This article outlines Public Library Association (PLA) 2010 annual conference to be held in Oregon Convention Center, Portland on March 23-27. The days quickly fill up with the picks of over 100 programs as well as valuable "talk tables" and special events. The well-organized schedule, divided into eight broad tracks (e.g., technology,…

For libraries, the impact of the derailed economy was felt more fully in 2009 than in 2008, as tax revenues decreased and public funds dwindled. By February 2009, the American Library Association (ALA) reported from a survey of its Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) that 41 percent of states expected declining state funding for…

Hard times bring out the ambiguity in politics. Except for fiscal extremists, most politicians in North America want to support their libraries. When "Library Journal" ("LJ") planned to name the heroes and villains in the politics of library funding, they rediscovered that politics just is not that simple, and that it may be a…

The perfect politician, the ideal political ally to a library, is often but not always an elected official. He or she is always an effective champion of "reasonable financial support," i.e., "the amount...which a thoroughly competent librarian can spend wisely." That is what J.T. Wyer, director of the New York State Library, said in his "What the…

On January 19, 2009, the day before his historic inauguration, President Obama and his wife, Michelle, commemorated Martin Luther King Day by volunteering for various community service projects around the Washington, DC, area. A record number of Americans also participated in the King Day of Service, joining in over 13,000 projects, more than…

This article gives the details of the the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting, held January 14-17 in Boston. The meeting showed a bounce back in attendance. The total count was 13,232, including 10,028 registrants and 3,204 exhibitors, an increase from 2004 San Diego totals of 10,788, 7,944, and 2,844, respectively. Still, the…

Reports on efforts in the 1970's by the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association, to develop new standards for public libraries. (Author/PF)

The International Association of Metropolitan City Libraries (INTAMEL) was founded in 1968. This profile is the first in a series on international library associations. (20 references) (DH)

Report on the 1992 Canadian Library Association (CLA) conference discusses plans for a national summit on information policy, the current situation of public libraries, updating of policy statements, and strengthening CLA. CLA officers and awards are listed. (MES)

Guidelines developed with the input and assistance of numerous Latino librarians are enumerated. Covering planning and evaluation of library services, access and delivery systems, personnel, materials, and services and programs, they will subsequently be submitted to ALA for adoption and distribution. (JPF)

Explores the relationship between Public Library Association (PLA) planning and the themes of literacy, productivity, and democracy that were chosen by the White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS). Discussion is based on data collected by the Public Library Data Service (PLDS) that examine current library services in…

Discussion of cooperation between church and synagogue libraries and public libraries notes church and synagogue library collections (materials organized to serve local congregation in study and teaching of its heritage, materials on role of clergy and laity, biographical information); building cooperative relationships; Church and Synagogue…

The 19 essays presented were written at Library Journal's" request to respond to the article Social Responsibility vs. The Library Bill of Rights" by David Berninghausen which appeared in the November 15, 1972 issue of LJ (p3675-81). It is recommended that readers refer back to the Berninghausen article when they read these essays.…

Describes the role and activities of Susan Kent, City Librarian of Los Angeles, who was named librarian of the year by Library Journal. Discusses political aspects; improving and expanding Los Angeles Public Library branches; public and private funding; the staff and union issues; national and international organizations; and career influences.…

The American Library Association's (ALA) Annual Conference, June 24?30, in steamy Orlando, drew 19,575 people, including 5,739 exhibitors, the lowest total since Miami in 1994, not counting the SARS-shadowed conference in Toronto last year (see statistics, p. 15). Although this years conference was filled with exciting events, this abstract is…