 434 31.84% / 34.24% / 840 5.95% / 2,453 sponsored by 252 781 146 ALA divisions ALA webinars 16.39% / 23.87% / 584 19.17% / 31.47% / 770 9.11% / 2,447 401 469 223 Webinars 16.21% / 22.81% / 560 18.82% / 32.18% / 790 9.98% / 2,455 sponsored by 398 462 245 ALA divisions ALA workshops 8.22% / 202 15.51% / 381 22.84% / 38.52% / 946 14.90% / 2,456 (in-person) 561 366 Workshops 8.16% / 200 15.80% / 387 22.69% / 38.57% / 945 14.78% / 2,450 sponsored by 556 362 ALA divisions (in-person)
The most frequent response to this question indicates that respondents must support their own participation in ALA in-person workshops and in-person ALA division workshops. Partial support is provided by employers to attend ALA conferences. Following these, respondents indicate that they must support their own participation to conferences sponsored by ALA divisions. In the comments, most respondents wrote that their employer allots them a fixed budget for professional development. Some respondents said that they only receive funding for conference travel when they are presenting. Still others noted that they share their professional development budget among coworkers or with other cost items. A number of respondents commented that the choices in the survey were not applicable to their current situation. A few respondents wrote that they are self-employed, work freelance, work in a non-traditional setting, are currently unemployed, are retired, or are current students.
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Survey 3. Question 4: Do you believe that ALA’s policies and actions actively work to achieve the following goals?
Survey 3. Question 4
Responded = 2,433 Skipped = 369 Answer Choices Yes, very Somewhat No, not Not at all I don’t Total much so really know Economic equity 4.82% / 117 25.77% / 626 38.29% / 13.22% / 17.91% / 2,429 (reducing 930 321 435 inequalities between members on the basis of economic status) Economic 6.18% / 150 23.23% / 564 39.21% / 14.62% / 16.76% / 2,428 diversity 952 355 407 (enabling participation from members of all economic statuses)
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Answer Choices Yes, very Somewhat No, not Not at all I don’t Total much so really know Economic 11.01% / 26.83% / 651 29.88% / 13.31% / 18.96% / 2,426 inclusion 267 725 323 460 (making members of all economic statuses feel valued, respected, and important)
The majority of respondents indicate that ALA’s policies and practices do not really support economic equity, economic diversity, or economic inclusion. Brief definitions for each term were provided within the survey choices. Some respondents further commented that ALA does not make events or programs financially accessible to certain groups. Specifically mentioned were non-degreed support staff (4), library students (2), unemployed librarians (4), entry level librarians (9), members who reside outside of the contiguous 48 states (2), and part time staff (5). A few respondents mentioned the efforts of specific subdivisions of ALA.
Summary for Survey #3
This third survey focused on the affordability of ALA conferences and events. The questions focused on attitudes toward the cost of becoming and remaining meaningfully involved with ALA committee and task force work, as well as simply attending conferences. Organizational support for conference attendance and participation were also examined by this survey.
Conclusion
Taken together, the three surveys developed by ALA TFEDI indicate an interesting picture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within ALA as an organization and as a membership body. The third survey strongly suggested that financial matters impede ALA members from being able to participate fully--as committee, working group, and task force members and volunteers. Yet most respondents indicated in the first survey that they believed ALA is an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization. The contrast between the first and third surveys ought to be studied and probed further. The second survey indicated that ALA membership have a multiplicity of nuanced opinions regarding the association’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly with how these relate to matters regarded as political and not part of the domain of “library work.”
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To reiterate, it is important to recognize that these surveys should not be seen as “the voice of ALA,” but as tools to gain insight and gauge future directions for research and change within ALA. For example, further analysis of all three surveys still needs to be undertaken in order to discern the professional and social classifications of all respondents, as well as the frequency of their responses. In addition, inferential and predictive analyses concerning the composition and perceptions of ALA members are beyond the scope of this report and the three surveys themselves. However, these survey results should still be weighed seriously, as a first step toward future actions, more thorough research-based investigations to ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion remain practiced, as well as uttered, values within ALA.
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TO: PLA Board of Directors RE: PLA Partners Program DATE: May 27, 2016
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT: Information ACTION REQUESTED BY: Scott Allen, Deputy Director DRAFT OF MOTION: N/A
PLA typically budgets for $50‐70,000 in Partners revenue in non‐conference years, and $100,000 in conference years. PLA will fall short of the FY16 budget goal of $100,000. While sponsorship of awards was consistent with prior years, new sponsorship options for PLA 2016 (virtual conference bag, conference app, new banner/sign locations) failed to generate interest, and staff didn’t actively solict other general support for PLA.
For PLA 2016, staff and Corcoran recruited 16 conference sponsors for total cash revenue of $38,500. This does not include in‐kind support of speakers, which is substantial. An additional $24,130 was pledged to support PLA awards. The majority of this goes directly to recipients for stipends and travel grants; PLA nets $5,000 for administrative costs. Therefore, the approximate total funds raised for the PLA partners program in FY16 is $43,500. As of April 2016, PLA had also received about $700 in individual gifts.
Comparison of the total number of partners in the last three conference years are below. 2012: 7 Platinum, 16 Gold, 14 Silver, 2 Bronze TOTAL: 39 2014: 7 Platinum, 11 Gold, 16 Silver TOTAL: 34 2016: 2 Platinum, 8 Gold, 14 Sliver TOTAL: 24
Staff is discussing challenges in the current Partners program and options for renaming and revising the program. A proposal may be developed for the PLA Board for an upcoming meeting.
Current PLA Partners (as of May 27, 2015)
PLATINUM ($10,000 and above) PURPOSE PLA AMOUNT NET 2016 HarperCollins 2016 Opening (Cooper) and Closing (Notaro) X In‐kind $0 Speakers Penguin Random House Big Ideas with Sherry Turkle, Adult Author X In‐kind $0 Lunch with Arianna Huffington, general $7,500 $7,500 conference support GOLD ($5,000 to $9,999) Baker & Taylor Allie Beth Martin, B&T Entertainment, $6,500 $1,500 Charlie Robinson Awards Demco Demco New Leaders Travel Grant $5,500 $500 Gale Cengage Learning Exhibits Opening Reception X $5,000 $5,000 Ingram Exhibits Closing Reception X $5,000 $5,000
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Innovative Interfaces General conference support X $6,000 $6,000 OCLC Exhibits Hall Internet Cafe X $5,000 $5,000 OverDrive Wifi Lounge X $5,000 $5,000 Romance Writers of America Romance Writers of America Library Grant In‐kind $500 $500 SILVER ($1,000 to $4,999) Audio Publishers Association Audio Publishers Association Dinner X In‐kind $0 Blackstone Audio Audio Publishers Association Dinner X In‐kind $0 Books on Tape, a division of Audio Publishers Association Dinner X In‐kind $0 Random House DK Publishing General conference support X $2,500 $2,500 EBSCO Information Services Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public $1,500 $500 Library Service Award HarperAudio Audio Publishers Association Dinner X In‐kind $0 Innovative John lliff Award $1,630 $500 Library Ideas LLC General conference support X $1,000 $1,000 Library Systems & Services Gordon M. Conable Award No 2016 $0 award Quipu Group LLC General conference support X $1,000 $1,000 Recorded Books Audio Publishers Association Dinner X In‐kind $0 Treehouse General Partner Donation $1,000 $1,000 Upstart Upstart Innovation Award $2,500 $500 US Commodity Futures Trading PLA 2016 Virtual Event Bag X $2,000 $500 Commission TOTALS Platinum – 2 Conference – 16 $59,130 $43,500 Gold – 8 Awards – 7 Silver – 14 General Support ‐ 1
In addition to the above, Corcoran sold the following to exhibitors and other companies for PLA 2016. 8 exhibitors paid $700 each for a total of $5,600 to participate in the Extraordinary Exhibits game in the conference app. About one half of those funds were used to buy game prizes, netting PLA about $2,800. 13 companies bought ads in the program book (ranging from $1,200 to $4,250) for a total of $24,615.
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TO: PLA Board of Directors RE: PLA Participation in 2016 ALA Emerging Leaders Program – FINAL REPORT DATE: May 27, 2016
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT: Information ACTION REQUESTED BY: Scott Allen, Program Manager Steven Hofmann, Manager, Web Communications DRAFT OF MOTION: N/A
This report provides an update on PLA’s participation in the 2016 Emerging Leaders (EL) program. PLA sponsored two Emerging Leaders and successfully proposed two projects for Emerging Leader teams, which conclude at the ALA Annual Conference.
BACKGROUND The ALA EL program is a leadership development program through which up to 50 newer library workers participate in problem‐solving work groups, network, learn about ALA, and serve the profession. Sponsors (ALA units, divisions, etc.) provide $1,000 to sponsor each EL. ALA offices and others also propose projects for groups of ELs to work on, and each project must include a member guide and staff liaison. After ELs are selected and choose projects, the EL program kicks off with a day‐long session during the ALA Midwinter Meeting, where ELs convene in teams based on their chosen projects, with their member guides, and begin planning. Subsequently, ELs use online learning, networking and member guide input to advance their projects, which culminate in poster presentations at the ALA Annual Conference.
PLA SPONSORSHIP PLA committed $2,000 to sponsor two ELs. These funds supported the following two ELs to attend the Midwinter Meeting in Boston, MA and the Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. Both were also assigned to PLA sponsored projects (see below). Erin Hollingsworth, public services librarian, Tuzzy Consortium Library, Barrow, Alaska Katrina Ortega, senior librarian, New York Public Library, New York, New York
PLA PROJECTS
1. PLA ONLINE “PROFESSIONAL TOOLS” CURATION AND FUTURE FORECASTING (EL PROJECT I) Member Guide: Tara Lannen‐Stanton, Queens Library, 89‐11 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432, [email protected], 718‐990‐5102 Emerging Leader Team: Natalie Bazan, [email protected]; John Daquino, [email protected]; Christina Golm, [email protected]; Erin Anne Hollingsworth, [email protected]; Jacqueline Mayse, [email protected] Staff Liaison: Steven Hofmann, Manager, Web Communications
PLA hosts a “Professional Tools” resource on its website (http://www.ala.org/pla/tools) that includes links to a variety of resources for librarians and their patrons related to administration and
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PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.77 management, digital literacy, financial literacy, e‐books, advocacy, and more. We believe there’s much unrecognized potential in this section, but PLA staff lacks the expertise to properly curate it. A team of ELs took an in‐depth look at emerging trends that will impact libraries and the tools in this section of the PLA website. The work entailed 1) identifying and adopting an environmental scanning process, 2) ascertaining current and future “Professional Tools” needs for libraries, 3) reviewing the existing collection, 4) delivering recommendations for the current structure and curation of the website and a roadmap for further development and review, and 5) producing criteria for ongoing review of existing and potential new resources in the “Professional Tools” section.
Project Report: to be presented at the PLA Board of Directors meeting on June 25, 2016
2. ASSESSING SLIS/MLIS PREPARATION FOR EMERGING PUBLIC LIBRARY LEADERS (EL PROJECT H) Member Guide: Kerry Weinstein, Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030, [email protected]; 201‐286‐0761 Emerging Leader Team: Anna Mattonen, [email protected]; Katrina Ortega, [email protected]; Carolyn Reagle, [email protected]; Pauline Stacchini, [email protected]; Staff Liaison: Scott G. Allen, MS, Program Manager
The evolution of the public library into a multifaceted asset providing diverse services and resources that help individuals and communities succeed in education, digital access, economic prosperity and more is well documented. Are library school curricula evolving as well in order to prepare school of library and information studies (SLIS) graduates to lead public libraries? The PLA 2014 Strategic Plan calls for PLA to influence library school curricula that supports public librarians, so this EL project tasked its team with examining SLIS curricula in relation to public library employment. The EL team studied read and reported to each other on recent literature to identify common themes; reviewed competency indexes; conducted a simple survey of PLA members to ask if their SLIS prepared them to work in a public library; conducted phone interviews with key groups (library managers/directors, librarians with 5+ years of experience, librarians with one year or less of experience, and SLIS faculty); and reviewed MLIS curricula at top library schools.
Project Report: to be presented at the PLA Board of Directors meeting on June 25, 2016
NEXT STEPS
The work completed by the FY16 “Professional Tools” Curation project team of ELs will be incorporated by the new PLA Web Content Working Group as it assumes responsibility for maintenance of the “Professional Tools” section of the website.
The FY16 Assessing SLIS/MLIS Preparation project was designed such that future teams of ELs might be able to continue the work, so PLA will consider if it should be submitted as an EL project for FY17. Input from the board on whether or not they would like to see continued work in this area would be helpful.
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TO: PLA Board
FROM: Barb Macikas, PLA Executive Director
RE: PLA Board of Directors—Fall Meeting Reminder
DATE: June 6, 2016
Here is the preliminary schedule for the Fall board meeting/ICMA conference. As you know, we will meet in conjunction with the ICMA conference in Kansas City.
Sunday, September 25, 3 pm, ICMA Opening Session Monday, September 26, all day, ICMA conference programs* Monday, September 26, 6:30 pm, Board Dinner. Reservations TBD Tuesday, September 27, 8 am‐12:00 pm, PLA Board meeting, Location TBD. Breakfast will be served.
You will need to join ICMA and register for the conference via ICMA’s website. (PLA sent you an email regarding how to register on June 15.) You will be able to make your hotel reservations via the ICMA registration website as well. PLA will cover two nights of your stay. We will reimburse you or your library for your ICMA membership dues, your conference registration, and the hotel nights.
We’ll also send flight information and give you access to the ALA travel agent so you can book your flight. Please let Megan know if you have any questions, [email protected].
Thanks!
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PLA President’s Report, ALA 2016 Annual Conference Vailey Oehlke, 2015‐2016
PLA is such a dynamic, engaged, forward‐looking organization that one is bound to have her world expanded by virtue of serving as its president. That was especially true for me this past year as PLA continued its important work in support of public libraries across the country and, thanks to the recent Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation legacy effort, beyond our borders.
I look forward to PLA's ongoing strategic investments related to leadership, measurement, and literacy and have great confidence that the Gates Foundation's contribution to PLA as a legacy partner will amplify PLA's impact and efficacy. I am proud of the work of PLA and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have played a small part in it this past year.
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Contents Awards ...... 3
Conferences ...... 4
PLA 2016 Conference ...... 4
PLA @ ALA 2016 Annual Conference...... 5
DigitalLearn.org ...... 6
Election ...... 6
Family Engagement ...... 7
Global Libraries Legacy Partnership ...... 7
Positioning PLA ...... 8
Professional Development ...... 10
PLA Webinars ...... 10
PLA Results Boot Camp ...... 10
Project Outcome ...... 10
Publications ...... 12
Public Libraries Magazine ...... 12
PL Online ...... 12
‘Quick Reads’ for Busy Librarians ...... 13
FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast ...... 13
Turning the Page ...... 15
PLA Partners ...... 15
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Awards Through the generosity of sponsors, PLA is able to offer a variety of awards and grants designed to highlight the best in public library service and to honor those bringing innovation, creativity, and dedication to public libraries. The 2016 PLA Awards recognized 13 individuals and public libraries:
Public Libraries Feature Article Contest
First Place Award: Kati Irons, Pierce County (Wash.) Library System, "Low‐Hanging Fruit: Learning How to Improve Customer Service, Staff Communication, and Job Satisfaction with Process Improvement" (January/February 2015) Honorable Mention Award Douglas Crane, Palm Beach (Fla.) County Library System, "May I Ask You A Question? Lessons Learnedm fro Interviewing Public Library Leaders" (November/December 2015)
Allie Beth Martin Award sponsored by Baker & Taylor: Carolyn Gast, Head of Children's and Teen Curriculum, Howard County (Md.) Library System
Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music/Video Product Award Grant: Kirbyville (Tex.) Public Library
Charlie Robinson Award sponsored by Baker & Taylor: Susan Considine, Executive Director, Fayetteville (N.Y.) Free Library
DEMCO New Leaders Travel Grant: Elizabeth Raczkowski, Youth Services Librarian, Rochester Hills (Mich.) Public Library; Erin Morrow, Adult Services Librarian, Beaumont (Calif.) Library District; Mallorie Colvin, Technology Specialist, Troy (Mich.) Public Library; and Martha Cordeniz O'Hara, Head of Adult Services, Lake Bluff (Ill.) Public Library
EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award: East Berlin (Pa.) Community Library
John Iliff Award sponsored by Innovative: Colin Tomele, Cleveland Heights‐University Heights (Ohio) Public Library
Romance Writers of America Library Grant: Elkhart (Ind.) Public Library
Upstart Innovation Award: Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, Ill. ______
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Conferences
PLA 2016 Conference More than 8,000 public library professionals, exhibitors, speakers and supporters gathered in Denver and online from April 5 – 9 for the PLA 2016 Conference. As the nation’s largest public library conference, PLA 2016 explored the library’s evolving role in support of their communities and provided attendees with tools and best practices they need to help people thrive in the digital age. The conference offered more than 100 educational programs; special events showcasing bestselling authors and innovators; and more than 600 exhibitors that featured the latest technology and services vital to today’s public libraries, librarians, and their users.
Its theme, “Be Extraordinary,” was a common thread that joined many of the conference programs and served as a challenge to attendees, during the conference and back in their libraries. PLA teamed up with bestselling author Kari Chapin to present “Make It Extraordinary” sessions and a workbook to help attendees optimize their time, adapt ideas, and unleash creativity and imagination. To increase the impact of the conference, the workbook included a PLA 30‐Day Challenge to keep the momentum once attendees returned home to their libraries.
Before Anderson Cooper took the stage as the opening session speaker, PLA premiered the first in a series of advocacy videos starring library users who illustrate the positive impacts of libraries in supporting education, employment, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and engagement in the communities they serve. PLA President‐Elect Felton Thomas and American Library Association (ALA) President Sari Feldman, as well as PLA, the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy, and the ALA Office for Library Advocacy collaborated to develop the videos.
Designed to motivate and empower public library professionals to consider and execute new ideas, PLA’s BIG IDEAS Series included inspiring talks with Harvard‐trained lawyer, entrepreneur, author, and cultural innovator Vernā Meyers; clinical psychologist, MIT professor, and author Sherry Turkle; and New York Times columnist Anand Giridharadas.
New to the exhibits hall was COLab, a makerspace equipped with the latest technology available in public libraries – 3D printing, robotics, and virtual reality. Many public libraries have developed or are developing spaces like COLab for design and activities that both teach and empower patrons. Colorado libraries teamed up with local makers and businesses to offer attendees structured workshops, Ask Me Anything sessions, and opportunities to play, learn, experiment, and collaborate.
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The inaugural How‐To Festival provided a cooperative learning experience, teaching practical hands‐on skills attendees could take back to use at their own libraries. The short 20‐minute how‐ to sessions ranged from protecting your library’s Facebook page from hackers to learning how to podcast and making a library pirate radio station.
During the conference, Pew Research Center released a new report, “Libraries and Learning,” which explores where, how, and why people pursue professional and personal learning and the impact of technology. The research reaffirms the essential role libraries have in education and lifelong learning. The report found that the majority of Americans think the educational needs of their communities are well served by local libraries. It also revealed that library users often outpace others in learning activities.
The conference’s line‐up of distinguished guest speakers included human rights activist Nikki Giovanni, award‐winning author Sherman Alexie, and Arianna Huffington, chair, president, and editor‐in‐chief of the Huffington Post. Comedian Tig Notaro brought PLA 2016 to an official end as the closing session speaker.
Those who could not travel to Denver for the conference participated virtually. There were 110 total registrations for the PLA 2016 Virtual Conference, which presented many elements of the live conference, including high‐quality educational programming, networking opportunities, and author events. Live programming consisted of five hour‐long programs each day – the same available to face‐to‐face conference attendees.
PLA 2018 will continue efforts to educate and motivate public library professionals and will take place in Philadelphia, March 20 – 24, 2018.
PLA @ ALA 2016 Annual Conference PLA offered 17 educational programs dedicated to public library professionals at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando. In addition to programs, PLA presented the preconference, “Project Outcome Enrollment Workshop: Simple Tools to Measure Our True Impact on the People We Serve.” At this preconference, PLA convened public library representatives and introduced them to Project Outcome and how it helps them measure the impact of their services. Library leaders from PLA’s Performance Measurement Task Force described their experience in pilot‐ testing outcome measurement in seven core service areas. Attendees learned how to deploy outcome measures in their libraries, collect and use resulting data, and leverage the project's support network to ensure successful adoption.
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PLA also hosted an exclusive PLA members‐only breakfast during the conference. The complimentary event included recognition of the 13 individuals and libraries that received PLA awards this year. Additionally, Deborah Jacobs, director of the Global Libraries initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, spoke to attendees about the Legacy Partnership. The event also featured a special keynote by athlete and author Diana Nyad.
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DigitalLearn.org DigitalLearn.org was launched in 2013 as PLA’s online hub for digital literacy support and training. The site features self‐directed tutorials for learners and a community of practice for staff at libraries and other community organizations working to bridge the digital divide. From May 2015 to May 2016, the site had 55,054 unique visitors and 14,610 classes were completed, representing growth of nearly 10% over the previous year. Also in 2015‐2016, content on the site was expanded significantly, from the original 14 English modules to 19 modules offered in both English and Spanish.
Through collaboration with the Chicago Public Library (CPL), PLA developed a customized version of the site that provides participating libraries with branding, learner registration, personalized courses and other content, and learner analytics. Thanks to this partnership, individual libraries now have the opportunity to work with PLA to develop their own DigitalLearn.org sites, expanding their ability to offer digital literacy training while also giving them the opportunity to link such training to library and community initiatives and to show local impact.
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Election Pam Sandlian Smith, director of Anythink Libraries in Adams County (Colo.), was elected the 2017‐ 2018 PLA President. Sandlian Smith was the 2010 Colorado Librarian of the Year and the recipient of the 2012 Charlie Robinson Award for innovation and risk taking. Previously, she was the director of the West Palm Beach (Fla.) Public Library and the manager of Children’s Services at the Denver (Colo.) Public Library. She is also a member of the working group for the Aspen Dialogue on Public Libraries.
Sandlian Smith became PLA president‐elect at the conclusion of the ALA 2016 Annual Conference and will assume the PLA presidency in June 2017 for one year. Also on the ballot were two
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Director‐At‐Large board vacancies; both three‐year terms. PLA members elected Richard Kong, deputy director, Skokie (Ill.) Public Library and Tracy Strobel, deputy director, Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library. ______
Family Engagement PLA established its Family Engagement Task Force in 2015 to explore partnerships and consider resources to be developed to help public libraries learn about and implement successful family engagement practices. “Family engagement” refers to the beliefs, attitudes and activities of families to support their children’s learning, whether at home, at school or in the community. Children exhibit healthy development and academic success when families foster warm and nurturing parent‐child relationships, take responsibility for children’s learning, and encourage children to focus on effort and learn from failure. However, it is no longer appropriate to focus family engagement solely on what happens in school or in the home given the growth and potential of out‐of‐school learning settings. Libraries are part of the family engagement ecosystem but need tools, strategies, and advocacy to be seen as part of family engagement networks. PLA can lead in preparing public libraries to think about family engagement across the variety of services offered and for families with children through high school age.
The Task Force and the Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) initiated a new project, Libraries For The 21st Century: It's A Family Thing Project, with funding from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The project surveyed public library staff about existing family engagement practices. A learning community of 16 libraries was also established, and over 50 examples of family engagement programs at libraries were collected from the learning community and Harvard’s outreach. In June 2016, HFRP and PLA released a foundational document to educate and inspire public libraries with regard to family engagement, and later in 2016 it will be followed by an “ideabook” with tools and strategies for implementation. Presentations by HFRP experts at the PLA 2016 Conference and the ALA 2016 Annual Conference further helped introduce PLA members to this important work and prepare them for the upcoming resources.
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Global Libraries Legacy Partnership In May 2016, PLA was honored to receive a $10,805,701, ten‐year grant from the Global Libraries (GL) Initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In May 2014, the foundation announced it
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PLA will use the opportunity presented by the grant and partnerships to deepen, expand, and transform its engagement with public libraries across the country. As a result, public librarians will find more opportunities to engage with leadership capacity building efforts based on PLA’s successful Leadership Academy, which emphasizes an outward focus. Impact‐based advocacy, planning, and decision making will move from emergent to standard practice through a robust program of training and support. The profession will embrace ever more innovative practices by both informing and adopting research‐based trends and practices. Through these activities, libraries will find themselves vital partners in meeting community needs.
The length and depth of the award will allow PLA to build its own capacity in tandem with these opportunities for practitioners. PLA will build its leadership capacity through board and staff training, including an emphasis on collecting and analyzing its own outcomes. Coordinating with US‐based partners will ensure a majority of public libraries have access to the latest learning, research and support. Finally, by working closely with TASCHA and IFLA, PLA will support a global community of talented public library professionals. Through this good work, libraries will become well‐funded and invaluable community assets, strengthened through GL’s long history in the field, and the legacy partners’ commitment to fulfilling that promise.
The Legacy Grant and Partnership is designed to sustain the benefits from major advances in the public library field. Much more information, including program specifics and how to get involved, will follow the field‐wide launch in Fall 2016. ______
Positioning PLA In August 2015, PLA began working with communications agency, GMMB to develop a refreshed positioning for the Association. The positioning is intended to help PLA and its members communicate a clear, powerful vision for the role of the public library in modern life, and to
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50 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611 provide PLA members and stakeholders with a stronger emotional connection to the association and to each other – building a foundation for lasting pride, loyalty, and engagement.
In September 2015, GMMB kicked off the process by conducting a positioning scan – a high‐level picture of the public’s understanding of libraries in today’s world, PLA’s communications and current positioning in the public library space, and the positioning of other organizations that also provide services and support to libraries. They reviewed communications materials provided by PLA, relevant media stories, and a range of available research about how people use and value public libraries, what they know about and expect from library services, and what PLA members identify as their needs and priorities. GMMB also conducted stakeholder interviews with individuals identified by PLA – both within the Association and from peer organizations – and established a Positioning Advisory Group of PLA leaders to review materials as they were developed.
In early November 2015, PLA hosted a half‐day in‐person positioning summit with the Positioning Advisory Group to discuss the findings from the discovery phase and how they should be reflected in the new positioning, and to get further insights on what makes PLA and its offerings to both members and the broader community unique. GMMB then drafted a two‐page strategic brief outlining what the positioning for PLA will accomplish, and completed a positioning exercise to distill the unique and specific value of PLA into a one‐sentence positioning statement. These internal documents will guide the public‐facing description of PLA’s vision for public libraries and how PLA fits into that vision.
In January 2016, with guidance from PLA and the Positioning Advisory Group, GMMB finalized the internal‐facing positioning statement and used it to develop a multi‐paragraph positioning story, which will be public‐facing and provide the emotional context for PLA’s vision and value. Together, these two documents will make up the new positioning platform for PLA and will inform all messaging moving forward. GMMB also developed a message architecture consisting of high‐level variations of the positioning story for various audiences.
PLA is currently working with GMMB to finalize a plan to roll‐out the new positioning platform to various audiences. The roll‐out intends to position PLA as the indispensable leading voice in the diverse and continuously changing domain of public libraries, strengthen the emotional connection public library staff have with PLA and one another, and empower public library staff to
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Professional Development
PLA Webinars PLA offers a monthly, live webinar on topics including Administration/Leadership, Adult Services, Advocacy/Marketing, Collection Development/Readers' Advisory, Customer Service/Staff Development, Literacy, Technology, and Youth Services. All webinars are recorded and available on‐demand.
PLA Results Boot Camp The annual PLA Boot Camp “Results Are What Matters: Management Tools and Techniques to Improve Library Services and Programs” was offered in August 2015. This four‐and‐half‐day intensive management training taught by June Garcia and Sandra Nelson emphasized the roles of innovation, risk, and change in public library management; the impact of trends on local service priorities; the value of data‐based decision‐making; and the skills to effectively allocate resources.
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Project Outcome As the need for services like early childhood literacy, computer training, and workforce development has grown, the vital role public libraries play in communities has also expanded. Libraries know their programs and services have an impact, but many libraries do not have the internal capacity to develop the measures and tools to accurately demonstrate the difference they make in the lives of their patrons. Libraries are continuously forced to prove their worth and it is becoming more common that they are expected to provide more than traditional output data in order to obtain funding. As a result, more and more libraries are conducting outcome measurement to better demonstrate their community impact.
PLA responded to this field‐wide trend towards standardized performance measures in 2013, when then‐PLA president Carolyn Anthony, Director Skokie (Ill.) Public Library, founded the PLA Performance Measurement Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of library leaders, researchers
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50 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611 and data analysts dedicated to providing simple, easy‐to‐use tools for public libraries to start implementing outcome measurement. The Task Force created a set of surveys that cover a broad range of core service areas for Project Outcome to assess that libraries could easily and directly link to improving or changing patrons’ knowledge, behavior, application and awareness.
The seven surveys were pilot tested in the fall of 2014. Following the successful Task Force‐led pilot testing, PLA was able to expand the reach of the project with funding received from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through the development and deployment of Project Outcome. In June 2015, PLA officially launched Project Outcome during a preconference at the 2015 ALA Annual Conference.
Since the launch of PLA’s Project Outcome, over 1,800 participants have registered. Public library participation reaches across all 50 U.S. states, plus Washington D.C. and Canada. Out of the 1,000 public libraries registered, 52% have already gotten started using the survey tools to measure the outcomes of at least one program or service in their library. To date, a total of 13,609 patron surveys have been aggregated into the Project Outcome system. From this data collection, PLA is able to demonstrate the high value of library programs using the aggregated outcome scores and patron feedback comments, as well as see the types of programs libraries are prioritizing for outcome measurement within their community – from ESL classes to teen STEAM programs to children’s Storytime.
Participating libraries have reported using their Project Outcome results for internal and external decision‐making, planning and advocacy. Libraries have been able to make easy and quick programmatic changes, deliver ready‐made reports to spark conversations with both staff and library board members, include results to funders and in grant proposals, and use the results to form new or support existing strategic plans.
The Task Force knew the demand for outcome measures was high and the rapid success and adoption of Project Outcome further pushed the Task Force to develop more advanced measures for libraries looking to capture patron changes made. The new follow‐up measures officially launched at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference and provided a second opportunity for libraries to collect data on the effectiveness of their programs. For example, a patron may initially report feeling confident about the new job‐search skills they learned at a library program, but did they actually use them to search for a job? Did they receive an interview or job offer? Now libraries will be able to discover whether or not patron change was actually made and be able to better support their impact story.
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Publications
Public Libraries Magazine It’s been a great year for Public Libraries. A recent reader survey revealed that nearly half of all respondents spend up to two hours with each issue and share their copy with an average of five colleagues. In the same survey the magazine also received high marks in most areas including: Timeliness, Authoritative Information, Evidence‐based information, Relevance, Readability, Practical Information, and Value in Professional Development. Public Libraries ran a number of excellent articles and columns this year, including a special Diversity issue (January/February 2016) which contained articles like “Providing the Best Service to Your Hispanic Community,” “Serving Gender Diverse Youth in the Library,” “Diversity & Disability – Let’s Start Talking About It,” and many more. Outside of the Diversity issue Public Libraries also published a number of other great articles including, “Using Temporary Staff in Summer,” “Managing a Turn‐Key Job and Career Center at the Library,” “Re‐Envisioning the MLS,” “Lessons Learned from Interviewing Library Leaders,” and many more.
PL Online Like the print iteration, PL Online focuses on issues and topics that matter to public libraries and public librarianship. Updated daily, the site features selections from the print magazine as well as unique content. PL Online offers hundreds of articles on library‐related topics in addition to author interviews and book reviews, and more. Posts are comment‐enabled so readers can share ideas on the often thought‐provoking topics, as well as share their own stories or experiences. A variety of social networking options accompany the site, these include Facebook, Twitter (@publibonline), Pinterest, and Instagram. In the past year PL Online worked on improving multiplatform environments, with PL Online content distributed across many platforms, and is now optimized for mobile viewing. In addition, last May, PLA commenced publishing a weekly PL Online Newsletter. The opt‐in newsletter pushes out PL Online articles and information. The newsletter currently has over 1,300 subscribers, with new subscribers signing up every day. PLA is happy to report that the site and the site’s social media have been very busy – here is a look at recent statistics:
From May 19, 2015‐ May 19, 2016 – 287,231 unique visitors. 366,122 sessions. 511,956 page views, for an average of 1.40 pages per session.
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The PL Online Facebook page has 5,223 followers and its Twitter account has 2,273 followers.
‘Quick Reads’ for Busy Librarians PLA is busily working away on a new series, “Quick Reads for Busy Librarians.” At no more than 100 pages, these books will cover both emerging and essential topics in public librarianship with style, clarity, (maybe a touch of humor), and above all brevity. These short books are the perfect size in terms of depth and coverage for many public library world topics. Each book in the series will have a similar look and design and will be available as a pdf download. The first, two “The Bed Bug Guide for Public Libraries” and “Weeding Manual,” are now available. “Building a Digital Media Lab” will be available later in 2016.
FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast PLA launched its Podcast series, FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast, in November 2015. These short, information‐packed segments offer an easy way to explore initiatives or hear more about current ideas in the public library world. Listeners can stream the episodes directly from the PL Online site, or subscribe via iTunes. Currently available episodes include:
Episode 1 (756 listeners as of 5/25/16) Douglas Crane, director of the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Library System, discusses his project to interview long‐time public library directors to learn more about the job and to try and determine what makes a great library director.
Episode 2 (457 listeners as of 5/25/16) Valerie Gross, president and CEO of the Howard County (Md.) Library System, discusses the principles of two library initiatives, Libraries = Education and Choose Civility.
Episode 3 (303 listeners as of 5/25/16) Sarah Kittrell, Wichita (Kans.) Public Library, discusses her PLA Book, The Bed Bug Guide for Public Libraries.
Episode 4 (312 listeners as of 5/25/16) Amy Koester, Skokie (Ill.) Public Library discusses the concept of unprogramming: creating and offering programs that are at once highly engaging and collection‐driven without requiring large amounts of planning, funds, and staff time.
Episode 5 (177 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Kari Chapin, best‐selling author, teacher, marketing mentor, consultant, and
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"Make It Extraordinary" guest speaker, discusses how her books and products help readers generate and capture their best ideas, as well as improve productivity and manage their time.
Episode 6 (237 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from the PLA 2016! Erica Jesonis, Chief Librarian for Information Management, Cecil County (Md.) Public Library, discusses how to keep your library’s Facebook page from getting hacked.
Episode 7 (172 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Amy Holcomb, Experiential Learning Coordinator and Mikael Jacobson, Learning Experiences Manager at Skokie (Ill.) Public Library discuss The BOOMbox, an experimental space designed to facilitate STEAM learning for all ages.
Episode 8 (102 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Dan Wilson, Associate Director for Collections & Library Services at the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, University of Virginia Health System, and Siobhan Champ‐ Blackwell, Librarian at the National Library of Medicine, discuss how librarians and libraries are vital resources for the community during disasters, as they are in the best position to verify and disseminate correct information to the community.
Episode 9 (138 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Nichole Shabazz, Youth Outreach and Programming Coordinator at the Cleveland Public Library and Phyllis Hunter, Reading and Literacy Expert, Phyllis C. Hunter Consulting, Inc., discuss the program, "Where the Black and Brown Boys Aren’t (and Why)” at PLA 2016.
Episode 10 (195 listeners as of 5/25/16) Live from PLA 2016! Sarah Lawton, Neighborhood Library Supervisor, Madison (Wisc.) Public Library and Tariq Saqqaf, Neighborhood Resource Coordinator, City of Madison, Office of the Mayor, discuss how libraries can address racial disparities and create more inclusive public spaces.
Episode 11 (118 listeners as of 5/25/16) Ady Huertas, Branch Manager of the Logan Branch/San Diego Public Library discusses the library's program, "Out of the Shadows." The program is designed to raise public awareness about the problem of sex trafficking in San Diego, bring to light the plight of sex trafficking victims and at‐risk youth, and provide resources and support services for those in need in the San Diego area.
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Turning the Page The updated advocacy training curriculum Turning the Page: Supporting Libraries, Strengthening Communities became available in 2015. This training curriculum is an updated version of Turning the Page that was developed for library associations and networks around the world, with input from PLA and other grantees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries initiative.
Turning the Page: Supporting Libraries, Strengthening Communities is a complete training package that includes an Advocacy Training Implementation Guide—a recommended read before diving into the curriculum—and a set of 15 training sessions that each includes a trainer script, PowerPoint presentation, and handouts. An Advocacy Action Plan Workbook accompanies the training so participants can develop an advocacy plan for their library in real‐time. All are welcome to download and use Turning the Page: Supporting Libraries, Strengthening Communities; the curriculum and other resources are free to use and share.
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PLA Partners
Platinum Partners ($10,000+) Silver Partners ($1,000+) HarperCollins Audio Publishers Association Penguin Random House Blackstone Audio Books On Tape, a division of Random House Gold Partners ($5,000+) DK Publishing, Inc. Baker & Taylor EBSCO Information Systems Demco HarperAudio Gale Cengage Learning Library Ideas, LLC Ingram Library Systems & Services Innovative Quipu Group OCLC Recorded Books OverDrive Treehouse Romance Writers of America Upstart U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission
p (800) 545-2433 ext. 5PLA | f (312) 280-5029 | www.pla.org
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National and International Outreach (NIO)
On May 18, 2015, Dr. James Billington announced a realignment plan for the Library of Congress including the creation of a new service unit, National and International Outreach (NIO). Dr. Jane McAuliffe, head of the Library’s Kluge Center, was appointed as the inaugural Director of NIO.
NIO combines many of the public‐facing programs and activities that advance the Library’s important role as a national cultural institution and a major asset for lifelong learning. NIO was created to facilitate collaboration among such Library programs, foster partnerships with other prominent cultural and academic institutions, and promote the Library’s unique resources of knowledge to Congress, the American people, and the world.
Organization and Programs
NIO's divisions are organized into three directorates:
1. National Programs: promotes literacy and lifelong learning, tracks and publicizes the Library’s digitization efforts and celebrates American creativity. 2. National Enterprises: delivers fee‐based services to individuals, institutions and federal agencies. 3. Scholarly and Educational Programs: provides a variety of educational programming and resources to a range of users.
Existing programs within the three directorates include the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the Center for the Book, the National Book Festival, the Film and Sound Board Registries, the Gershwin Prize, National Digital Initiatives, the Federal Research Division, FEDLINK, the Publishing Office, the Kluge Center for Scholars, K‐12 Educational Outreach, Interpretive Programs (exhibits), the World Digital Library, the Special Events Office, and Visitor Services.
Mission and Initiatives
NIO’s mission is to bring the expertise of the Library and the richness of its collections to individuals and organizations both in this country and around the world. The mission will be achieved by:
Establishing strategic external collaborations and partnerships Focusing on the user experience Building incubators for institutional transformation Advancing the Library’s role and reputation as a cultural institution Utilizing technology to promote collections and services Promoting the Library as a center for knowledge creation
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TO: PLA Board of Directors
FROM: Barbara Macikas, Executive Director
RE: PLA 2020 Conference in Nashville
DATE: June 3, 2016
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT: INFORMATION
As you may know, ALSC recently pulled the ALSC institute scheduled for this fall out of Charlotte and cancelled the event due to recent legislation in North Carolina that undermines civil rights: http://www.ala.org/news/press‐releases/2016/04/alsc‐cancels‐2016‐national‐institute‐charlotte‐north‐ carolina‐response‐hb‐2
This action prompted discussion at the ALA board level related to how ALA and its units manage conference cancellations or site changes resulting from host state legislation that is contrary to ALA civil rights’ positions. ALA is pulling together background, which I hope to be able to append to this document for discussion in Orlando.
Very unfortunately, Tennessee has put itself in this conversation: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/tennessee‐lgbt‐counseling_us_570c4c4de4b0836057a23d63 The PLA 2020 conference is scheduled to be held in Nashville Tuesday, February 25 – Saturday, February 29, 2020. The board voted to approve the site in 2013 (see attachment, document 2013.59). PLA has received two messages from the director of the Nashville Public Library, Kent Oliver, as well as a letter from the mayor of Nashville. These two messages and the letter are attached. As Kent observes, the decision to pull out of a city has many implications. Some background and considerations:
1. All hotel contracts PLA signs include a civil rights clause which allows us to terminate without penalty in the event a host city/state enacts legislation in conflict with our civil rights position. 2. The convention center contracts and letter of intent to a city do not have the same civil rights clause the hotel contracts to. ALA’s legal counsel is in the process of developing consistent language for those two documents. We have not yet signed a convention center contract in Nashville and have been informed that the letter of intent is not legally binding though that needs to be re‐confirmed. 3. While the hotel contracts give us a legal basis upon which to pull out of a city and avoid financial or legal penalties, the timing of the action, if less than at least 4 years out, may make finding an alternative site difficult, particularly in view of our policy related to geographic diversity of sites. 4. Future costs may be incurred based on a decision to pull out of a city. Hotels and venues in other cities will be aware of past actions and will insist on new legal language in order to ensure PLA does not take the same action there. 5. There are no guarantees that any state at any time may not enact legislation that is contrary to our values and which undermines civil rights. 6. PLA members live in all states.
Messages from Kent Oliver:
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From: Oliver, Kent (Library) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, May 06, 2016 8:44 AM To: Barb Macikas Cc: Felton Thomas Subject: Upcoming PLA in Nashville
Dear Barb, I hope all is well with you. Clara B. mentioned to me at Leg Day earlier this week there was some concern on the PLA Board over the recent TN Leg action regarding counselors being able to decline to serve clients based on religious grounds. If the Board would like any background information I would be happy to provide it or visit with them, as I’m sure our Mayor’s office would. You probably know this, but Nashville’s Mayor Megan Berry (first woman Mayor in Nashville’s history and a great library supporter) spoke out against the legislation. Nashville’s track record over the last few years has been one to inject inclusiveness into its DNA. It is an incredible inclusive city, despite our state legislature. Any action deciding not come to Nashville by the PLA would only hurt one of the most progressive cities in the country, not the state of TN.
Thanks, Kent (Go Cav’s!)
From: Oliver, Kent (Library) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 2:43 PM To: Barb Macikas; Keith Michael Fiels Cc: Bonna Johnson ([email protected]) Subject: 2020 PLA in Nashville
Dear Barb and Keith, Attached is a letter from Nashville’s Mayor Megan Berry to PLA that I have been asked to forward to you. It is regarding the discussion around the 2020 PLA in Nashville and concerns over recent State of Tennessee counseling legislation.
I am also including a very recent news link announcing the Mayor’s appointment of the first transgender board member. http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2016/05/19/mayor-barry-appoints-states-first-transgender-city- board-member/84617232/
Please let me know if you have any questions as you go forward with conference planning. Best Wishes, Kent
Kent Oliver, Library Director
Nashville Public Library | Administrative Services 615 Church Street| Nashville TN | 37219 615.862.5768 | http://www.library.nashville.org
Winner of the National Medal for Library Service!
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TO: PLA Board of Directors
RE: Site Recommendation for the PLA 2020 & PLA 2022 Conferences
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT: Action Requested: Approval of sites and dates recommended for the PLA 2020 and PLA 2022 Conferences
ACTION REQUESTED BY: Melissa Faubel Johnson, CMP Conference Manager
DRAFT OF MOTION: Approve Nashville as the site for the PLA 2020 Conference, Tuesday, February 25 – Saturday, February 29, 2020, and Portland for the PLA 2022 Conference, Tuesday, March 22 – Saturday, March 26, 2022. Request approval of the sites and dates to the ALA Executive Board. *Contingent upon approval from local state chapters.
DATE: April 15, 2013
BACKGROUND: PLA will hold the 2016 Conference in Denver, CO, and the 2018 Conference in Philadelphia, PA. According to our rotation schedule and policies, a central site for the 2020 conference and a western location for the 2022 conference is desired. See attached for more detailed background and site review.
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DATE: April 15, 2013
TO: PLA Board of Directors
FROM: Melissa Faubel Johnson, CMP, PLA Conference Manager
RE: Site Recommendation for the PLA 2020 & 2022 Conferences
Request for action: that the PLA Board of Directors support Nashville as the site for the PLA 2020 Conference, Tuesday, February 25 – Saturday, February 29, 2020, and Portland for the PLA 2022 Conference, Tuesday, March 22 – Saturday, March 26, 2022, and recommend its selection to the ALA Executive Board. *Contingent upon approval from local state chapters.
Background Nashville and Portland conform to all PLA conference site selection policies (see Attachment 1 for policies). Additionally, Nashville & Portland meet or surpass all of PLA’s hotel and exhibit space requirements, (see attachments 2 &3). Nashville & Portland provide geographic diversity. PLA conference sites, past and future include:
1983 Baltimore March 23‐26 1986 St. Louis April 2‐5 1988 Pittsburgh April 27‐30 1991 San Diego March 20‐23 1994 Atlanta March 23‐26 1996 Portland (OR) March 26‐30 1998 Kansas City March 11‐14 2000 Charlotte March 29‐31 2002 Phoenix March 13‐16 2004 Seattle February 25‐28 2006 Boston March 20‐25 2008 Minneapolis March 25‐29 2010 Portland (OR) March 23‐27 2012 Philadelphia March 13‐17 2014 Indianapolis March 11‐15 2016 Denver April 5‐9 2018 Philadelphia March 20‐24
Additionally, the proposed dates do not conflict with major religious holidays or other major library conferences, including the Texas Library Association.
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Site Recommendation the PLA 2020 & 2022 Conferences — page two
Site Review – Nashville 2020 In addition to viable dates and excellent meeting and housing facilities, Nashville is recommended for a number of reasons: The Music City Center (opening in 2013) is located centrally to the downtown hotels. All hotels in the proposed PLA block are within walking distance. The Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau eliminated all convention center rental fees. The Music City Center has 1.2 million square feet, featuring a 350,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 57,000 grand ballroom and 18,000 square foot junior ballroom, and about 1,800 parking spaces. It also offers 90,000 square feet of meeting room space – approximately 60 meeting rooms ‐ and 32 loading docks that provide ultimate flexibility and ease of load‐in and out for exhibitors. The hotel package includes a range of hotel types and pricing. Nashville typically enjoys a mild and pleasant climate with only a few days of the year having either very hot or very cold conditions. Spring is a great time in Nashville as the rolling hills are a lush, vibrant green. Nashville is known for its Appeal, Accessibility and Affordability: Nashville offers attendees the ability to travel to one of the most convenient and affordable destinations in the US. Nashville is in the midst of a convention, residential, commercial and cultural growth spurt. Nashville has consistently been ranked as the # 1 Friendliest City by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Bon Appetite raves that Nashville is “The Coolest, Tastiest City in the South”.
Site review – Portland 2022 In addition to viable dates and excellent meeting and housing facilities, Portland is recommended for a number of reasons: NO SALES TAX! Not only are there savings for attendees while they shop or dine out, but PLA will save money on group food and beverage costs. The Portland Oregon Visitors Association eliminated all convention center rental fees and also offered an additional $10 rebate on all revenue generating hotel rooms to go directly back to PLA. (approximately $100,000) Portland was named the top city for general safety by Leisure & Travel magazine. The Portland community is friendly and extends a warm welcome to visitors. Portland International Airport (PDX) is currently served by 14 international and domestic airlines offering more than 251 scheduled passenger arrivals and departures daily.
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Site Recommendation the PLA 2020 & 2022 Conferences — page three
Portland’s award‐winning MAX light rail stops directly in front of the Oregon Convention Center. The OCC is approximately 40 minutes from the airport by MAX; tickets are $2.30 per person. Located in Portland city center’s “Free Rail Zone,” rides between the OCC and downtown are free. Portland’s dining scene is fabulous; with an array of cuisine and price ranges, there is something for everyone. Downtown is lively day into evening. People live, work and play downtown, and it feels safe and “happening”. Portland’s weather is mild year round. Spring in Portland is beautiful with the flowers in bloom, cherry blossom trees and abundant greenery. Portland boasts the largest non‐internet bookstore in the United States. Powells Books takes up one full city block – a destination of itself with an intriguing rare books room. PLA hosted two very successful conferences in Portland (1996 and 2010).
Conclusion PLA has offered fourteen very successful Conferences (see Attachment 4—PLA Conference Statistical Comparison). Nashville & Portland have the facilities and attractions to host the PLA 2020 and 2022 Conferences. PLA conferences provide public librarians with the opportunity for high‐quality, professional development opportunities.
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ATTACHMENT 1
Policy on National Conference Site Selection
In reviewing possible sites for PLA National Conferences or other major events, PLA will consider the following factors: * Whether the site meets the technical requirements for the event such as adequate meeting rooms, number of sleeping rooms, etc., as determined by the PLA staff and ratified by the PLA Executive Committee. * Whether the site conforms to the PLA Board's directive to have National Conference sites provide for geographic diversity. * Whether the potential host library(ies) is(are) supportive of the PLA event being held there. * Whether there is a regional welcome for the PLA event being held there. * Whether the city is an accessible destination. * Whether there are any state laws requiring public libraries in the city to conduct business in any manner that violates approved policies of the American Library Association at the time the site selection is made.
Final selection of a National Conference site shall be made in conformity with Section 6.4, Item VIII of the ALA Policy Manual, "Division National Conferences, Preconferences, and Related Activities."
Adopted by the PLA Board of Directors, June 1991; Revised February 1995.
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ATTACHMENT 2 – Nashville 2020
Nashville 2020 Dates Offered Tues, February 25 – Sat, February 29, 2020
Convention Center Rental $0 Convention Center Meeting Rooms More than adequate number of ballrooms, meeting rooms and breakouts to support current program, factoring potential growth Convention Center Exhibit Space Approx. 353,143 gross square feet 267,000 gross square feet set aside for PLA
Hotels 3600+ rooms at 15 hotels; rates range from $123‐$269. Rates are negotiable. Hotel Tax 15.25%
Airport Info The Nashville International Airport has 374 daily flights to 47 direct destinations and over 74 total markets serviced. Airlines serving Nashville include: American, Southwest, US Air, Frontier, United, Mid‐Atlantic, Delta, Northwest, and Continental. The city is also accessible to over 50% of the US population by three interstate highway systems that intersect in downtown Nashville.
Average cost of Flight (RT Chicago) Approximately $250
Distance from airport to downtown Nashville International Airport is located 8 miles or 20 minutes east of the Music City Center.
Cost of cab from airport $25 one way Shuttle service to/from airport $14 one way Mass Transit Downtown circulator buses, called the Music City Circuit, provide FREE transportation Monday through Saturday. In addition to the Music City Circuit, Metro Transit Authority provides bus service in and out of downtown and throughout the city. All‐day, unlimited‐ride passes are available for $5.25.
Accessibility Acceptable Attractions Shopping and restaurants and many attractions within walking distance
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ATTACHMENT 3 – Portland 2022
Portland 2022 Dates Offered Tuesday, March 22 – Saturday, March 26, 2022 Convention Center Rental $0 Convention Center Meeting Rooms More than adequate number of ballrooms, meeting rooms and breakouts to support current program, factoring potential growth. Convention Center Exhibit Space PLA will use all 255,000 gross square feet
Hotels 3600 rooms at 22 hotels; rates range from $99‐ $219. Rates are negotiable. Hotel Tax 14.5%
Airport Info Portland International Airport (PDX) is currently served by 14 international and domestic airlines offering more than 251 scheduled passenger arrivals and departures daily.
Average cost of Flight (RT Chicago) Approximately $325
Distance from airport to downtown Portland International Airport is 9 miles from downtown Portland.
Cost of cab from airport $35 one way Shuttle service to/from airport $25 one way Mass Transit Portland’s award‐winning MAX light rail stops directly in front of the Oregon Convention Center. The OCC is approximately 40 minutes from the airport by MAX; tickets are $2.30 per person. Located in Portland city center’s “Free Rail Zone,” rides between the OCC and downtown are free.
Accessibility Acceptable Attractions Shopping and restaurants and many attractions within walking distance
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Dear Public Library Association,
I want to thank you for considering Nashville as a destination for your upcoming conference. I understand you may have some concerns about coming to Tennessee because of recent actions by our state legislature, but I want to assure you that the view of our state on the national news doesn’t look anything like the Nashville that I am proud to call home.
The Nashville in which I serve as Mayor is a warm and welcoming city with a local government that embraces diversity, with educational institutions that value inclusion, and with businesses and hospitality workers who are proud to serve customers no matter where they come from, how they got here, or whom they love.
Like you, I oppose any efforts to promote discrimination or take our city backwards in the march for equality, just as our state legislative delegation has stood in opposition to these laws as well. While we will continue to work to stop discriminatory laws from being enacted and support efforts to repeal laws that have already gone into effect, we should not lose sight of the fact that Nashville is a city for all – a city that embraces equality and seeks to promote socially conscious businesses and policies.
I hope that you will have the opportunity to visit Nashville because I’m sure you’ll see that our hospitality extends to everyone regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
I look forward to welcoming you to Music City in the near future.
Kind regards,
Megan Barry Mayor of Nashville
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2015‐2016 CBD#16 ALA Annual Conference
ALA Executive Board 2016 ALA Annual Conference
TOPIC: Conference Sites: Changing Horizons & Changing Options
ACTION REQUESTED: Discussion
Requested By: Mary W. Ghikas, Senior Associate Executive Director, ALA
Date: 9 June 2016
Background:
Over the past years, there have been a growing number of instances in which one or more ALA member or ALA‐affiliated groups have called for ALA to cancel or move a conference. In the current political environment, this is likely to continue and creates significant uncertainty around planning for major events. The attached document is presented as a framework for initial discussion by the ALA Executive Board of strategic options in such situations.
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CONFERENCE SITES: CHANGING HORIZONS & CHANGING OPTIONS
I ALA and ALA Division Conference Profiles
A. ALA Annual Conference 1. Basic Site Requirements: 350,000 gross square feet of exhibit space (includes aisles, post office, food service, etc.) 350 (or more) concurrent meeting rooms 8,000 sleeping rooms on peak nights “Workable” area for conference shuttle buses 2. Normal Schedule: Annually, the last week in June 3. Potential Sites: Anaheim, Chicago, Washington DC, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Diego 4. Typical Budget: $6,250,000 gross revenue less $3,250,000 in direct expenses, contributing $1,500,000 in general overhead and $900,000 in net revenue (after overhead) to the current year operations of the ALA General Fund. There are significant site‐related variations in budget. 5. Site Approval: Sites are approved by the ALA Executive Board on recommendation of the ALA Conference Committee (standing) and in consultation with the Board of the ALA Exhibits Round Table. 6. Scheduled Sessions: 2700‐2900 separately‐scheduled events – including 500 programs, 250 discussion groups, 650 committee meetings (Boards, committees, task forces, etc.) and various special events.
B. ALA Midwinter Meeting 1. Basic Site Requirements: 200,000 gross square feet of exhibit space (includes aisles, post office, food service, etc.) 300‐350 concurrent meeting rooms 4,000 sleeping rooms on peak nights “Workable” area for conference shuttle buses 2. Normal Schedule: Annually, between the 2nd week in January and the 1st week in February (avoiding the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend) 3. Potential Sites: Boston, Atlanta, San Antonio, Indianapolis, Denver, San Francisco
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4. Typical Budget: $3,000,000 gross revenue less $1,000,000 in direct expenses, contributing $725,000 in general overhead and $50,000 in net revenue (after overhead) to the current year operations of the ALA General Fund 5. Site Approval: Sites are approved by the ALA Executive Board on recommendation of the ALA Conference Committee (standing) and in consultation with the Board of the ALA Exhibits Round Table. 6. Scheduled Sessions: 2,500 separately‐scheduled events – including updates and other content sessions, discussion groups, meetings and some special events.
C. ALA Division Conferences a. AASL i. Basic Site Requirements: 100,000‐120,000 gross square feet of exhibit space (includes aisles, food service, etc.) 20 (more more) concurrent meeting rooms 1,400 sleeping rooms on peak nights General session hall Nearby hotels that allow for walking; do not use shuttle buses ii. Normal Schedule: Biennial (even‐numbered years), fall (avoiding religious holidays), Wednesday through Sunday iii. Potential Sites: Louisville, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Kansas City, St. Louis, Atlantic City, Baltimore, Providence, Virginia Beach iv. Typical Budget: (including typical overhead contribution to the ALA General Fund) ‐ $1,400,000 gross revenue less $630,000 expenses, contributing $320,000 in general overhead to the ALA General Fund, returning $490,000 in net revenue (after overhead) to support AASL. There are significant site‐related variations in the budget. v. Site Approval: AASL Board of Directors votes approval. Final site approval is by the ALA Executive Board, on recommendation of the AASL Board of Directors. vi. Scheduled Sessions: 130 separately‐scheduled events – including 100 programs and various special events
b. ACRL i. Basic Site Requirements: 150,000 gross square feet of exhibit space (includes aisles, posters, food service, etc.) 75 (or more) concurrent meeting rooms 2,300 sleeping rooms on peak nights “Walkable” city with hotels and dining in close proximity to convention center
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ii. Normal Schedule: Biennial (odd‐numbered years), spring (avoiding religious holidays), typically late March or early April, Wednesday‐ Saturday pattern iii. Potential Sites: Seattle, Portland, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland iv. Typical Budget: (including typical overhead contribution to the ALA General Fund) $2,500,000 gross revenue less $2,100,000 in direct expenses over a two‐year budget, contributing up to $600,000 in general overhead to the ALA General Fund and $350‐500,000 in net revenue (after overhead) to the current year operations of ACRL. v. Site Approval: Final site approval is by the ALA Executive Board, on recommendation of the ACRL Board of Directors. vi. Scheduled Sessions: 575 separately‐scheduled events – including over 300 programs and various other professional development activities, as well as one VIP reception for 300 and one all‐conference reception for 2,000 in a nearby entertainment or museum venue
c. PLA i. Basic Site Requirements: 250,000 gross square feet of exhibit space 5,000 seat theater or exhibit hall for general sessions 12‐20 concurrent program rooms (range of 250‐800 seats, with a variety of setups) 3,500 sleeping rooms on peak night (ideally) in walking distance from the convention center Dining, shopping & cultural activities in downtown area, easily accessible from hotels & convention center ii. Normal Schedule: Biennial (even‐numbered years), spring – usually March (avoiding religious holidays) iii. Potential Sites: Portland, Denver, Minneapolis, Nashville, Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle iv. Typical Budget: (including typical overhead contribution to the ALA General Fund): $3,000,000‐$3,500,000 in gross revenues less roughly $2,000,000 in expenses, including approximately $800,000 in general overhead contribution to the ALA General Fund, with net revenue of approximately $1,000,000 v. Site Approval: Final site approval is by the ALA Executive Board, on recommendation of the PLA Board of Directors. Must have approval of all ALA state chapters in contiguous states. vi. Scheduled Sessions: 4 general sessions, approximately 120 concurrent programs, author luncheons, featured exhibits/programs in the exhibit hall, and various receptions
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II Site Selection and Contracting Horizons
A. 10‐12 Year Horizon*: Initial Selection 1. Sites are approved by the ALA Executive Board on recommendation from the ALA Conference Committee (ALA Annual and ALA Midwinter) or on recommendation from the appropriate ALA Division Board of Directors (AASL, ACRL, PLA), after Divisions have successfully brought letters of support from the state chapter in which the conference city is located and every chapter in contiguous states. 2. Approval is “subject to the successful completion of all necessary contracts.” 3. A “commitment letter” is signed. While such commitment letters are not generally considered enforceable, there have been past issues. To increase clarity, future commitment letters will include the following language: (currently being developed by ALA legal counsel) 4. The site is routinely monitored for any significant changes, including – but not limited to – hotel construction, air travel and legislation. 5. Available options: Between 6‐12 years, relocation options should generally be available, with few contractual barriers. Note: Where a multi‐year (multi‐ conference) agreement was initially negotiated (generally for preferential pricing), the contractual barriers will be increased. 6. Relocation may negatively affect prices. 7. Frequent re‐siting may negatively affect future site negotiations.
*The comparable horizon for ALA Division conferences, where different: ACRL – 5‐9 years
B. 5‐6 Year Horizon*: Initial Contract Phase 1. Convention Center and Headquarters Hotel contracts are typically signed at this point. 2. ALA hotel contracts include the following language: “…In the event of a strike by HOTEL employees or by any other group which would disrupt or interfere with the conduct of the meeting or should STATE’s or CITY’s position on civil rights (including gay rights) conflict with the position of the DIVISION/UNIT, this contract can be terminated without prejudice or penalty by ALA and the HOTEL shall refund deposits to the association and attendees.”
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3. Future ALA convention center contracts will include the following language: (currently being developed). 4. The site is regularly monitored for changes, including hotel, travel and legislation. 5. Within the 3‐6 year Horizon, relocation options will continue to decrease – and negative impacts of a re‐site decision will increase (e.g., higher prices, date or “campus” compromises). 6. There are likely to be at least some contractual issues – with attendant legal costs.
*The comparable horizon for ALA Division conferences, where different: ACRL ‐ 3‐5 years
C. 2‐3 Year Horizon: Most contracts signed 1. On average, for the ALA Annual Conference, contracts will be signed with 10‐15 hotels. The number will vary somewhat from city‐to‐city and for other conferences (ALA Midwinter and the AASL, ACRL and PLA conferences). 2. Hotel contracts include the following language: “…In the event of a strike by HOTEL employees or by any other group which would disrupt or interfere with the conduct of the meeting or should STATE’s or CITY’s position on civil rights (including gay rights) conflict with the position of the DIVISION/UNIT, this contract can be terminated without prejudice or penalty by ALA and the HOTEL shall refund deposits to the association and attendees.” 3. Initial convention center deposits are typically made in this period. 4. Many service contracts will be in place at this point. 5. Sites are aggressively monitored for changes (hotel, travel, legislation). 6. Relocation options are limited and likely to involve date or “campus” compromises. 7. Some contractual issues are likely, with attendant legal costs. 8. There will be substantial “sunk” costs. 9. By the two‐year point, ALA (or the ALA Division) is likely to be faced with a go or no‐go choice rather than a re‐site.
D. 0‐1 Year Horizon: Go or No Go 1. Most contracts are signed and “sunk” costs could be significant. 2. A relocation option is very unlikely, particularly for the larger conferences. 3. For ALA Annual and ALA Midwinter, current ALA Bylaws would require Council to meet – either face‐to‐face or virtually, incurring cost in either instance. ALA Division conferences do not, by policy, serve as a place for governance meetings of ALA or the sponsoring Division. 4. ALA does not have operating reserves sufficient to compensate for the $1‐3 million “hole” in the operating budget. (Or, in the case of an ALA Division
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conference, a $300,000 ‐ $800,000 hole.) There would be a significant adverse effect on other member priorities and issues. In the case of an ALA Division conference, the division affected would be adversely impacted. 5. This negative impact would potentially extend well beyond the directly‐impacted year.
III What Do Conferences Provide?
A. Professional and Leadership Development: ALA and ALA Division conferences are a primary resource for professional and leadership development. In addition to on‐ site delivery, both ALA and ALA Division conferences involve significant expanded use of or access to content, ranging from extensive “virtual conference” participation to post‐conference access to digitally‐captured on‐site content.
Conference Scholarships, which have been a significant part of ALA Division conferences, provide a way to support the engagement of professionally underrepresented groups with the association, leading to stronger, more diverse membership.
B. Member Engagement: Data suggests that conferences provide a vital ramp to increased member engagement. This appears to be the case both for ALA conferences, which include extensive governance activity, and for ALA Division conferences, which do not include governance activity but do offer many opportunities to present, facilitate and engage.
C. Advocacy: ALA and ALA Division conferences provide a strong platform for local and regional advocacy, including a high‐functioning press office to facilitate interviews and local coverage, as well as access to high‐profile spokespersons.
D. Social Service and Opportunities to Serve Those in Conference Cities: Member‐ based social service projects highlight the value of librarians and libraries. Conferences offer the opportunity to improve local conditions through projects such as rebuilding libraries in New Orleans, collecting gently‐used clothing in Portland, donating books, weeding non‐native species from local areas, etc.
E. Convening and Collaboration: ALA and its Divisions have the capacity to convene – to bring together potential allies and build collaboration around key issues – through invitational participation in national and international conferences. Similarly, they provide an opportunity to bring together both national and local/regional groups
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with key member leaders. This intentional convening is important to effectiveness in public policy and advocacy.
F. Critical Financial Support: See the individual conference profiles (I)
IV Options – not necessarily mutually‐exclusive
A. Move: The issues here differ substantially between small meetings (typically a single hotel and fewer than 500 participants) and a large conference. In every case, the options narrow as the horizon draws nearer.
B. Move the Dates – in the Same City: Often the social issue is resolved over time. It may be possible to move the conference to a future year. This requires coordination with and cooperation from all the contracted parties involved, but often cities and venues would much rather re‐book the business to a future year than lose it all together. Note: While this may ease contractual and business relationship issues, issues such as current year revenue and governance requirements remain. So, realistically, for an annual or biennial conference, “Move the Dates” is generally combined with “Move” (or “Cancel”).
C. Stay in the current location and look at one or more of the following options: a. Communicate with attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders and create opportunities for education, advocacy and building collaboration. b. Communicate with appropriate state/regional/city tourism and business groups – which, in balance, have tended to be allies. c. Build an “opt‐in” site for local businesses to show support of ALA values. (A business boycott is illegal for ALA – but an affirmative “opt‐in” is permissible.) d. Decline to book future events in that location, pending satisfactory resolution of the issue. (Successful sites will typically seek future bookings before a current booking is completed.) e. If additional/future events are already committed to that location (e.g. is a multi‐year site schedule was initially negotiated), consider canceling future dates.
D. Cancel, if relocation is not possible and the issue outweighs other ALA policy and advocacy issues that may be damaged by the economic impact of cancellation.
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9 June 2016 mg
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TO: PLA Board of Directors and PLA Budget & Finance Committee FROM: Barb Macikas, Executive Director RE: FY 2016 Update as of April DATE: June 10, 2016
This report updates the Board and Budget & Finance Committee on the status of the FY16 budget as of the most current report available, April 2016.
Operating Budget Revenues Overall PLA operating budget revenues are 8% over budget (actual $4,111,582 vs. budget $3,781,357). Membership dues are over budget by 8% (actual $367,314 vs. budget $338,333). PLA conference revenues met or exceeded budget‐‐conference registration and exhibits (actual $3,030,125 vs. budget $2,761,023); preconferences exceeded budget as well (actual $140,297 vs. budget $93,259). However a portion of the preconference dollars (approximately $40K) will be returned to the state chapter as part of the agreement with the host state so preconference revenue will wind up at budget. Every Child Ready to Read is well over budget (actual $61,197 vs. budget $25,380) due to a large state‐wide purchase of materials. These overages are offset by underperformance in publications, webinars and donations. In a PLA conference year, the majority of the operating budget (72%) is conference‐related.
Operating Budget Expenses Through April 2016, expenses, including overhead, are 3% under budget (actual $3,387,928 vs. budget $3,241,945). Salaries and benefits are under budget by $129K due to grant support of some salaries. Conference expenses are still being allocated; there were additional costs related to the unbudgeted “Be Extraordinary” booklet. Some overhead adjustments need to be made, for example to the preconference revenue (allocated to the state chapter) that will impact the overhead rate slightly and decrease expenses slightly. Currently overhead is at $845,552 vs budgeted overhead for the year of $802,968. Overall expenses should not exceed budget.
Grants In FY16, PLA is managing one IMLS grant for early literacy research ($500K over 3 years, with ALSC) and another IMLS grant for leadership training ($213K over 3 years) and two Gates Foundation grants: Project Outcome ($3M over 3 years) and a general operating grant of $200K through July 2016. The legacy grant was also just received, more than a month early. The total grant is a $10,805,701 for June 2016 to June 2026. ALA will receive overhead of 12% on this amount. PLA also has partnership roles in two smaller grants, one with the FINRA Foundation, administered by the ALA Public Programs Office; the other with the Harvard Family Research Project. Together, these result in approximately $20K over the next two years.
Overhead for Operating and Grant Budgets For FY2016 operating budget overhead is estimated that amount will be $835K to ALA. Grants from IMLS and the Gates Foundation will bring in approximately $140K in overhead this fiscal year for a total projection of $975K in overhead to ALA in FY16.
PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.82a
Long‐Term Investment The PLA LTI was $1,216,345 compared to $1,288,518 same time last year. Interest for FY16 (less bank fees) as of April is $36,940 compared to $33,331 same time last year. Interest is calculated at 4% of the average net asset balance of the PLA LTI over the last 20 quarters. The PLA board will determine where to allocate interest. Past investments of interest have gone to launch leadership development and performance measurement initiatives.
Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY2015‐2016 Financial Report Annual Conference 2016 2016.82b Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2016
FY15 (final) FY16
Admin/Core Programs/ Annual Budget as of Variance as of Conference Budget Actual Variance Budget Apr 2016 Actual Apr 2016 Opening Fund Balance$ 3,062,221 $ 2,423,817
Revenue$ 859,052 $ 802,514 $ (56,538) $ 4,175,741 $ 3,781,357 $ 4,111,582 $ 330,225
Expenses$ (1,665,367) $ (1,392,485) $ 272,882 $ (3,115,679) $ (2,466,163) $ (2,299,763) $ 166,400 Overhead$ (48,707) $ (47,886) $ 821 $ (802,968) $ (775,782) $ (845,552) $ (69,770) Taxes$ (547) $ (547) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Transfer to Endowment $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ SUBTOTAL EXPENSES$ (1,714,621) $ (1,440,918) $ 273,703 $ (3,918,647) $ (3,241,945) $ (3,145,315) $ 96,630
Closing Fund Balance$ 2,206,652 $ 2,423,817 $ 2,680,911 $ 3,390,084
FY15 closing fund balance in Prophix is $2,421,661; difference of ($2,156)
Grants Actual Balance Grant Balance Breakdown Total Committed, 2013‐2026$ 16,095,766 Grant (Ending FY) Total Spent through FY14 Legacy (FY26)$ 10,805,701 Direct Expenses$ (574,596) Early Literacy (FY18)$ 172,148 Overhead$ (71,596) $ 15,449,574 IMLS Leadership (FY17)$ 115,949 Total Spent FY15 Gates Perf Measure (FY19)$ 1,740,153 Direct Expenses$ (783,740) Gates EDGE (TBD)$ 564,958 Overhead$ (84,537) $ 14,581,297 Gates Gen Ops (TBD)$ 84,334 Total Spent FY16 (to April 2016) ODLOS DigitalLearn (FY16)$ 77,499 Direct Expenses$ (915,298) $ 13,560,742 Overhead$ (105,257) $ 13,560,742
Page 1 of 2 Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY2015‐2016 Financial Report Annual Conference 2016 2016.82b Actual as of Long Term Investment Actual Apr 2016
LTI Principle$ 1,288,518 $ 1,216,345 LTI Interest$ 48,648 $ 40,903 Principle + Interest$ 1,337,166 $ 1,257,248 LTI Expenses (Bank fees)$ (7,299) $ (3,963) Transfer from endow.$ (51,532) TBD Market + or ‐ $ (61,991) $ (12,654) BALANCE $ 1,216,344 $ 1,240,631
Page 2 of 2 Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY2015‐2016 Financial Report Annual Conference 2016 2016.82b Year‐to‐Date Report ‐ ADMIN/CORE PROJECTS
Project FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) Subproject Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance 1. Administration (0000) Revenue $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 3,750 $ 3,750 Expenses$ (934,445) $ (825,324) $ 109,121 $ (645,053) $ (504,846) $ 140,207 Net$ (934,445) $ (825,324) $ 109,121 $ (645,053) $ (501,096) $ 143,957 2. Service to Members (3000) Revenue $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Dues$ 457,520 $ 497,732 $ 40,212 $ 338,333 $ 367,314 $ 28,981 Expenses$ (209,740) $ (124,177) $ 85,563 $ (170,103) $ (209,807) $ (39,704) Net$ 247,780 $ 373,555 $ 125,775 $ 168,230 $ 157,507 $ (10,723) 3. Regional CE, Bootcamp (3007) Registration$ 52,437 $ 66,900 $ 14,463 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (36,855) $ (44,799) $ (7,944) $ (175) $ (69) $ 106 OH & Tax$ (13,319) $ (16,993) $ (3,674) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Net$ 2,263 $ 5,108 $ 2,845 $ (175) $ (69) $ 106 4. PLA Partners (3020) Revenue$ 54,500 $ 18,330 $ (36,170) $ 87,664 $ 12,271 $ (75,393) Expenses$ (15,950) $ (511) $ 15,439 $ (19,136) $ (7,516) $ 11,620 Net$ 38,550 $ 17,819 $ (20,731) $ 68,528 $ 4,755 $ (63,773) 5. ALA Precons and MW Institute (3026) Revenue$ 84,750 $ 63,106 $ (21,644) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (128,838) $ (113,234) $ 15,604 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ OH$ (5,599) $ (5,499) $ 100 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Net$ (49,687) $ (55,627) $ (5,940) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ 6. Public Libraries (3030) Revenue$ 11,105 $ 53,854 $ 42,749 $ 50,496 $ 52,954 $ 2,458 Expenses$ (8,350) $ (79,515) $ (71,165) $ (50,843) $ (74,014) $ (23,171) OH$ (2,820) $ (13,679) $ (10,859) $ (3,114) $ (3,361) $ (247) Tax $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Net$ (65) $ (39,340) $ (39,275) $ (3,461) $ (24,421) $ (20,960)
Page 1 of 3 Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY2015‐2016 Financial Report Annual Conference 2016 2016.82b Project FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) Subproject Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance 7. Web Based CE (3040) Revenue$ 70,000 $ 40,762 $ (29,238) $ 48,388 $ 19,741 $ (28,647) Expenses$ (19,795) $ (13,679) $ 6,116 $ (16,117) $ (5,815) $ 10,302 OH & Taxes$ (8,890) $ (5,177) $ 3,713 $ (6,266) $ (2,557) $ 3,709 Net$ 41,315 $ 21,906 $ (19,409) $ 26,005 $ 11,369 $ (14,636) 8. Publications (3058) Revenue$ 25,420 $ 10,640 $ (14,780) $ 18,971 $ 2,700 $ (16,271) Expenses$ (12,584) $ (1,470) $ 11,114 $ (9,838) $ (5,974) $ 3,864 OH & Taxes$ (3,228) $ (475) $ 2,753 $ (2,319) $ (235) $ 2,084 Net$ 9,608 $ 8,695 $ (913) $ 6,814 $ (3,509) $ (10,323) 9. Preschool Literacy (3120) Revenue$ 40,000 $ 46,406 $ 6,406 $ 25,380 $ 59,592 $ 34,212 Expenses$ (16,720) $ (7,911) $ 8,809 $ (5,367) $ (2,649) $ 2,718 OH & Taxes$ (4,840) $ (5,894) $ (1,054) $ (3,252) $ (7,717) $ (4,465) Net$ 18,440 $ 32,601 $ 14,161 $ 16,761 $ 49,226 $ 32,465 10. Public Library Data Service (3172) Revenue$ 1,120 $ 2,648 $ 1,528 $ 1,200 $ 918 $ (282) Expenses$ (35,350) $ (19,039) $ 16,311 $ (300) $ (200) $ 100 OH & Taxes$ (142) $ (174) $ (32) $ (103) $ (119) $ (16) Net$ (34,372) $ (16,565) $ 17,807 $ 797 $ 599 $ (198) 11. Leadership Initiative (3174) Revenue $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 7,000 $ ‐ $ (7,000) Expenses$ (38,838) $ ‐ $ 38,838 $ (5,167) $ ‐ $ 5,167 OH & Taxes $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (1,770) $ ‐ $ 1,770 Net$ (38,838) $ ‐ $ 38,838 $ 63 $ ‐ $ (63)
Page 2 of 3 Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY2015‐2016 Financial Report Annual Conference 2016 2016.82b Project FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) Subproject Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance 12. Digital Learn (3188) Revenue$ 30,000 $ ‐ $ (30,000) $ 13,333 $ 70,000 $ 56,667 Expenses$ (45,480) $ (47,663) $ (2,183) $ (43,467) $ (115,103) $ (71,636) OH & Taxes $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Net$ (15,480) $ (47,663) $ (32,183) $ (30,134) $ (45,103) $ (14,969) 13. Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) (3189) Revenue$ 6,700 $ ‐ $ (6,700) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (5,766) $ ‐ $ 5,766 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ OH & Taxes$ (1,702) $ ‐ $ 1,702 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Net$ (768) $ ‐ $ 768 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐
FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) TOTAL ADMIN/CORE PROJECTS Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance Revenue $ 833,552 $ 800,378 $ (33,174) $ 590,765 $ 589,240 $ (1,525) Expenses $ (1,508,711) $ (1,277,322) $ 231,389 $ (965,566) $ (925,993) $ 39,573 OH & Taxes $ (40,540) $ (47,891) $ (7,351) $ (16,824) $ (13,989) $ 2,835 Net$ (715,699) $ (524,835) $ 190,864 $ (391,625) $ (350,742) $ 40,883
Page 3 of 3 Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY2015‐2016 Financial Report Annual Conference 2016 2016.82b
Year‐to‐Date Report ‐ NATIONAL CONFERENCES
Project FY14 (final) FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) Subproject Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance 14. National Conferences A. NC General Program (3061) Revenues$ 1,163,955 $ 1,301,956 $ 138,001 $ ‐ $ 2,135 $ 2,135 $ 1,296,895 $ 1,561,905 $ 265,010 Expenses$ (292,000) $ (282,342) $ 9,658 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (419,704) $ (294,257) $ 125,447 OH & Taxes$ (281,677) $ (315,018) $ (33,341) $ ‐ $ (542) $ (542) $ (337,218) $ (404,533) $ (67,315) Net$ 590,278 $ 704,596 $ 114,318 $ ‐ $ 1,593 $ 1,593 $ 539,973 $ 863,115 $ 323,142 B. NC Exhibits (3062) Revenues$ 1,520,896 $ 1,602,120 $ 81,224 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 1,557,461 $ 1,624,720 $ 67,259 Expenses$ (521,150) $ (310,754) $ 210,396 $ ‐ $ (4,621) $ (4,621) $ (438,855) $ (568,134) $ (129,279) OH & Taxes$ (336,380) $ (387,713) $ (51,333) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (378,689) $ (380,269) $ (1,580) Net$ 663,366 $ 903,653 $ 240,287 $ ‐ $ (4,621) $ (4,621) $ 739,917 $ 676,317 $ (63,600) C. NC Promotion (3063) Revenues$ 107,000 $ 69,735 $ (37,265) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 84,250 $ 80,495 $ (3,755) Expenses$ (69,700) $ (38,310) $ 31,390 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (63,662) $ (95,289) $ (31,627) OH & Taxes$ (12,947) $ (9,541) $ 3,406 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (8,805) $ (10,424) $ (1,619) Net$ 24,353 $ 21,884 $ (2,469) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 11,783 $ (25,218) $ (37,001) D. NC Registration (3064) Revenues $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (30,250) $ (17,366) $ 12,884 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (2,900) $ (12,049) $ (9,149) OH & Taxes $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Net$ (30,250) $ (17,366) $ 12,884 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (2,900) $ (12,049) $ (9,149) E. NC Opening/Closing Session (3065) Revenues $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (162,000) $ (159,489) $ 2,511 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (189,523) $ (105,819) $ 83,704 Net$ (162,000) $ (159,489) $ 2,511 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (189,523) $ (105,819) $ 83,704 F. NC Programs (3066) Revenues $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (84,250) $ (81,614) $ 2,636 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (79,714) $ (77,002) $ 2,712 Net$ (84,250) $ (81,614) $ 2,636 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (79,714) $ (77,002) $ 2,712 G. NC Meal Events (3069) Revenues$ 83,250 $ 105,880 $ 22,630 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (79,500) $ (104,158) $ (24,658) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (122,549) $ (124,149) $ (1,600) OH $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Net$ 3,750 $ 1,722 $ (2,028) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (122,549) $ (124,149) $ (1,600) H. NC Preconference (3070) Revenues$ 108,500 $ 103,435 $ (5,065) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 93,259 $ 140,297 $ 47,038 Expenses$ (58,950) $ (46,066) $ 12,884 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (52,674) $ (54,600) $ (1,926) OH & Taxes$ (26,257) $ (25,031) $ 1,226 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (23,310) $ (36,337) $ (13,027) Net$ 23,293 $ 32,338 $ 9,045 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 17,275 $ 49,360 $ 32,085
Page 1 of 2 Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY2015‐2016 Financial Report Annual Conference 2016 2016.82b
Project FY14 (final) FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) Subproject Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance I. NC Promotion and Planning (3145) Revenues $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (8,000) $ (86,973) $ (78,973) $ (141,200) $ (119,915) $ 21,285 $ (32,500) $ (42,470) $ (9,970) Net$ (8,000) $ (86,973) $ (78,973) $ (141,200) $ (119,915) $ 21,285 $ (32,500) $ (42,470) $ (9,970) J. PLA Virtual Conference (3173) Revenue$ 48,000 $ 53,590 $ 5,590 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 50,438 $ ‐ $ (50,438) Expenses$ (39,950) $ (29,970) $ 9,980 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (33,000) $ ‐ $ 33,000 OH & Taxes$ (5,808) $ (6,484) $ (676) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (6,532) $ ‐ $ 6,532 Net$ 2,242 $ 17,136 $ 14,894 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 10,906 $ ‐ $ (10,906)
FY14 (final) FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) TOTAL NATIONAL CONFERENCES Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance Revenue $ 3,031,601 $ 3,236,716 $ 205,115 $ ‐ $ 2,135 $ 2,135 $ 3,082,303 $ 3,407,417 $ 325,114 Expenses $ (1,345,750) $ (1,157,042) $ 188,708 $ (141,200) $ (124,536) $ 16,664 $ (1,435,081) $ (1,373,769) $ 61,312 OH & Taxes $ (663,069) $ (743,787) $ (80,718) $ ‐ $ (542) $ (542) $ (754,554) $ (831,563) $ (77,009) Net$ 1,022,782 $ 1,335,887 $ 313,105 $ (141,200) $ (122,943) $ 18,257 $ 892,668 $ 1,202,085 $ 309,417
Page 2 of 2 Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY2015‐2016 Financial Report Annual Conference 2016 2016.82b
Year‐to‐Date Report ‐ GRANTS (Budgeted to Zero Out)
Project TOTAL GRANT BALANCE FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) BALANCES Subproject Pre‐FY15 Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance Post April 2016 Gates Legacy Grant (3175) Jun 2016 to May 2026 (FY16‐FY26) Revenue$ 10,805,701 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 10,805,701 Expenses$ (9,647,947) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (9,647,947) OH & Taxes$ (1,157,754) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (1,157,754) Net $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ IMLS‐PLA‐ALSC Early Literacy (3180) Oct 2013‐Oct 2017 (FY14‐FY18) Revenue$ 499,741 $ 83,291 $ 168,729 $ 128,580 $ (40,149) $ 108,769 $ 115,722 $ 6,953 $ 172,148 Expenses$ (490,058) $ (78,648) $ (166,492) $ (128,580) $ 37,912 $ (108,769) $ (115,722) $ (6,953) $ (167,108) OH & Taxes$ (9,683) $ (4,643) $ (2,237) $ ‐ $ 2,237 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (5,040) Net $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ IMLS Grant Leadership (3182) Jun 2014‐May 2017 (FY14‐FY17) Revenue$ 213,682 $ ‐ $ 92,990 $ 92,990 $ 17,777 $ 4,743 $ (13,034) $ 115,949 Expenses$ (181,670) $ ‐ $ (78,426) $ (78,426) $ (14,993) $ (4,000) $ 10,993 $ (99,244) OH & Taxes$ (32,012) $ ‐ $ (14,564) $ (14,564) $ (2,784) $ (743) $ 2,041 $ (16,705) Net $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Gates Performance Measurement (3190) Jan 2015 ‐ Dec 2018 (FY15‐FY19) Revenue$ 2,956,530 $ ‐ $ 588,886 $ 588,886 $ 615,410 $ 627,491 $ 12,081 $ 1,740,153 Expenses$ (2,639,759) $ ‐ $ (525,791) $ (525,791) $ (549,473) $ (560,260) $ (10,787) $ (1,553,708) OH & Taxes$ (316,771) $ ‐ $ (63,095) $ (63,095) $ (65,937) $ (67,231) $ (1,294) $ (186,445) Net $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Gates EDGE Technology Benchmarks (3194) Feb 2011 until funds are spent Revenue$ 1,173,459 $ 562,901 $ ‐ $ 10,833 $ 10,833 $ ‐ $ 34,767 $ 34,767 $ 564,958 Expenses$ (1,034,066) $ (495,948) $ ‐ $ (9,544) $ (9,544) $ ‐ $ (30,632) $ (30,632) $ (497,942) OH & Taxes$ (139,393) $ (66,953) $ ‐ $ (1,289) $ (1,289) $ ‐ $ (4,135) $ (4,135) $ (67,016) Net $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Gates Gen Ops (3199) April 2015 until funds are spent Revenue$ 203,000 $ ‐ $ 46,988 $ 46,988 $ ‐ $ 71,678 $ 71,678 $ 84,334 Expenses$ (181,247) $ ‐ $ (41,399) $ (41,399) $ ‐ $ (64,553) $ (64,553) $ (75,295) OH & Taxes$ (21,753) $ ‐ $ (5,589) $ (5,589) $ ‐ $ (7,125) $ (7,125) $ (9,039) Net $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐
Page 1 of 2 Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY2015‐2016 Financial Report Annual Conference 2016 2016.82b
Project TOTAL GRANT BALANCE FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) BALANCES Subproject Pre‐FY15 Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance Post April 2016 OLDOS Verizon Digital Learn (116‐0508) Sep 2015‐Aug 2016 (FY16) Revenue$ 243,653 $ ‐ $ 166,154 $ 166,154 $ 77,499 Expenses$ (205,439) $ ‐ $ (140,131) $ (140,131) $ (65,308) OH & Taxes$ (38,214) $ ‐ $ (26,023) $ (26,023) $ (12,191) Net $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐
FY15 (final) FY16 (as of April 2016) TOTAL GRANTS Budget Actual Variance Budget Actual Variance Revenue $ 16,095,766 $ 646,192 $ 168,729 $ 868,277 $ 699,548 $ 741,956 $ 1,020,555 $ 278,599 $ 13,560,742 Expenses $ (14,380,186) $ (574,596) $ (166,492) $ (783,740) $ (617,248) $ (673,235) $ (915,298) $ (242,063) $ (12,106,552) OH & Taxes $ (1,715,580) $ (71,596) $ (2,237) $ (84,537) $ (82,300) $ (68,721) $ (105,257) $ (36,536) $ (1,454,190) Net $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐
COST SHARES
Cost Share IMLS‐PLA‐ALSC Early Literacy (3181) Oct 2013‐Oct 2017 (FY14‐FY18) Revenue $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (235,900) $ (17,779) $ (73,405) $ 22,977 $ 96,382 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (241,098) OH & Taxes $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (2,237) $ ‐ $ 2,237 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Net$ (235,900) $ (17,779) $ (75,642) $ 22,977 $ 98,619 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (241,098) Cost Share IMLS Grant Leadership (3183) Jun 2014‐May 2017 (FY14‐FY17) Revenue $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Expenses$ (140,687) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (140,687) OH & Taxes $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ Net$ (140,687) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (140,687)
Page 2 of 2 PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.83a TO: PLA Board of Directors
RE: Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/DISCUSSION/REPORT
ACTION
ACTION REQUESTED BY:
Clara Bohrer, Budget & Finance Committee Chair
DRAFT OF MOTION:
That the PLA Board of Directors approve the FY 2017 budget as presented.
BACKGROUND:
Attached is the summary overview of the draft FY 2017 budget including: operating fund balance summary, historical comparison and narrative. The draft FY17 budget by project is document 2016.83b. The PLA Budget & Finance Committee recommends that the PLA Board of Directors adopt the FY2017 Budget as presented.
______
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PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.83a FY2017 Projected Operating Fund Balance Summary
2016 Projected Fund Balance: 2015 Beginning Fund Balance $3,062,221 2015 Revenue (actual) + 802,514 Subtotal 3,864,735 2015 Expense (actual) ‐ 1,440,918 2016 Opening Fund Balance $ 2,423,817
2016 Estimated Budgetary Ceiling: 2016 Opening Fund Balance $2,421,661 2016 Revenue Budgeted + 4,175,741 (actual $4,111,582 as of 4/2016) Subtotal $6,597,402 2016 Expenses Budgeted ‐ 3,918,648 (actual $3,145,316 as of 4/2016) 2016 Estimated Budgetary Ceiling $2,678,754 Budgeted Transfer to Endowment 2015 0 2016 Projected Ending Fund Balance $2,678,754
2017 Projected Fund Balance: 2016 Estimated Budgetary Ceiling $2,678,754 (FY17 opening fund balance) 2017 Revenue Budgeted + 931,270 Subtotal 3,610,024 2017 Expenses Budgeted ‐ 1,772,783 2017 Projected Year End Fund Balance $ 1,837,241
Note: For financial planning purposes, ALA uses the budget submitted for the previous fiscal year to project the year‐end fund balance for the 2017 fiscal year that is in development. Actual revenues and expense are noted as of the most current performance report available at this writing, which is April 2016.
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PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.83a Here is an overview of the draft Fiscal Year 2017 budget, along with comparison data for actual and budget in previous and current years.
FY12 Actual FY13 Actual FY14 Actual FY15 Actual FY16 Budget FY17 Draft Beginning $1,049,598 $2,129,598 $1,769,722 $3,062,236 $2,421,661 $2,678,754 Fund Balance Revenues $4,243,107 $ 868,334 $4,180,523 $ 802,514 $4,175,740 $ 931,270
Expenses $2,363,924 $1,172,344 $2,100,044 $1,392,485 $3,115,679 $1,710,460
Overhead $ 799,655 $ 55,304 $ 787,965 $ 48,433 $ 802,968 $ 62,323*
Total $3,163,579 $1,227,648 $2,888,009 $1,440,918 $3,918,648 $1,772,783 Expenses Net $ 1,079,528 $ (359,314) $ 1,292,514 $ (638,404) $ 257,092 $ (841,513)
Ending Fund $ 2,129,052 $1,769,722 $3,062,236 $2,423,817 $ 2,678,754 $1,837,241 Balance * Overhead rate increased from 23.7% to 26.4% for FY17.
FY17 – Overview Revenues Membership dues revenue is comparable to FY15 actual. During a non‐conference year, dues revenue is the majority (53%) of the revenue received. Sponsorships and development is budgeted to increase from actual FY15 given additional staff capacity and potential new partnerships. Continuing strong competition within and outside ALA for public library professional development dollars. ALA Publishing, Library Journal and OCLC/WebJunction, among others, continue to expand webinar and F2F training offerings. Webinars are budgeted at slightly more than FY15 actual. PLA is continuing to develop new or grow existing products and services. For DigitalLearn.org, PLA and CPL have completed development of the branded point of entry to the DL courses for CPL including a user (learner) interface to create accounts, take needs assessments, and create and manage learning plans. Based on responses to the new product at the PLA conference, other library systems are interested in setting up their own DL sites. PLA is currently working out a pricing model for the product; an additional $50,000 in revenue has been budgeted in FY17 in anticipate of the new product roll out. Though advertising revenue have seen a decline over the past two years, PLA staff has contracted with a new advertising sales rep who should be able to bundle print, electronic (via PL Online, webinars, etc.) and PLA conference advertising and who will in general be a stronger presence. Advertising is still budgeted conservatively, close to actual FY15 to allow time for new marketing campaign development. Where appropriate and within association strategic goals, PLA will seek grant funding to support initiatives. PLA staff costs are presently budgeted with legacy grant contributions PLA will continue to maintain a fund balance toward an ALA recommended goal of a minimum of 25% of average operating funds available, which is $750,000.
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PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.83a The PLA B&F Committee and the Board will want to consider its recommendation to the PLA Board on where to earmark the LTI interest. In previous years it has been allocated to leadership development and performance measurement. The estimated amount of the interest should be $45,000. A final recommendation should be made in June 2016.
Expenses The expense side of the budget is $331,865 over the actual spent in FY15. Increases in expenses from actual FY15 are described below.
Increases in professional services line of approximately $190K include increased costs for DigitalLearn, Every Child Ready to Read and podcasts/publications. Web operating costs increased by $14K; we will be redesigning the ECRR website. A facilities rental charge of $44K will be charged in FY17 for the PLA 2018 conference. This is a timing issue; we did not have a similar expense in FY15 for the PLA 2016 conference. Typically we budget for a board contingency fund for special initiatives. It is budgeted at $80K; in FY15 $38K was spent. In FY15, PLA was credited $33K from ALSC for administering the IMLS early literacy research grant. The grant will be closed by FY17. There is a 1% raise for salaries built into the budget.
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Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY17 Budget Overview Annual Conference 2016 2016.83b FY16 & FY17 Budget Comparison
Project FY16 Budget FY17 Budget FY16 to FY17 Revenue Expenses Net Revenue Expenses Net Variance 1. Administration (0000) $ ‐ $ (969,488) $ (969,488) $ ‐ $ (818,634) $ (818,634) $ 150,854 2. Service to Members (3000)$ 507,500 $ (249,950) $ 257,550 $ 502,420 $ (316,969) $ 185,451 $ (72,099) 3. Regional CE, Bootcamp (3007) $ 50,000 $ (46,775) $ 3,225 $ 50,000 $ (43,575) $ 6,425 $ 3,200 4. Spring Symposium (3011)$ 28,000 $ (26,580) $ 1,420 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (1,420) 5. PLA Partners (3020)$ 100,000 $ (15,700) $ 84,300 $ 54,500 $ (8,810) $ 45,690 $ (38,610) 6. ALA Precons/MW Inst (3026) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 40,000 $ (38,950) $ 1,050 $ 1,050 7. Public Libraries (3030)$ 71,000 $ (112,451) $ (41,451) $ 75,000 $ (147,875) $ (72,875) $ (31,424) 8. Web Based CE (3040)$ 70,000 $ (33,060) $ 36,940 $ 53,600 $ (30,325) $ 23,275 $ (13,665) 9. Publications (3058)$ 25,420 $ (13,379) $ 12,041 $ 32,750 $ (27,893) $ 4,857 $ (7,184) 10. Preschool Literacy (3120)$ 70,000 $ (27,285) $ 42,715 $ 71,500 $ (49,976) $ 21,524 $ (21,191) 11. PLDS (3172)$ 1,200 $ (605) $ 595 $ 1,500 $ (10,198) $ (8,698) $ (9,293) 12. Leadership Initiative (3174)$ 10,500 $ (10,405) $ 95 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (95) 13. IMLS Early Literacy Cost Share (3181) $ ‐ $ (78,300) $ (78,300) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 78,300 14. IMLS Leadership Cost Share (3183) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ 15. Digital Learn (3188)$ 20,000 $ (65,200) $ (45,200) $ 50,000 $ (89,940) $ (39,940) $ 5,260 16. CPLA (3189) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐
TOTALS ADMIN/CORE PROJECTS$ 953,620 $ (1,649,178) $ (695,558) $ 931,270 $ (1,583,145) $ (651,875) $ 43,683
17. National Conference A. NC General Program (3061)$ 1,302,000 $ (671,926) $ 630,074 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (630,074) B. NC Exhibits (3062)$ 1,602,120 $ (869,100) $ 733,020 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (733,020) C. NC Promotion (3063)$ 86,000 $ (79,100) $ 6,900 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (6,900) D. NC Registration (3064)$ 25,000 $ (20,400) $ 4,600 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (4,600) E. NC Opening/Closing Session (3065) $ ‐ $ (180,000) $ (180,000) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 180,000 F. NC Programs (3066) $ ‐ $ (85,500) $ (85,500) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 85,500 G. NC Meal Events (3069)$ 90,000 $ (84,000) $ 6,000 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (6,000) H. NC Preconference (3070)$ 90,000 $ (74,710) $ 15,290 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (15,290) I. NC Promotion and Planning (3145) $ ‐ $ (50,000) $ (50,000) $ ‐ $ (161,088) $ (161,088) $ (111,088) J. PLA Virtual Conference (3173)$ 52,000 $ (39,734) $ 12,266 $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ (12,266)
TOTALS NATIONAL CONFERENCE$ 3,247,120 $ (2,154,470) $ 1,092,650 $ ‐ $ (161,088) $ (161,088) $ (1,253,738)
Page 1 of 2 Public Library Association PLA Board of Directors FY17 Budget Overview Annual Conference 2016 2016.83b FY16 & FY17 Budget Comparison
Project FY16 Budget FY17 Budget FY16 to FY17 Revenue Expenses Net Revenue Expenses Net Variance 18. Grants A. Gates Legacy Grant (3175) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 1,119,517 $ (1,119,517) $ ‐ $ ‐ B. IMLS‐PLA‐ALSC Early Literacy (3180)$ 163,153 $ (163,153) $ ‐ $ 169,323 $ (169,323) $ ‐ $ ‐ C. IMLS Grant Leadership (3182)$ 26,666 $ (26,666) $ ‐ $ 94,026 $ (94,026) $ ‐ $ ‐ D. Gates Perf Meas (3190)$ 923,114 $ (923,114) $ ‐ $ 746,382 $ (746,382) $ ‐ $ ‐ E. Gates EDGE Tech Benchmarks (3194) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 83,479 $ (83,479) $ ‐ $ ‐ F. Gates Gen Ops (3199) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ 55,000 $ (55,000) $ ‐ $ ‐ G. OLDOS/Ver DigitalLearn (116‐0508)$ 135,176 $ (135,176) $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐ $ ‐
TOTALS GRANTS$ 1,248,109 $ (1,248,109) $ ‐ $ 2,267,727 $ (2,267,727) $ ‐ $ ‐
PLA OVERVIEW
Admin/Core Projects$ 953,620 $ (1,649,178) $ (695,558) $ 931,270 $ (1,583,145) $ (651,875) $ 43,683 National Conference$ 3,247,120 $ (2,154,470) $ 1,092,650 $ ‐ $ (161,088) $ (161,088) $ (1,253,738) Grants$ 1,248,109 $ (1,248,109) $ ‐ $ 2,267,727 $ (2,267,727) $ ‐ $ ‐
TOTAL ORGANIZATIONAL BUDGET $ 5,448,849 $ (5,051,757) $ 397,092 $ 3,198,997 $ (4,011,960) $ (812,963) $ (1,210,055)
FUND BALANCES
Opening Fund Balance FY16$ 2,423,817 FY17$ 2,820,909 FY Net$ 397,092 $ (812,963) Ending Fund Balance$ 2,820,909 $ 2,007,946
Long Term Investment (LTI) Principle FY16$ 1,216,345 FY17$ 1,240,631 LTI Interest as of Apr 16 $ 40,903 budgeted $ 57,657 LTI Gain/(Loss) as of Apr 16 $ (12,654) budgeted $ ‐ Bank Fees as of Apr 16 $ (3,963) budgeted $ (1,644) Ending LTI Balance (Apr 2016)$ 1,240,631 $ 1,296,644
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TO: PLA Board of Directors
RE: Recommendation on Status of PLA Intellectual Freedom Committee
DATE: June 13, 2016
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT:
Action Requested: Approval of one or more alternative motions regarding status of PLA IF Committee
ACTION REQUESTED BY:
Cindy Gibbon, PLA IFC Chair 2015‐2016
DRAFT OF MOTION:
Motion 1A: The charge of the PLA Intellectual Freedom Committee shall be:
To represent the needs and interests of public libraries in collaborative work with the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee and its Subcommittee on Privacy, and related ALA groups; to develop toolkits, training, and advocacy materials on intellectual freedom and privacy for public libraries; to serve as a training ground for new intellectual freedom and privacy leaders; and to advise the PLA Board on relevant issues or areas of practice under current review
OR
Motion 1B: PLA shall disband the PLA IF committee and annually appoint a liaison to represent PLA on the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, thereby accomplishing the committee's current responsibility, which is to keep the PLA Board informed on Intellectual Freedom matters of interest
AND
Motion 2A: PLA shall appoint two representatives to the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee’s Subcommittee on Privacy beginning in 2016‐2017. The first appointee shall serve a one‐year term and the second appointee shall serve a two‐year term. Thereafter, all appointees shall serve two‐year‐terms expiring in alternate years. These appointees shall represent the privacy and confidentiality interests and expertise of public libraries in the committee’s deliberations and development of official documents, recommendations, and training opportunities.
OR
Motion 2B: PLA shall annually appoint one representative to the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee Subcommittee on Privacy. This appointee shall represent the
PLA Board of Directors Annual Conference 2016 2016.84
privacy and confidentiality interests and expertise of public libraries in the committee’s deliberations and development of official documents, recommendations, and training opportunities.
BACKGROUND:
In 2008, PLA reorganized, reducing the number of PLA committees from approximately 60 to 26. One purpose of the reorganization was to give members an opportunity to become engaged via virtual communities of practice that would not require attendance at ALA conferences. Additionally, the reorganization review revealed that many PLA committees did not have much to do beyond developing conference program proposals. One of the committees that was disbanded at that time was the PLA Intellectual Freedom Committee.
A few years later, when the PLA Board determined a need existed for a PLA Legislation and Advocacy Committee (which had also been eliminated during the reorganization), it was proposed that since intellectual freedom is a core value, the PLA IF committee also be reinstated. The board then approved the reinstatement of both committees. The charge of the PLA IF committee is: “To advise the PLA board of directors on relevant issues or areas of practice under current review.”
Since 2012, the work output of the IF committee has been along the lines of the past tradition, i.e., development of program proposals. The current charge is not action oriented and does not provide sufficient work for a standing committee.
In exploring possible options, current PLA IFC members held a conference call with Jamie LaRue, Deborah Caldwell Stone, and Kristin Pekoll of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, and Pam Klipsch, chair of ALA IFC. They identified the following needs that a PLA Intellectual Freedom Committee could fulfill:
Develop greater awareness of IF issues as they are happening in the field. (This probably means more thought and adoption of an OIF protocol to loop in a larger group on public challenges. This would involve putting the PLA/IFC chair in the email chain regarding challenges. –Jamie LaRue) Member Engagement o Leadership development . Recruit for ALA OIF committees (IFC, Privacy [up to 2], COPE [not from IFC, but from PLA], FTRF. Could also recruit for openings for the Merritt, Conable award groups. o Revision of documents (OIF can assist in identifying needs) o Creation of new content, toolkits to be used by public libraries at the local level o Contribution to webinars, JIFP, blogs. (We’re happy to brand these new leaders as coming from PLA. This would be a great way for us to get fresh content, and for PLA members to get “trained up.”—Jamie LaRue) Call to action o Show up when there's trouble (help us get people in a region to key board meetings, write letters to the editor, etc.)
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o Help on writing new policies/interpretations on Religion, Politics, and New Voices (output of independent publishing), all of which are centered on public libraries
Possible Courses of Action:
Before acting on the matter of PLA IFC’s future, the PLA Board would be well advised to understand and clearly define what it wants a PLA Intellectual Freedom Committee to accomplish on behalf of the Board and of public libraries. Some possible options, depending on the board’s intentions:
Option One: Disband the standing committee and appoint a PLA member as liaison from the PLA Board to the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee. This individual would represent PLA on ALA IFC and would keep the PLA Board informed on current issues under consideration and advise when the Board might need to take specific action, consider appointing a PLA task force on a critical issue, or make sure that PLA is represented on an important committee.
Option two: Provide an action‐oriented charge to the standing committee that captures the Board’s intentions for the committee’s work and links the work to PLA priorities. Consider using individual committee members to connect directly to relevant work that is going on in other ALA units to achieve a unified team approach and ensure public library representation.
DRAFT Action‐oriented charge:
The charge of the PLA Intellectual Freedom Committee is to represent the needs and interests of public libraries in collaborative work with the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee and its Subcommittee on Privacy and related ALA groups; to develop toolkits, training, and advocacy materials on intellectual freedom and privacy for public libraries; to serve as a training ground for new intellectual freedom and privacy leaders; and to advise the PLA Board on relevant issues or areas of practice under current review
Possible committee structure linking committee positions to specific responsibilities:
Chair (liaison to ALA IFC)
Position 1 (PLA liaison to OIF related to field support for challenges)
Position 2 (PLA representative #1 to ALA IFC Subcommittee on Privacy
Position 3 (PLA representative to Committee on Professional Ethics)
Position 4 (PLA representative #2 to ALA IFC Subcommittee on Privacy
Position 5 (PLA representative to intellectual freedom awards committee(s)—Merritt and/or Conable)
Position 6 (PLA liaison to working group on new policies/interpretations (religion, politics, new voices, etc)
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Some of these assignments would come along with the appointment by the PLA president. Some might be assigned by the committee chair in consultation with committee members depending on current needs. The basic idea is that committee members need an action‐oriented reason to be on the committee and responsibilities to fulfill. Undoubtedly, the committee would need to take some responsibility for helping the PLA president recruit interested and capable members who would be willing to take on these responsibilities. The biggest challenge in creating a vibrant PLA IFC will be in finding members who are willing and able to commit time to the work.
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TO: PLA Board of Directors RE: EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award DATE: November 3, 2015
ACTION REQUESTED/INFORMATION/REPORT: Action Requested ACTION REQUESTED BY: Luren Dickinson, Chair, EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award Jury
DRAFT OF MOTIONS: The PLA Board votes to rename the EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award to the EBSCO Excellence in Rural Library Service Award, and to revise eligibility criteria for the award to disallow branch libraries from eligibility and to add criteria of an upper per capita income limit of not more than the 75th quartile of the national average required for qualification.
The PLA Board also votes to approve an increase in the award amount ($500) and payment of a travel stipend to the recipient (up to $1,500), pending availability of this funding from the award sponsor.
BACKGROUND: Since its meeting at ALA Annual in 2014, the EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award Jury has been giving consideration to revising the jury’s charge as well as the name of the Award. At the June 27, 2015 meeting, the group came up with the following recommendations:
1) That a travel stipend be added to the award to permit the winning library to send someone to receive the award at ALA Annual (as well as to increase the amount of the award, if funds should allow); 2) That branch libraries of a library system be ineligible to apply for the award; 3) That an upper per capita income limit at not more than the 75th quartile of the national average for libraries serving less than 10,000 residents (about $60 per capita in 2011) be included with the 10,000 or less population limit; and 4) That the jury name be somehow simplified and shortened, perhaps by deleting the “small and/or” and maybe “public” as well to make it the EBSCO Excellence in Rural Library Service Award?
Of course, whatever is done must be approved through EBSCO, which is sponsoring the award. Thank you for your serious consideration of these recommendations and for any feedback that you might provide to the jury.
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TO: PLA Board of Directors FROM: Larry Neal, PLA Past‐President RE: Statement on Future Accreditation
BACKGROUND
PLA was approached by Gary Wasdin, a member of the ALA Future Context of Future Accreditation Committee, to provide a statement on behalf of PLA’s members regarding this issue. The final proposed statement is a result of discussion and review at the PLA Spring Board meeting followed by draft review by several PLA leaders.
Charge of the ALA Task Force
To develop a white paper that describes the fields and context for which we will be accrediting in the future and to make recommendations as may arise in the process of that development to the ALA Executive Board. The discussion should address: Accreditation of information programs – who is doing what, how do they or might they relate to LIS programs; disconnect (or perceived disconnect) between skills increasingly needed (e.g. information architecture), the current curricula of LIS programs, and standards/statements of core competencies currently in place; Values – e.g., public access, privacy, intellectual freedom – as common threads binding together LIS and related fields and a core element in curricula; and, The changing institutional context for accreditation, including factors such as pedagogical innovation, assessment and resources. The discussion/white paper should result in a conceptual statement as a framework for the development (by the ALA Committee on Accreditation) of future standards.
Explanation from Mary Ghikas
It would be extremely valuable if PLA could prepare a statement, grounded in your understanding of the libraries represented by your members that might help us answer the fundamental question “what is the field for which we will be accrediting graduate education in the future?” PLA’s work is helping to shape that future field and, I believe, should provide some significant insights into how statements of desired competencies and, ultimately, standards for accreditation, should change.
PROPOSED STATEMENT ON FUTURE ACCREDITATION
Public libraries have expanded beyond their traditional roles of providing information access and now position themselves as critical centers of learning, creativity, and community development. The challenge is to continue this transformation and ensure that tomorrow’s library professionals are equipped to meet individual and community needs in a rapidly changing environment. The public library field will need to continue to amplify the
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widespread, systemic changes in services, staffing, and roles that show positive outcomes for individuals and communities. People are moved to work in the public library because of its unique and unparalleled ability to help anyone learn, do, and grow. Future accreditation must ensure that degree programs attract and cultivate professionals who will gain a sound understanding of the philosophy and core values of librarianship. It is essential that students gain practical field engagement and an understanding of the public service‐oriented skillsets1 that will continuously evolve and change over one’s career. The next generation of public librarians must be adept at developing new partnerships, creating cultures of innovation by adopting new tools and programs from others in and outside of the field, and rigorously applying resources to identify, measure, and respond to community needs. They must use data and continuous assessment to make ongoing programmatic improvement and communicate the public library’s impact to government, funders, and other stakeholders. The Public Library Association (PLA) represents a wide range of professionals in public libraries of all sizes across the United States. The importance and requirement of an ALA accredited degree varies greatly by state and by library. The decision not to require an ALA accredited degree for a position may be driven by budgetary challenges or inability to attract prospective employees to a given location. In addition the decision not to require an ALA accredited degree may be that another degree or specialty altogether is better suited to meet the library’s service goals. Further, as the costs of higher education greatly outpace the increases in the starting salary of a public librarian, the financial barrier to receive an ALA accredited master’s degree will continue to increase and the return on investment will continue to decrease. PLA urges that any future accreditation begin with a fresh, in‐depth look at the field’s needs for library professionals. It is critical that the amazing and innovative things happening in the field are reflected in the way in which library education is evaluated through accreditation. Options to explore should include accreditation for undergraduate programs as well as offering LIS specializations for other degree programs such as information technology, early childhood development, social work, reading education and other related fields that may offer a broader and more diverse talent pool to ensure tomorrow’s public libraries best meet the needs of the communities they serve.
1 Examples of 11 essential skills identified in the March 2016 Library Journal article, “Top Skills for Tomorrow’s Librarians,” included: advocacy/politics, collaboration, communication/people skills, creativity/innovation, critical thinking, data analysis, flexibility, leadership, marketing, project management, and technological expertise.
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