Thursday, June 2, 2005
San Antonio Registrations Strong
The 2005 AALL Annual Meeting in San Antonio is mere weeks away and registrations are coming in at a rapid clip. As of yesterday we had 1,283 total registrations and 174 exhibit booths reserved. Mid-May through mid-June is traditionally the period that sees the heaviest receipt of registrations. Three of our four workshops are also fully subscribed, although we still have seats available for "Systems Thinking: A New Way to Strategize." It's going to be a terrific meeting and we're looking forward to giving you a warm Texas welcome!
Library of Congress Convenes Group to Consider Copyright Exceptions for Libraries and Archives
Two AALL Past Presidents hold prominent positions in the newly convened "Section 108 Study Group." Laura N. Lolly Gassaway, Director of the Law Library and Professor of Law at UNC Chapel Hill co-chairs the Study Group with Richard Rudick, former Vice President and General Counsel of John Wiley. Past President Bob Oakley, Director of the Georgetown Law Library and Professor of Law serves as one of 19 members.
The group, named for the section of the Copyright Act dealing with libraries, held an inaugural meeting in mid-April to prepare findings and make recommendations to the Librarian of Congress regarding alterations to copyright law in light of current technologies. The group hopes to deliver its recommendations by mid-2006 and plans on holding sessions outside of its regular meetings for the public and the press. A web site is in the works and public comments will also be solicited.
The group will address how digital technologies are radically transforming the manner in which copyrighted works are created and disseminated, and also how libraries and archives preserve and make those works available. The next meeting will be held June 9 in New York City.
What's the Buzz? Seeking Hot Topic Suggestions
Keep the conversation going in San Antonio! The Annual Meeting Program Committee holds one program slot for a late breaking or otherwise timely topic. If you have ideas about emerging issues that might be suitable for the Hot Topic program please contact Karen Brunner, AMPC Chair, (973-451-8585) by June 8th.
Support the Social Responsibilities SIS Annual Book Drive
The Social Responsibilities Special Interest Section (SR-SIS) is coordinating the 7th Annual Children's Book Drive in San Antonio. The theme this year is Fiesta of Books!
This year's efforts will benefit the San Antonio Independent School District's most needy schools: Carvajal Elementary, Herff Elementary, Margil Elementary, Pershing Elementary, and W. W. White Elementary. These schools have high numbers of at-risk children, and most of their populations identify both as ethnic minorities and as economically disadvantaged.
Think about how you would like to donate this year. It is easier than ever! You can go to Amazon to choose from the Book Drive Wish List (click on the "Wish List" link and then search for "AALL" or "Fiesta of Books") and your donation will be shipped directly to the Book Drive Team. Other options include bringing your donation with you to the Conference and donating at the SR-SIS table or sending your donation check made out to AALL:
Fiesta of Books c/o Barbara Lah
University of New Mexico School of Law Library
MSC 11-6080
Alburquerque, NM 87131-0001
lah@law.unm.edu
Request for Proposals for a National Study on User Satisfaction with Access to Government Information
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is seeking proposals for a national research study on how individuals with limited access to Internet resources (those who do not have broadband access from home, work, or school; who choose to access government services and information from locations other than home, work, or school; or who do so through traditional means of access) access federal, state, and local government services and whether such users are satisfied with the access provided by public libraries and public access computing centers.
The study will also examine ways public libraries and public access computing centers provide assistance (e.g., through reference services, tutorials, classes, training) to users seeking federal, state, and local government information and services.
The IMLS solicitation for a cooperative agreement to study user satisfaction with access to government information and services at public libraries and public access computing centers can be found on the Institute's Web site.
The deadline for proposals to be received at the IMLS is July 20, 2005. The maximum award is $500,000 for a two-year period beginning from the date of the award. The estimated award date is September 30, 2005. IMLS anticipates making a single award for the project.
Learn Salary Negotiation via AALLNET
The Salary Negotiation program from the 97th AALL Annual Meeting in Boston is now available on ALLNET in two streaming audio files: Salary Negotiations and Salary Negotiations Q&A.
Transitions
Congratulations to incoming Executive Board member Steven P. Anderson, who will assume the position of Director of the Maryland State Law Library, replacing AALL's 2005 Marian Gould Gallagher Distinguished Service Award recipient Mike Miller, who will be retiring this month.
On June 20 Lynn Cotteleer with join the AALL Headquarters staff as our new Director of Finance & Administration, replacing Steve Ligda, who will retire in August. Lynn comes to us from AALL's accounting firm, Wolf and Company. She has 25 years' experience in finance and accounting, an MBA and a CPA. We're thrilled to have her come on board. Please give her a warm welcome when you see her at the annual meeting.
The American Society of Association Executives selected Reggie Swanigan, AALL's Director of Information Technology, as a 2005-2006 Diversity Executive Leadership Program Scholar. ASAE awards only 10 scholarships nationally. Selected DELP Scholars receive a complimentary one-year membership in ASAE, in the Chicago allied society, free registration to professional development programs and the 2005 ASAE annual meeting.
Congratulations to all!
Sincerely,
Susan E. Fox, CAE
Executive Director