MemberBlog

ALA is pleased to announce a new digital supplement to American Libraries Magazine for the International Library community: "Global Mission, Global Membership". Published in digital format only to coincide with IFLA's 75th World Library and Information Congress taking place this week in Milan, Italy, this supplement takes readers through the opportunities offered to members and the wider profession by the American Library Association. You can view, print and share this digital issue of American Libraries by visiting http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/b9badc6a.

Over 30 pages of information include an introduction by Michael Dowling, Director of the ALA International Relations Office, an overview of recent publications from ALA Publishing, details on participating in or exhibiting at ALA Annual Conference and the Midwinter Meeting, a discussion of the enhancement to committee work through ALA Connect, news from JobList on employment in the States, plus additional information on North American MLS/MLIS programs, ALA rights management, and a run down of member benefits.

This digital supplement is ideal for long-time international members to share with colleagues, newer members to acquaint themselves with everything ALA has to offer the library profession abroad, and for domestic members to learn more about the scope of ALA's international activities. Please feel free to share this link - http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/b9badc6a - widely.

Contact Michael Dowling at mdowling@ala.org or John Chrastka at jchrastka@ala.org with comments or questions.

The June/July 2007 issue of American Libraries Magazine is a special 'double issue', commemorating the 100th anniversary of the official record of the American Library Association.

Centennial coverage begins on Page 61 with a decade-by-decade time line of key events in library history since 1907, the first year of the Bulletin of the American Library Association. This look back over a century of communicating about libraries and the association is a fascinating starting point to look forward to the next 100 years.

Page 78 – Former ALA President Peggy Sullivan compiles inaugural speeches from 50 years of past-presidents to form an continuous picture of the self-image that librarians have about the role of libraries in our democracy and the place of the profession in society.

Page 82 – Award winning historical documentary producer Ken Burns writes a personal story about the role of libraries and archives in his work. His statement that "libraries and archives are where we stow and encode what future generations will interpret about us" plays out in his new film, The War, which will be discussed in his presentation at Annual Conference this summer.

Page 86 – Suzanne Thorin and Robert Wedgeworth look back at the six "modern" Librarians of Congress and the force that personality has played in the relationship between that institution and the ALA. The ongoing leadership of the LOC in a literate society is a common theme in each tenure.

Other Anniversary themed articles include an imagined "lost article from 1907" by Joseph Janes looking forward to new technological developments, like the telephone, radiotelegraph, and typewriter, that will impact library services delivery in the nascent 20th century; and Will Manley's discussion of stereotypes about librarians that have a persistent and pernicious impact on the profession.

Check out Page 4 for a special offer from ALA Publishing on two new products at a special discount only availble through the ALA Store, www.alastore.ala.org.

Also in this issue:

A comprehensive preview of the 2007 ALA Annual Conference in Washington D.C., including information about featured speakers and key events, a wonderful restaurant guide for all price ranges and palates, and concise information for first-time attendees, job seeker, and fans of ALA governance work.

Plus, featured articles on library technology from Meredith Farkas, Andrew Pace, Sarah Houghton-Jan, and Woody Evans, this month's compelling 'On My Mind' contributor; over 8 pages of job leads from Joblist Online; your letters, comments and currents; and expert analysis of the news affecting libraries of all types.

Of special note, acknowledgment and thanks to ALA's Library Champions begins on page 137 with profiles of the 45 companies who provide significant support to the Association's mission of library advocacy and public awareness about libraries through our highest level of corporate membership.

ALA Members can read this issue, view archives of American Libraries back to 1996, and order reprints of any article by visiting the new and improved American Libraries Online site at www.ala.org/alonline. Check your email inbox every Wednesday for AL Direct, the weekly e-newsletter of the Association.

See you in D.C.

Click 'play' below for a 10 minute audio summary of the May 2007 issue of American Libraries, plus 4 news features. Or visit http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/membership/memberstories/filesformembership.htm to download the .mp3 to your own player for later listening.

Wow. American Libraries on your iPod....

The May 2007 issue of American Libraries Magazine continues the 100th Anniversary Year celebration with an exclusive cover story on book seven of the Harry Potter series - plus a sneak peek of the original artwork for the US hardcover edition of the book. Page 14 discusses Scholastic's strict embargo policy and continues with a run down of "Potter Party" ideas from around the country.

Web Alert - check page 4 for a 100th anniversary special offer on two great products from ALA Editions and Graphics at a great discount. Reading American Libraries pays you back. Get your special offer code this issue and visit www.alastore.ala.org to take advantage.

Page 13 - ALTA, the Association for Library Trustees and Advocates, profiles significant changes to their bylaws which will improve services to trustees and create new opportunities for trustees to be involved actively in the Association.

Page 30 - Newsmaker Susan Patron, librarian and author of Newbery Award Winner "The Higher Power of Lucky" discusses the controversy around her book and the day to day challenges in defending children's right to read in her library.

Page 34 - Andrew Pace in his Technically Speaking column discusses FUD - the fear, uncertainty and doubt in the library technology marketplace and what it holds for your library.

Page 40 - Contributor Justine Alsop opines on life as a new librarian, and her advice for others facing challenges moving from school into worklife is helpful reading.

Page 46 - Emmy Award winning journalist Roger Mudd contributes a personal and at times humorous reflection on why he is donating his own library of Southern fiction to his alma mater.

Page 57 - RUSA, the Reference and User Services Association, publishes its list of the 14 Outstanding Print and Online Reference Sources in this annual guide.

Page 63 - Continuing a discussion from the March 2007 issue, 10 School Library Media Specialist bloggers are interviewed on their experience of the role that professional blogs have for their students, other faculty, and in the life of their schools.

Page 88 - Will Manley continues his 100 years in review with a discussion of finding work in 1930's libraries and how similar issues of pay equity are still being addressed today.

Also in this issue, President Leslie Burger's tribute to library workers who are heroes in their communities; over 10 pages of career leads from JobList.ala.org; your letters, professional announcements, and updates on Annual Conference; PLUS, news and analysis affecting every type of library.