ALA Conference 2009: Even with D-heavy Congress, Libraries Have It Tough

American Library Association Annual Conference 2009: ALA's Sheketoff warns that a Democratic Congress remains fractured and library advocates still must step up; alternative to Legislative Day in 2010

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 07/12/2009

• Still need to raise LSTA funds
• Congressional reps must hear from locals
• Advocacy in 2010 will be tied to annual conference in DC

The advent of a Democrat as president, and Democratic control of Congress might have led librarians to expect smooth sailing on library issues in Washington, but Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Washington Office, warned yesterday that, despite progress, libraries still don’t have it easy.

One bright spot, she noted, is United We Serve, a summer service opportunity that specifically involves libraries as recruiting centers and as places for volunteers. “It’s hooked us in, once again, with the administration,” Sheketoff said at a Washington Office update.

Also, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who formerly headed the Chicago school district, “”really understands the importance that school libraries bring” to education, Sheketoff said. “We’ve been working with him to get that message much more broadly across.”

She added that ALA is also looking for opportunities to reinforce the importance that libraries play in lifelong learning. While ALA has done well in reinforcing the role of libraries in teaching computer skills, she said, “we also want to make sure decisionmakers understand the role of libraries” as adults look for new careers and pursue personal growth.”

Navigating Congress

While Congress is now controlled by Democrats, “we’re hoping that will be great, [but it] hasn’t quite happened yet,” she said.

Though Democrats are in the majority, they lack unanimity on how to proceed on many issues, and there’s little bipartisanship to be found (other than on the stimulus package). “It just reinforces the need for us to have a really strong dynamic united idea of what’s needed, what’s wanted,” she said.

While ALA asked for substantial increase in LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) funds and in Improving Literacy Through School Libraries, the former was proposed to get a slight increase while the latter was level-funded. ALA got only 27 Congressional Representatives to sign on, while it enlisted 47 Senators.

“Congress just gave us the same increase the president requested,” Sheketoff said. “That’s what we’re going to be faced with in the next four years. Finances are really tight. Unless we have an incredibly strong advocacy presence, we’re not going to be successful.”

“Although it appears we’re in rosy times because of a Democratic president and Democratic majorities, when you look a little bit below the surface they’re not really there,” she said soberly.

Reaching out 

Sheketoff said ALA would develop new tools to reach out, and said librarians should encourage colleagues and patrons to speak out. Kristin Murphy of the ALA’s Washington Office said that ALA has begun to create webinars for advocates to use.

Also, via the Legislative Action Center, it’s become easier to reach Congress. This year, the number of messages exceeded those last year at the same time, but most were in regards to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which could have banned books containing lead.

“If we can take that kind of advocacy and apply it to LSTA, we’re going to be a lot more successful,” Murphy said. She advised library advocates to bring their messages to town hall meetings held locally, where Congressional representatives must acknowledge the questions and local media take notice.

Alternative to Legislative Day

Because next year the ALA annual conference will be held in Washington, DC, instead of holding National Library Legislative Day in May, as is customary, ALA will sponsor Library Advocacy Day on June 28. 

It will include a public rally, then an effort to have librarians and library advocates meet with all the members of Congress.