PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY UPDATES
--> Now: For residents of N.Y. state: Advocacy alert on the library digital books bill now waiting for Governor Hochul's signature:
https://twitter.com/NYLA_1890/status/1469336593228042242
https://cqrcengage.com/alany/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=513374
--> Now (Deadline is December 15): Apply to be a member of the ALA Policy Corps, Cohort IV. Tell your colleagues!
Article in American Libraries: https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/catching-up-with-ala-policy-corps/
Press Release: https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2021/10/ala-seeks-applicants-national-policy-corps
Application: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/ala-policy-corps-application
→ Now: Library advocates interested in public policy on digital inclusion, digital literacy, digital services, and broadband access, NTIA is holding its initial webinar on the programs mandated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act -- December 15, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. eastern time.
Webinar Registration: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2604497175062741003
Information about the Forthcoming Programs: https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/news/latest-news/ntias-role-implementing-broadband-provisions-2021-infrastructure-investment-and
ALA Talking Points: Appended below
--> Now: Seeking applicants for Deputy Director in charge of digital inclusion and broadband policy for ALA. Please forward to interested folks!
https://recruiting.ultipro.com/AME1043ALA/JobBoard/dfe6e811-9bc3-4dec-9055-a545370be9fa/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=cdaefa68-d689-40bf-bafd-4b44f8401b4b
--> Now: Marketing and Outreach for Library Business Programs: Libraries Build Business Community Discussion
Join the Libraries Build Business Community for "Marketing and Outreach for Library Business Programs" hosted by Libraries Build Business peer coaches Chris Bourret and Karly Feinberg on Thursday, December 16th, 3:30-4:30pm ET.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXjdKmrlqrDshhYP-87FVkScjVYd5wJH77C1gywl1Rkfln4A/viewform
--> Now: Register for ALA's LibLearnX conference in January-presented virtually. Join us!
https://twitter.com/ALALibrary/status/1449066294708477965
The ALA Executive Board and the Boards of Directors for all of ALA's eight divisions have released a joint statement opposing widespread efforts to censor books in U.S. schools and libraries.
https://twitter.com/ALALibrary/status/1465466608554553349
Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund: How Libraries Can Qualify -- part of the American Rescue Plan Act -- $10 billion
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/advleg/tools/Coronavirus%20Capital%20Projects%20Fund_ALA.pdf
ALA is concerned about centralizing and otherwise changing the bidding process for E-rate. We joined several of our allies in a letter to the FCC.
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/telecom/erate/Coalition%20Letter%20re%20Bidding%20Draft%20NPRM%2012.6.2021%20filed.pdf
ALA and ACRL via the Library Copyright Alliance filed comments in response to the NPRM on the procedures for libraries & archives to opt out of proceedings under the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement ("CASE") Act.
https://www.regulations.gov/comment/COLC-2021-0003-0091
ALA joins SHLB and other organizations to call for reform of the Universal Service Fund Contribution Mechanism
https://www.shlb.org/uploads/Policy/Additional%20Policy/USF%20Call%20to%20Action%20Letter%20with%20Signatories%2C%20Nov.%2029%20-%20FINAL.pdf
ALA joins education groups to commend the House of Representatives for passing the Build Back Better Act that included $300 million for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, which benefits libraries and schools
https://aasa.org/uploadedFiles/Sample/Statement%20on%20ECF%20in%20House%20BBBA.pdf
So great to host the ALA Policy Corps Cohort III in D.C. At the Washington Office and at the office of the Glen Echo Group. First in-person meeting for the Cohort after so many months of Zoom convenings!
https://twitter.com/LibraryPolicy/status/1466867802074230787
Libraries Build Business project manager Megan Janicki pays a visit to two cohort libraries: Richland Libraries (SC) and Gwinnett County Public Library (GA)
https://twitter.com/LibraryPolicy/status/1462890006347931651
New report from Pew Research Center and Elon University: The Future of Digital Spaces and Their Role in Democracy. Alan Inouye is quoted.
https://twitter.com/AlanSInouye/status/1462875052471373827
Head Librarian of the Phillips Collection provides ALA staffers in D.C. with tour and tutorial on the museum's library and archives
https://twitter.com/AlanSInouye/status/1465878514402578434
NEWS, ARTICLES, RESOURCES
AAP Sues to Block Maryland, New York Library E-book Laws in Publishers Weekly
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/88092-aap-sues-to-block-maryland-new-york-library-e-book-laws.html
Larry Irving Elected Chair of PBS Board of Directors (Larry is a great supporter of libraries)
https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/larry-irving-elected-chair-of-pbs-board-of-directors/
The End of Trust: Suspicion is undermining the American economy in The Atlantic
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/12/trust-recession-economy/620522/
** ALA TALKING POINTS FOR THE NTIA WEBINAR **
Dear Colleagues,
The recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) includes $2.75 billion for the Digital Equity Act as well as tens of billions for broadband deployment. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the agency in the U.S. Department of Commerce that will be administering the resulting grant programs, is holding 5 virtual listening sessions to receive input from the public. The first session will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. eastern time and will be a general discussion of the IIJA and grant programs to be administered by NTIA. The 4 subsequent listening sessions, to be held in early 2022, will each focus on a specific program.
I encourage library advocates interested in broadband policy, and public policy related to digital inclusion, digital equity, and digital literacy, broadly construed, to participate in this first session. It is the expectation that there will be a mechanism for making comments and/or asking questions. ALA suggests that you highlight the value and contribution of libraries in addressing broadband access and adoption and digital inclusion/literacy/equity. Some points you could make are appended (look after my signature block).
ALA is advocating for libraries, of all types, to be included as much as possible in these programs. After the grant rules are fixed, ALA will be providing materials to assist libraries in their applications.
I encourage you to share this message with other library individuals and groups who would have library advocates with relevant interest and expertise.
Regards,
Alan
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Alan S. Inouye, Ph.D.
Senior Director, Public Policy & Government Relations
American Library Association
1615 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Office 202-403-8218 ▪ Mobile 202-276-6738 ▪ ainouye@alawash.org
Follow Me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlanSInouye