RMRT (Retired Members Round Table)

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The Retired Members Round Table (RMRT) shall exist to develop programs of particular interest to retired persons from all types of libraries and all forms of library services, including formal opportunities for continued involvement and learning; a variety of leadership training and opportunities for mentoring; lifelong professional involvement and networking; and active engagement in the American Library Association and the profession of librarianship.

Visit the Retired Members Round Table (RMRT) on the ALA website.

  • 1.  book banning

    Posted Apr 29, 2022 11:34 AM
    Are any RMRT members involved in advocacy against book banning/censorship?  As a retired school and community college librarian in S.C.,  I was distressed to learn a couple of days ago that the Tennessee House passed a bill to let the state textbook commission approve school library books. Thanks.

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    Judith Parham
    Adjunct Librarian
    Spartanburg Community College Library
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  • 2.  RE: book banning

    Posted Apr 29, 2022 01:53 PM
    Hi Judith,
    Thanks for your question.  Not that I know of but I invite any school librarians in our group to reply.  Currently, RMRT does not have a liaison the Information Freedom Committee.   We would love to have a liaison to IFC next year.    Any volunteers?  We do have liaisons with the Committee on Intellectual Freedom and the Freedom to Read Foundation.  Are any of our members active in the Information Freedom Round Table and can report on what they are doing in our current situation of increased attempts at censorship?

    I do know there is a guide to dealing with critical race theory in development.  

    Nancy

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    Nancy Bolt
    Chair
    Retired Members Round Table
    nancybolt@earthlink.net
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: book banning

    Posted Apr 30, 2022 03:25 PM

    Hi, all

    1. I am a retired school librarian from Texas. I sit on the FTRF Board and will be happy to report here. I think I am the FTRF Liaison from RMRT. I think our biggest FTRF project currently is to plan a Symposium for July: Where Intellectual Freedom and Social Justice Meet: A Call to Action. The event is virtual and scheduled for July 12 and 13, 2022 from 11AM-3PM Central / 12PM-4PM Eastern on both days.  We will be engaging educators, authors, journalists, publishers, First Amendment advocates and all areas of librarians. 
    2. I am also working on the panel to select winners of the Banned Books Week grants. That press release just went out this week. We are emphasizing the "Books Unite Us" part of the theme which is in full "Books Unite Us; Censorship Divides Us." Please spread the word!
    3. I am aware that here in TX, some libraries are not allowed to celebrate Banned Books Week under that name, but so far they are allowed to celebrate the Freedom to Read – even in Katy ISD.
    4. Here in Texas, I serve as one of three coordinators of the Intellectual Freedom Helpline for Librarians in need of moral support. We do not duplicate in any way what ALA/OIF offers, but can provide more local understanding and insights. This work is so important and we who no longer risk job loss can speak up more easily.

    Dorcas Hand

    School Library and Intellectual Freedom Advocate

    Houston TX

    Handd51@tekkmail.com




    Attachment(s)

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    2022 Banned Books Week PR pdf.pdf   234 KB 1 version
    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: book banning

    Posted Apr 30, 2022 08:39 PM
    Hi Dorcas,
    Yes, you are the liaison to FTRF.  I apologize for not mentioning that in my last message.  We would love to hear more about what FTRF is doing.
    Nancy

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    Nancy Bolt
    Chair
    Retired Members Round Table
    nancybolt@earthlink.net
    ------------------------------

    Original Message