ALA Council I
Sunday, June 25, 2006
10:45am-12:15pm
Morial Convention Center, La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom
New Orleans, LA
ADOPTED, ALA CD#2.1, 2006 ALA Midwinter Council Minutes.
APPROVED, The following slate of candidates for the 2006-2007 Council Committee on Committees Election: Bernadine Abbott-Hoduski; Jose Aguinaga; Barbara A. Genco; Norman Maas; Stephen L. Matthews; Robert Randolph Newlen; Jan W. Sanders; and Courtney L. Young. (ALA CD#12, 2005-2006 ALA Council Committee on Committees Report on the Nominations for the 2006-2007 ALA Council Committee on Committees Election)
APPROVED, The following slate of candidates for the 2006-2007 Planning and Budget Assembly Election: Councilors-at-Large: Randall Enos; Bonnie L. Kunzel; Katharine B. Lehman; Virginia Sanchez; Sherrie Schmidt; and Theresa A. Tobin. Chapter Councilors: Sandra M. Barstow; Thomas Kevin Cherry; Jackie Yvonne Griffin; and Vicki L. Gregory. (ALA CD#12.1, 2005-2006 ALA Council Committee on Committees Report on the Nominations for the 2006-2007 ALA Planning and Budget Assembly Election)
REFERRED, To the Committee on Legislation, with a report back to the ALA at the 2006 ALA Annual Conference, ALA CD#48, Resolution Endorsing HR 676 (For Single Payer Universal Health Care and S 2772, The Health Partnership Act), which read: “That the American Library Association endorses HR 676, “Expanded Medicare for All,” a single payer health care program; and that the American Library Association endorses S2772, “Health Care Partnership Act,” as a first step towards affordable quality health care for all; and that the American Library Association works with affiliated organizations and among our own membership to build popular support for these bills; and that the American Library Association sends a copy of this resolution to the President, to all Senators and Representatives and to all State Chapters of ALA.”
ALA Council II
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
9:15am-12:45pm
Morial Convention Center, La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom
VOTED, To adopt the following three (3) action items contained in ALA CD#17.1, Policy Monitoring Committee Report:
Item 1. Based on CD #13 (Midwinter Meeting 2006), submitted by the ALA Executive Board, approved by the consent of Council, the PMC recommends that Section 1.4 Key Action Areas be changed to read:
Key Action Areas:
•Diversity
•Equitable Access to Information and Library Services
•Education and Lifelong Learning
•Intellectual Freedom
•Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession
•Literacy
•Organizational Excellence
(See “Current Reference File”: ALA Programmatic Priorities: 2005-2006 ALA CD#13)
Item 2: Based on CD #36 (Midwinter Meeting 2006), submitted by Councilor Mark Rosenzweig, approved by the consent of Council, the PMC recommends that this policy be added to the ALA Policy Manual as:
53.5 Support of Academic Freedom
The American Library Association reaffirms the principles of academic freedom embodied in the American Association of University Professors’ “Statement on Academic Freedom and Tenure” (1940), and opposes any legislation or codification of documents (e.g. the “Academic Bill of Rights” (ABOR)) that undermine academic or intellectual freedom, chill free speech, and/or otherwise interfere with the academic community’s well-established norms and values of scholarship and educational excellence. (See “Current Reference File”: Resolution in Support of Academic Freedom, 2005-2006 ALA CD#36)
Item 3. Based on CD # 18.2 submitted by The ALA International Relations Committee and approved by the consent of Council, the PMC recommends that this policy be added to the ALA Policy Manual as:
58.5 Rights of Librarians and Library Workers to Travel
The American Library Association affirms and supports the rights of librarians and library workers in or from the U.S. to travel to all countries in order to attend and participate in conferences, to purchase books and other library materials, to meet and develop working relationships with librarians, to develop gift and exchange programs, to pursue and establish ties with library and other professional associations and libraries, and to conduct educational and professional library-related activities. In addition, ALA affirms and supports the rights of librarians and library workers from outside the U.S. to travel to the U.S., and not be prohibited or impeded by U.S. government policies, to attend and participate in conferences, to purchase books, and other library materials, to meet and develop working relationships with librarians and library staff, to develop gift and exchange programs, to pursue and establish ties with library and other professional associations and libraries, and to conduct educational and professional library-related activities. (See “Current Reference File”: Resolution on Rights of Librarians and Library Workers to Travel: 2006-2006 ALA CD#18.2)
ADOPTED, ALA CD#30.1, Resolution on Taxpayer Bill of Rights Laws (known as TABOR, TEL, SOS, etc.), which read:
“That the American Library Association opposes Taxpayer Bill of Rights Laws (TABOR), also known by other names such as Taxpayer Expenditure Limitations (TEL), Stop Over Spending Now (SOS) and other names, through the state legislatures or by state constitutional amendment; and that the American Library Association encourages state and regional library associations to oppose the passage of these laws, and take steps necessary to defeat such legislation or constitutional amendments.”
VOTED, That a task force of ALA Membership Committee and Budget Analysis and Review Committee members provide a plan for a graduated dues structure study for presentation to the ALA Council and the ALA Executive Board no later than the 2007 Midwinter Meeting. (2005-2006 ALA CD#33.2, Budget Analysis and Review Committee Report on 2006 Midwinter Council Resolution for a Graduated Dues Structure Study, ALA CD#38)
ADOPTED, ALA CD50, as amended to read:
“That the American Library Association Council urges all the relevant ALA units and the profession-at-large to highlight and explain the Darfur Genocide through collections, programs, displays, resource guides, and other suitable means; and that the ALA calls upon publishers to actively seek and publish materials at both lay and scholarly levels to add to public understanding of Darfur and other genocidal conflicts.”
APPROVED, The FY2007 Total ALA Budgetary Ceiling of $54,653,986 (ALA CD#13.4, ALA Treasurer’s Report)
ALA Council III
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
8:00am-12:30pm
Morial Convention Center, La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom
ADOPTED, The following memorials: Henriette D. Avram; Ross Atkinson; Mary Jane Anderson; Lee Brawner; John Iliff; Daniel T. Lundy; Carole C. Callard; John McGowan; and Israel David Fishman.
ADOPTED, The following tribute: Resolution Dedicated to the City of New Orleans and Its Citizens.
ELECTED, To the 2006-2007 Council Committee on Committees: 86 Stephen L. Matthews; Barbara Genco; Bernadine Abbott-Hoduski; and Robert Randolph Newlen. (Council Tellers Report, ALA CD#12.3)
ELECTED, To the 2006-2007 Planning and Budget Assembly. Chapter Representatives: Sandra M. Barstow and Thomas Kevin Cherry. Councilor-at-Large Representatives: Bonnie L. Kunzel;
Katharine B. Lehman; and Theresa A. Tobin. (Council Tellers Report, ALA CD#12.3)
ADOPTED, The following two (2) ALA Bylaws amendments as identified in ALA CD#25.3, ALA Constitution and Bylaws Committee Report:
Item #1, Article III. Nominations & Elections: To amend the ALA Bylaw Article III, Nominations and Elections, Section 2(a) to read:
“The ALA Nominating Committee shall report its nominations at the Midwinter Meeting of the Council. The final list of the candidates’ names shall be reported in American Libraries.”
Item #2, Article III. Nominations & Elections: To amend theALA Bylaw Article III, Nominations and Elections, Section 4(b) as follows:
Insert a new Article III. Nominations & Elections, Section 4(b) to read:
“For every election of the Association, the Committee on Election shall establish a closing date for the membership list. Only members in good standing on that date shall receive a ballot and shall be entitled to vote.”
Renumber current Bylaw Article III, Section 4(b) to Section 4(c).
ADOPTED, The following nine (9) resolutions identified in ALA CD#20.7-ALA CD#20.16, ALA Committee on Legislation Report:
Item #1, Resolution on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Libraries, ALA CD#20.8, which read:
“That the American Library Association urges Congress to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reprogram $2.5 Million of the EPA FY 2007 budget to fund EPA Libraries; and that ALA urges the EPA to restore funding to the EPA regional and laboratory libraries; and that ALA urges the EPA to develop a responsible information and collections management strategy, and make it available for public comment, to ensure continued access for the public and other stakeholders to the collections and services of the EPA Libraries.”
Item #2, Resolution on the Federal Research Public Access Act of 2006 (FRPAA), ALA CD#20.9, which read:
“That the American Library Association supports S. 2695, the Federal Research Public Access Act of 2006, as introduced, in that it reflects ALA policy regarding access to Federal government information by providing for the long-term preservation of, and no fee public access to, government-sponsored, published research findings.”
Item #3, Resolution on Saving Federal Libraries, ALA CD#20.10, which read:
“That the American Library Association urges Congress to affirm that the federal libraries are inherently governmental and the position of librarian is essential; and that ALA urges the United States Congress to hold oversight hearings investigating the ongoing destruction of federal libraries before they are lost beyond recovery; and that ALA urges Congress to adequately fund federal libraries so that they will be able to employ federal librarians with subject expertise to provide research services.”
Item #4, Resolution on Support of Online Social Networks, ALA CD#20.11, which read:
“That the American Library Association opposes the Deleting Online Predators Act as it is presently drafted; and that the American Library Association affirms the importance of online social networks to library users of all ages for developing and using essential information literacy skills; and that ALA asks library supporters to contact their representatives and senators to inform them about the important role `social networking sites’ serve in civic participation, collaboration, etc. and about problems caused by mandatory blocking as proposed in H.R. 5319; and
that the American Library Association communicates this resolution to the United States Congress and to others, as appropriate.”
Item #5, Resolution Affirming “Network Neutrality”, ALA CD#20.12, which read:
“That the American Library Association affirms the right of all library users to enjoy equal and equitable internet access free from commercial bias, whether provided in the library, or through remote access to library resources; that ALA reiterates its support for effective network neutrality legislation such as the Internet Freedom Preservation Act (S.2917) and the Network Neutrality Act of 2006 (H.R. 5273), and that the ALA supports the FCC’s codification of network neutrality principles, and that ALA calls upon library supporters to actively advocate for effective and enforceable network neutrality as telecommunications reform legislation proceeds in Congress.”
Item #6, Resolution Reaffirming the Need for Access to Advanced Communications Services and Support for Universal Service and the E-Rate Discounts for Libraries and Schools, ALA CD#20.13, which read:
“That ALA adopts the position that any proposed legislation and related regulations must assure universal service funding support for current and more advanced telecommunications services in libraries and schools; and that the American Library Association (ALA) supports proposals that exempt all universal service programs from Antideficiency Act accounting requirements; and that ALA calls upon all library supporters to advocate on behalf of the E-rate and universal service; and that ALA communicates this resolution to the United States Congress and to others as appropriate.”
Item #7, Resolution of Appreciation For Patrice McDermott, ALA CD#20.14, which read:
“That the American Library Association (ALA) congratulates Patrice in her new position as director of OpenTheGovernment.org; and that the ALA membership looks forward to collaborating with Patrice on issues of mutual interest; and that the ALA membership extends its sincere appreciation for Patrice’s tireless efforts on behalf of the Association and library users around the world and wish her continued success.”
Item #8, American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Resolution on No-Fee FDLP Access to PACER, ALA CD#20.15, which read:
“That the U.S. Government Printing Office should negotiate with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to make the PACER system available at no cost to users of federal depository libraries; and that this resolution be forwarded to appropriate members of Congress, including the Joint Committee on Printing, the Administrative Office of the US Courts, and the Depository Library Council.”
Item #9, Resolution Endorsing HR 676 (For Single Payer Universal Heath Care and
S 2772, the Health Partnership Act.) ALA CD#20.16, which read:
“That the American Library Association endorses HR 676, “Expanded Medicare for All,” a single payer health care program; and that the American Library Association endorses S2772, “Health Partnership Act,” as a first step towards affordable quality health care for all; and that the American Library Association works with affiliated organizations and among our own membership to build popular support for these bills; and that the American Library Association sends a copy of this resolution to the President, to all Senators and Representatives.”
ADOPTED, The following three (3) resolutions identified in ALA CD#19.1-ALA CD#19.5, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee Report:
Item#1, Resolution on the Retention of Library Usage Records, ALA CD#19.3, which read:
“That the American Library Association urges all libraries to:
• Limit the degree to which personally identifiable information is collected, monitored, disclosed, and distributed; and
• Avoid creating unnecessary records; and
• Limit access to personally identifiable information to staff performing authorized functions; and
• Dispose of library usage records containing personally identifiable information unless they are needed for the efficient and lawful operation of the library, including, but not limited to data-related logs, digital records, vendor-collected data, and system backups; and
• Ensure that the library work with its organization’s information technology unit to ensure that library usage records processed or held by the IT unit are treated in accordance with library records policies; and
• Ensure that those records that must be retained are secure; and
• Avoid library practices and procedures that place personally identifiable information on public view; and
• Assure that vendor agreements guarantee library control of all data and records; and
• Conduct an annual privacy audit to ensure that information processing procedures meet privacy requirements by examining how information about library users and employees is collected, stored, shared, used, and destroyed; and
That the American Library Association urges all libraries to adopt or update a privacy policy protecting users’ personally identifiable information, communicating to library users how their information is used, and explaining the limited circumstances under which personally identifiable information could be disclosed; and that the American Library Association urges members of the library community to advocate that records retention laws and regulations limit retention of library usage records containing personally identifiable information to the time needed for efficient operation of the library.”
Item#2, Resolution on National Discussion on Privacy, ALA CD#19.4, which read:
“That the Intellectual Freedom Committee, Intellectual Freedom Round Table, and Libraries Fostering Civic Engagement Membership Intitiative Group collaborate with other ALA units toward a national conversation about privacy as an American value.”
Item#3, Resolution to Commend the John Does of the Library Connection, ALA CD#19.5, which read:
“That the American Library Association strongly commends the stand of the Connecticut John Does—George Christian, Barbara Bailey, Peter Chase, and Janet Nocek—in their successful legal battle to defend the privacy of library user records; and that the American Library Association condemns the use of National Security Letters to demand any library records; and that the American Library Association reaffirms its opposition to sections of the USA PATRIOT Act that infringe on library patrons’ ability to access library services without privacy safeguards.”
VOTED, That ALA and Council committees are required to submit to Council an update of their activities within a month after each Midwinter Meeting or Annual Conference. (Committee on Organization Committee Report, ALA CD#27.1)
ADOPTED, Resolution on Lessons Learned from Meeting in New Orleans, ALA CD#53, as amended to read:
“That the American Library Association commends the members of the library community in the hurricane-affected areas for their tireless efforts to maintain a level of service that few thought would be possible after such a massive disaster and to restore valued library services for the people they serve; and that the American Library Association urges conference attendees to take full advantage of this ‘teachable moment’ to bear witness to the extent of the work that remains to be done here with their colleagues, employers, and communities at home; and that the American Library Association urges librarians to establish or strengthen their relationships with their state and local emergency planning agencies and offer their libraries' services in disaster preparation, response and recovery for the future; and that this document be distributed as the ALA Executive Director deems as appropriate; and that the American Library Association urges state chapters to contact and work with the ALA Chapter Relations Office staff to aid Gulf Coast libraries through means such as the Adopt-a-Library program.”
