SRRT (Social Responsibilities Round Table)

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last person joined: 3 days ago 

The Social Responsibilities Round Table works to make ALA more democratic and to establish progressive priorities not only for the Association, but also for the entire profession. Concern for human and economic rights was an important element in the founding of SRRT and remains an urgent concern today. SRRT believes that libraries and librarians must recognize and help solve social problems and inequities in order to carry out their mandate to work for the common good and bolster democracy.

Learn more about SRRT on the ALA website.

  • 1.  Proposed Library Issues and Advocacy Task Force for SRRT

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 02:09 PM

    I would like to propose a new task force within SRRT -- the Library Issues and Advocacy Task Force.  There's been a lot of talk about SRRT's focus of late -- I think it's time to quit talking and start doing!  I've set up this discussion forum as an area to discuss the following --

    • Level of interest in such a task force -- would you join and be willing to work on issues in such a task force?  My hope would be that SRRT members could be actively involved in this task force whether or not they can attend face-to-face meetings.  For those who are able to attend ALA Mid-Winter in Boston, let's get together at the All Task Force meeting and do some brainstorming! Any discussion there can be reported back to all who may be interested via ALA Connect and/or other means.
    • What issues would you most be interested in working on?  Ones that spring to my mind are: Closings and proposed closings of state libraries.  Budget cuts in tough economic times adversely affecting libraries. Library salaries and labor issues.  Raising general public awareness of "worth" of libraries in the public sphere.
    • What other groups inside and outside of ALA can we partner with on such issues?  There are groups working on these issues already, but I think that SRRT should have a voice in these matters as well.
    • How could we most effectively work on these issues?  Lobbying?  Letter writing campaigns?  Creating educational tools?  Writing resolutions?
    • What is the most effective means of communication for this proposed task force?  Listserv? Wiki? ALA Connect? Other?

    Please share your own thoughts and ideas!



  • 2.  RE: Proposed Library Issues and Advocacy Task Force for SRRT

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 08:25 AM

    I would love to be a member of the new task force.  The issues are close to my heart.  I think an educational campaign about the value and services of libraries is crucial.  

    Best,

    Robin Sofge



  • 3.  RE: Proposed Library Issues and Advocacy Task Force for SRRT

    Posted Nov 20, 2009 09:27 AM

    I would be very interested in working on projects showing the value of professional librarians. I don't know the most effective methods yet, but I'm willing to work hard. I completely agree that we've got to stop talking about this and do something!



  • 4.  RE: Proposed Library Issues and Advocacy Task Force for SRRT

    Posted Jan 28, 2010 02:20 PM

    If there still seats on the new task force I would love to contribute! Please let me know:)

    Creating educational tools as podcasts would be an effective advocacy. Awareness is key. Please let me know how I can help.

     

    Take care,

    Tina



  • 5.  RE: Proposed Library Issues and Advocacy Task Force for SRRT

    Posted Jan 28, 2010 05:24 PM

    Would love to get involved.

     

    Heather J Hopkins
    Adult Services Librarian
    Huntsville - Madison County Library
    (256)532-5965 (office)
    (256)532-5965 (Adult Services Desk)
    _____________________________________

    "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
    — Mahatma Gandhi



  • 6.  RE: Proposed Library Issues and Advocacy Task Force for SRRT

    Posted Jan 28, 2010 06:41 PM

    I am also interested in this. As an almost graduate of Information Science, this is a subject of frustration I've come across in academic and professional discussions and I would love to be a part of promoting the role of libraries and librarians to a wider audience. 



  • 7.  RE: Proposed Library Issues and Advocacy Task Force for SRRT

    Posted Jan 29, 2010 01:32 PM

    I would like to join the task force.  There are some specific issues from Rory Litwin's list I'd like to work on.

    april wright



  • 8.  RE: Proposed Library Issues and Advocacy Task Force for SRRT

    Posted Jan 31, 2010 09:43 AM

    This great!  Thanks to all of you for your interest.  I hope that you'll be hearing from SRRT soon as how to further proceed.  Thanks again for your interest!!!  LaJuan