In a rare show of bipartisanship, the Senate passed the controversial Federal Library Agency Act (FLAA) on a nearly unanimous voice vote, sending it to President Obama for his expected signature. The House had passed it in February with a two-thirds majority. The FLAA creates a new mandate by combining federal library functions scattered…

Library advocacy in one of two directions is the top priority of both Camila Alire and J. Linda Williams, the candidates campaigning to capture the 2009-10 term as president of the American Library Association (ALA). Alire, dean emeritus of the libraries of both the University of New Mexico and Colorado State University, will push for enhancements…

The author reports on the 2010 annual conference of the American Library Association (ALA) which was held in Washington, District of Columbia. The Washington Convention Center turned out to be an opportune oasis for librarians to gather and recharge away from the heat, climatological and metaphorical. Though library travel budgets have taken a…

Describes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and discusses its implications for both public and private libraries. The term "disability" is defined; sources of federal regulations that pertain to libraries are cited; the need for sign language interpreters is discussed; Braille materials are considered; and staff requirements are…

This somewhat satiric article reports on the termination rites for federal funding of Library Services and Construction Act programs held recently at HEW. Revenue Sharing is supposed to fill the void but assurances of that were not well received by the gathered mourners. (DH)

Explains scope of the Library Services and Construction Act, Title IV-B, and Higher Education Act, Title II, programs with emphasis on library funding. The future of library programs under these acts is also addressed. (SW)

Advocates library organization and support on a national level. Federal legislation and creation of a national library authority are means considered to achieve the goals of library standardization, bibliographic control, and database development. (SW)

The civil liberties issues involved in the keeping of public records certainly arose prior to the use of computers, but automated information systems have, beyond any question, aggravated those issues involved in all areas of application and have made the need for legal protection crucial, if we are not to see a synergistic development of national…

This third article in a series dealing with libraries' compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act addresses architectural considerations, including library furnishings; accessibility problems outside the library building; architectural barriers in library interiors; and responsibilities of public and private entity libraries. (LRW)

Guidance for libraries in implementing the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is provided in question and answer format. Topics covered include library services and materials, employment issues, and parking requirements. (LAE)

Considers role of states as middlemen between federal government and local public libraries in administration of Library Services and Construction Act funds. An audit of Illinois state library agencies, 1970 federal mandates, state control of federal funds, and state library agencies' use of funds are discussed. Eight references are cited. (EJS)

The author suggests that a critical review and evaluation of LSCA is needed. He contends that demonstration, research, and experimental projects are not what is needed today; rather, there is need for additional funding for books, library materials, and staff. A suggested remedy is increased federal assistance through per capita support grants.…

Defines multicultural groups, discusses the evolution of multiculturalism, analyzes the "one-third myth," which says that America will be one-third minority by the year 2000, discusses statistical multicultural theories, and reviews laws and regulations that provide equality in jobs and education. Also examines multicultural trends in…

Reviews the history of state library financial support and argues for direct state aid to all libraries which meet moderate standards. Recent judicial decisions are discussed in this context. (JVP)

Examines the federal government role in supporting libraries. Highlights include the Library Services and Construction Act; the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; the Higher Education Act; legislation proposing restructuring of the Depository Library Program; the development of the National Information Infrastructure; and the role of the ALA…