Q&A- On the Issues: Hayden and Strauch for ALA President

Is the new Allied Professional Association (APA) of the American Library Association (ALA) a true opportunity or a tax dodge? Is it time for ALA to compromise on the hot issue of putting filters on library Internet access for children? Should ALA be more cautious about the controversial issues confronting librarians?

Would an experienced ALA hand and manager or a front-line librarian make a better ALA president? This provocative paraphrasing of LJ's annual questions to the candidates for president of ALA is designed to clarify the real differences between the two.

The 2002 election is only one of many changes facing the old association. One of these candidates for president will have to forge a working relationship with a new Executive Director. Ironically, the search for that new ED, already underway, is under the leadership of a losing candidate in the last ALA presidential election.

The winner of this election will have to work to make the new APA an integral part of ALA and see that it actually gets something done on the crucial question of librarian compensation. While that work is also going on, there are dozens of questions to be answered about the APA, its role, and, more important, its governance and accountability to the members of ALA.

Membership is voting to decide which of these candidates can best lead ALA through these changes. The candidates' answers to LJ's questions, below, may help with that decision.

Q: What specific functions of ALA should be given to the new Allied Professional Association (APA)?

Hayden: The new Allied Professional Association has the potential to be a positive force for the membership especially if it fulfills its stated mission of addressing recruitment, salaries, and recognition. The development of a recognized and respected certification program, which will supplement, not replace, the MLS, and the provision of resources that will enable librarians to address local advocacy needs, both internal and external, are very concrete functions that the new association should focus on immediately after its creation. Other functions that could emerge include increased leadership in supporting fundraising efforts and partnerships and advancing continuing education and work environment concerns. In addition, the new APA must be monitored closely while we examine its relevance and potential.

Strauch: This is really a tax accountancy problem. As I understand it, donations to a 501 (c)3 (ALA) are charitable contributions and the organization may not lobby. A 501 (c)6 (APA) is a nonprofit trade association, its membership fees are dues, and it may engage in lobbying. ALA is following the lead of similar groups that have 501 (c)6 trade associations and have a related 501 (c)3 group strictly for a charitable or educational purpose—the AICPA (accountants), League of Women Voters, and American Law Association. All the current ALA functions will continue with the addition of lobbying. Which organization handles the old functions seems purely a matter of tax law and what we decide on governance. It appears that most of ALA's functions could be under the 501 (c)6 umbrella. There could also be a separate fundraising organization [the old 501 (c)3], which could serve the education purpose.

Q: Does ALA's position on children's access to the Internet need to be revisited in light of the continuing spread of filters? If so, how and why?

Strauch: I believe that ALA is largely removed from the working librarian. My strength is that I am very definitely a working librarian. We are caught between a rock and a hard place on the filtering issue. We require maximum funding, but we do not condone censorship. While wholesale filtering is probably unconstitutional, I think filtered machines in children's areas is not a bad idea. Librarians are committed to providing an enriching and safe online experience for children and adults alike. Our duty as librarians is to serve and educate the public. But we answer to our local boards for our very existence. ALA must recognize this necessity and give us the power as professionals to use our discretion in local situations.

Hayden: Issues as critical to information access as this must continually be reexamined as the technology changes and legislation and judicial interpretation evolve. To drive a stake in the ground on the issue and not revisit it would not serve our profession or those we serve. Our focus must remain on fair and equitable access while acknowledging that there can be professional and personal differences. We are one profession but are each independent thinkers and talented individuals.

Q: How can ALA raise its stature in the court of public opinion? Are there pitfalls or issues you would avoid?

Hayden: ALA needs to focus on informing the public about the resources available to them in all types of libraries. In these times it is especially crucial that everyone knows the array of services we offer and the way we offer them, with a respect for privacy and individual choice. When an institution is deemed vital to the community, support, both financial and moral, rises. In funding a mass media campaign for libraries that reaches all facets of society, I would not avoid any issues of relevance to our field. Our institutions are not private; whether it is through taxes, private donations, or tuition, someone pays and has a right to know. We owe it to our publics to address any issue that infringes on their right to obtain information.

Strauch: ALA needs to accentuate the positive about libraries and librarians. We need to be cautious when showcasing our positions on "hot button" issues with the general public. Yes, we should take positions that we believe strongly in, but there's room for strategy, and we should maintain flexibility. We can only achieve our goals with public support. A blizzard of new technology has changed the profession forever. We have allowed our mission to become dictated by that technology and assumed needs of patrons. We, the library professionals, must shape the profession and assure that libraries and librarians survive in the 21st century.

Q: In the past there have been tensions between the executive director (ED) and the president of ALA. Distinguish between the role you will play and that which the new ED should perform.

Strauch: The president and the executive director are a team. The president is the top elected official of ALA and speaks for the membership while the ED manages the association and maintains continuity across presidents. The fact that I am an ALA outsider is one of my real strengths. I have no hidden agendas. I believe that the profession is at a crossroads. One-fourth of us will retire by 2009. This gives us an unprecedented opportunity to raise the pay of the profession. We need to work hard to intensify library education, especially in the areas of technology and statistics. I work on the front lines as a grass-roots librarian. I will not be distracted by petty, political in-fighting. You have my word.

Hayden: The president of ALA functions as chair of the Executive Board, which is charged with acting for the Council in the administration of policies and programs. The board delegates day-to-day operations to the ALA executive director. The relationship between the board and director can be critical to the success of the organization. As a result, the president and director should maintain a good working relationship, with a high degree of communication and respect. The president, as chair, works with the director in preparing the board for vital issues and the advancement of policy. There must be a partnership in determining the board agenda and what the board needs from the director in order to identify strategic issues. The president must ask key questions of the director and guide the collaborative effort to formulate answers. The director acts as the main conduit for operations and implementation and must keep the board informed of progress and concerns at all time. In short, the president works at coordination and communication and the director is responsible for carrying through and accountability. This balance, though sometimes delicate, can be very effective if both parties are clear and above board about their respective roles.

Q: What specific strengths or experience make you a better candidate compared with your opponent?

Hayden: I have been involved with ALA in many ways during my 23 years as a member. My participation has covered many issues and areas of concern for the profession. I have broad experiences with different types of libraries and organizations, especially library education and services for the public in various settings. I have extensive fiscal, political, managerial, and policy experience as well as front-line work as a librarian and paraprofessional. I am well rounded in my professional and personal experiences and have proven to be an articulate and effective advocate for libraries. I am a consensus builder and sound decision-maker, with experience with the real issues and concerns that face many of us everyday. I am committed to inclusion, diversity, and freedom of information for all. I believe I would be an excellent choice for ALA president because my commitment combined with my experience can be an asset for the membership as we move toward a challenging yet exciting future. I would represent ALA in such a way in any arena that everyone in the profession would be proud to have me as their president.

Strauch: The choice is clear. I am a front-line librarian. And I will be a front-line president, working for more input directly from each ALA member. I understand the issues that impact working librarians. People who know me describe me as a high-energy and creative person. They call me an innovator, a risk taker, and a role model. I like to make things happen and to bring people together to discuss issues and build coalitions. That's why over 21 years ago I founded the Charleston Conference, an informal and noncommercial annual meeting for publishers, vendors, and librarians, and a few years later Against the Grain, a journal linking publishers, vendors, and librarians. I believe that the best solutions come about through collaboration and open communication. I would welcome the opportunity to be your next president. Please visit www.katina.info or send me an e-mail at katina@katina.info. Thank you!