ACRL Government Relations Committee

Dear ACRL Government Relations Committee,

Legislation that would codify agency policies on public access to federally-funded research is moving forward in Congress. As part of the Open Access Working Group (OAWG, convened by SPARC), ACRL joined 11 other members (representing national and regional library, publishing, funding, research and advocacy organizations) in a coalition letter asking Congressional leaders to retain language in the Senate version during conference negotiations with the U.S. House of Representatives.

After ACRL Executive Director Jay Malone reviewed the letter with ACRL President Julie Garrison, VP/Pres Elect Erin Ellis, and Immediate Past President Jon Cawthorne, ACRL decided to add its name, given our longstanding support of this issue and participation in OAWG. Staff will share notice through appropriate ACRL communication channels and add to the ACRL Speaks Out webpage. In addition, I have been working with a colleague in ALA PPA on a strategy to activate ACRL chapter leaders in a few key states and will be implementing that in the coming days, with a broader grassroots effort a bit later once members of Congress are named to the conference committee.

If you have concerns or questions, don't hesitate to be in touch,

Kara

Kara J. Malenfant, Ph.D.  (she/her/hers) | ACRL Senior Strategist for Special Initiatives

Association of College & Research Libraries | 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300 | Chicago, IL 60601-7616 | 312.280.2510 | 1.800.545.2433, ext. 2510 | kmalenfant@ala.org

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As a related follow up, on April 29 ACRL joined 7 other members of the Open Access Working Group (representing national and regional library, publishing, funding, research and advocacy organizations) in a coalition letter urging Senator Cornyn to protect the provision ensuring that taxpayers are guaranteed timely, free access to the results of publicly funded research during conference negotiations between the Senate and House regarding the U.S. Innovation & Competition Act (USICA, S. 1260) and the America COMPETES Act. Protecting Section 2527 of USICA would accomplish the goals Sen. Cornyn set out in the FASTR Act.

My colleagues at ALA PPA continue to monitor conditions on the Hill and are in close contact about timing of the strategy to activate ACRL chapter leaders in a few key states, with a broader grassroots effort for those whose members of Congress have been named to the conference committee.

Again, don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions about this.

Kara J. Malenfant, Ph.D.  (she/her/hers) | ACRL Senior Strategist for Special Initiatives

Association of College & Research Libraries | 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300 | Chicago, IL 60601-7616 | 312.280.2510 | 1.800.545.2433, ext. 2510 | kmalenfant@ala.org

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