ALA Annual Conference was reported today in the Chicago Tribune:
“Thousands of librarians are expected to gather in Chicago starting this week for the American Library Association’s annual conference.
ALA officials say the conference comes at a time when library use nationwide has soared. But that jump in usage also comes as many public libraries face budget cuts.
Data compiled by the association show 41 percent of U.S. states reported declining state funding for public libraries in the 2009 fiscal year.
Other issues to be discussed at the conference include technology, literacy and issues school libraries face.
The conference starts Thursday and ends next week.”
*********************************************************************
A great opportunity has arisen.
Perhaps there has never been so much positive publicity in America about libraries and librarians — ironically at a time when libraries and librarians face their biggest challenges from within and without the profession.
Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero – “seize the day and place no trust in tomorrow“! This cannot be just a cliché, an eloquent quote from a bygone era, or an intellectual assent.
Now is the time to exhort our professional colleagues to daily excellence, continual development, proactive planning, and unified advocacy.
Our success or failure will not be determined by new programs or plans, more, bigger or better conferences, education reform , fiscal bailouts or the latest technology.
Success is dependent upon inclusion, relationship and commitment.
