Hi all,
I spoke with a few of those involved with both the protest and the resolution. They seem to have felt justified in lumping the CIA Library under the umbrella of the CIA. My understanding of their focus was that the protestors and movers are against all [illegal, immoral, questionable, etc.] actions of the CIA operations arm, which from my understanding of their view tarnishes the entire institution, and also oppose operations directorate actions that contravene numerous library ideals, hence the protest and the resolution.
-Aaron
LITA Councilor (outgoing)
Small Roundtables Councilor (incoming)
------Original Message------
Hi all,
As you may know, ALA members unsucessfully tried to ban the CIA booth from the ALA Annual Conference exhibition hall, staged a well-publicized protest at the CIA booth, and submitted a condemnation resolution, which lost by a single vote.
It's astonishing, because they were from the CIA LIBRARY, advertising job opportunities, and how to find information. Yes, so-called champions of information access, democracy, free speech, and library funding protested and bullied those who provide it. Big ALA did not clarify this, nor stand up for Gov Info librarians like myself, who not only depend on the information, but trust and support of agency librarians.
I believe GODORT (perhaps with the other Gov Doc Round Tables) should make a strong statement, not just to educate ALA/librarians, but to show GODORT's appreciation and support for Gov librarians/libraries. Maybe we should demand ALA issue a public statement raising awareness of, and affirming the importance of government libraries & gov docs. It may be also an opportunity to demonstate the need for Gov Info competencies, and ensuring a Gov Doc librarian sit on Council.
I'd like to hear especially from people who aren't on steering/committees.
All good things,
Rachel Dobkin
NY NY
------------------------------
Rachel Dobkin
Coordinator
Government Information Reference Specialist
------------------------------