There are starts and finishes, but no beginning or end.
The infinite is in ants and stars.
The finite is in ants and stars.
Go in, in, and further in to an ant's eyelashes, and in, in, further in to the teardrop wobbling on a single lash,and in and beyond to worlds and causations behind the tear, and it goes on and so on until it's too much, and too little to see.
Dream of God with the universe as your ceiling, the stars rushing by, bigger and bigger, and bigger still until it's too much too much and too big to fathom, and find yourself right back with the ants.
Humanity is more ant than star, but ants are not forgetful of their Oneness.
To continue to elevate humanity, no one must be left behind. All of the world's citizens must have their basic needs met, and have at least the opportunity to love the library.
The library is bigger than four walls. It is concrete dedication to freedom, and must be protected for the sake of our future generations.
Showing posts with label american library association. Show all posts
Showing posts with label american library association. Show all posts
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The American Library Association i.e. the ALA
The American Library Association MissionThe ALA Constitution, adopted in 1892 and reinstated by the ALA Council in 1988, states that the mission of the ALA is “to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.”
The Official ALA Motto:
"The best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost."
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/missionhistory/mission/index.cfm
The ALA has also committed to eight Key Action Areas to focus the Library's energies and resources: Access, Confidentiality/Privacy, Democracy, Diversity, Education and Lifelong Learning, Intellectual Freedom, Preservation, and The Public Good.
The Goals of the ALA
The ALA equips and leads advocates for libraries, library issues and the library profession, and plays a key role in formulating legislation, policies and standards that affect library and information services.
ALA promotes excellence and diversity in the library field.
ALA provides leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services in a dynamic and increasingly global digital information environment.
ALA provides an environment in which all members, regardless of location or position, have the opportunity to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from engagement in their association.
ALA operates effectively, efficiently, creatively and in a socially responsible fashion to accomplish its mission.
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/governance/policymanual/updatedpolicymanual/section2.pdf
I am relieved to see how dedicated the ALA is to the survival of the library.
While the library has traditionally held the position of cataloging the world's information, it is not competing or claiming to compete with Google in maximizing easy access to information. The library is about people helping people, providing the open access needed to close the digital divide. The library provides "the human touch"--something I believe will be even more crucial in the digital future.
"Respectfully connecting people to the information they seek" is how I see the library.
The library is dependent on the public's perception of its usefulness, and their willingness to devote local, state and federal tax dollars to sustain them. While libraries are still valued, they have experienced steady budget cuts. Will people still see a need for the library as a physical place, and sustain this place in the future?
The Official ALA Motto:
"The best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost."
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/missionhistory/mission/index.cfm
The ALA has also committed to eight Key Action Areas to focus the Library's energies and resources: Access, Confidentiality/Privacy, Democracy, Diversity, Education and Lifelong Learning, Intellectual Freedom, Preservation, and The Public Good.
The Goals of the ALA
The ALA equips and leads advocates for libraries, library issues and the library profession, and plays a key role in formulating legislation, policies and standards that affect library and information services.
ALA promotes excellence and diversity in the library field.
ALA provides leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services in a dynamic and increasingly global digital information environment.
ALA provides an environment in which all members, regardless of location or position, have the opportunity to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from engagement in their association.
ALA operates effectively, efficiently, creatively and in a socially responsible fashion to accomplish its mission.
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/governance/policymanual/updatedpolicymanual/section2.pdf
I am relieved to see how dedicated the ALA is to the survival of the library.
While the library has traditionally held the position of cataloging the world's information, it is not competing or claiming to compete with Google in maximizing easy access to information. The library is about people helping people, providing the open access needed to close the digital divide. The library provides "the human touch"--something I believe will be even more crucial in the digital future.
"Respectfully connecting people to the information they seek" is how I see the library.
The library is dependent on the public's perception of its usefulness, and their willingness to devote local, state and federal tax dollars to sustain them. While libraries are still valued, they have experienced steady budget cuts. Will people still see a need for the library as a physical place, and sustain this place in the future?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Tout & Shout: The Importance of Marketing (To me & the Library)
I have self-published two books. Luckily all I had in mind was to hold them in my hands and read them like I was a stranger, because I only sold any to myself. This proves that you can accept a free ISBN# and even have a bar code, like I did for "Hip & Broke", but if you don't introduce yourself, if you don't tout yourself and your book to the world, you will never have readers.
Future Librarians abhor touting (although this is a weakness that is being examined by both me and the Library, and needs a full post in the future.)
I need to tout & shout because I want the luxury of time to write. I have two screenplays, one utopian novel, and a few other must-writes in my head, just waiting to spill out.
The Library, too, recognises its need for some fuss and fanfare. Librarians are typically not look-at-me people, look what we do, look what we've done.
I didn't realize until I started Library School, for example, the huge void the library fills in its service to the have-nots, and I've been a patron/fan of the library for almost 50 years. I don't think the public knows it, but unfortunately, it is not a look-at-me opportunity by its very nature.
The library is an equalizer, providing tools and resources to all, allowing access and experiences to its patrons. Another institution might be able to point this out, as it would surely be a blow, especially to the least of us, if the library were to cease to exist.
The Library is color-blind, however, and all men are equal. Librarians can't, don't, won't invade a patron's privacy. Any appraisal a librarian does is only for the purpose of serving patrons' needs. Promoting the library's service to the have-nots is not something a librarian does.
Future Librarians abhor touting (although this is a weakness that is being examined by both me and the Library, and needs a full post in the future.)
I need to tout & shout because I want the luxury of time to write. I have two screenplays, one utopian novel, and a few other must-writes in my head, just waiting to spill out.
The Library, too, recognises its need for some fuss and fanfare. Librarians are typically not look-at-me people, look what we do, look what we've done.
I didn't realize until I started Library School, for example, the huge void the library fills in its service to the have-nots, and I've been a patron/fan of the library for almost 50 years. I don't think the public knows it, but unfortunately, it is not a look-at-me opportunity by its very nature.
The library is an equalizer, providing tools and resources to all, allowing access and experiences to its patrons. Another institution might be able to point this out, as it would surely be a blow, especially to the least of us, if the library were to cease to exist.
The Library is color-blind, however, and all men are equal. Librarians can't, don't, won't invade a patron's privacy. Any appraisal a librarian does is only for the purpose of serving patrons' needs. Promoting the library's service to the have-nots is not something a librarian does.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
The Future of the Library
Libraries have always held a cherished place in the hearts, minds, and pocketbooks of U.S. citizens, but will future generations share this devotion to the library?
Laura Weiss, author of a 1997 article "Buildings, books, and bytes: Libraries and communities in the digital age" unearths an unsettling disparity between how library leaders envision the future of the library as opposed to a polling of public opinion. The role of the library shrinks as the public is asked to envision the library of the future. The public imagines it as a museum rather than a gateway to information. (1)
If we are a paperless society with access to information from home or a myriad of mobile devices, what need is there for a library?
Generations of us have gone to the library to do homework, and research, meet with friends and work on projects, to go to story time, use the computer, peruse the shelves for our next book to read, or simply to have a place to be. Libraries have always been a source of civic pride, a library seen as mandatory for any community of worth.
Of all groups polled in Weiss' article, the library is least valued by today's teenagers, the future lawmakers and taxpayers. Our current teens may be the first generation that does not have a sentimental attachment to the library, which spells danger for the future library.
The library has always been The Gateway for information.
With the internet, there are now many Gateways to Information.
Do the other Gateways lead to the Library?
Or does the Library lead to the other Gateways?
What is the Library of the Future?
I need to know:
What role todays library has in relation to the information on the internet.
Does the library have access to all of the information on the internet?
What is the source of the library's collection of digitized work from the internet? (Who gets what first and how does it come to the library)
Are electronically published works cataloged in a consistent format such as MARC (Machine Readable Copy)?
Is the Library of Congress still a main hub with a record of all published works?
How the Library of Congress is handling digitized information. Do the same rules of copyright apply to digitized information as to bound books?
(1) Weiss, Laura. "Buildings, books, and bytes: Libraries and communities in the digital age." APLIS 10, no. 3: 163, 1997. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed July 1, 2011).
Laura Weiss, author of a 1997 article "Buildings, books, and bytes: Libraries and communities in the digital age" unearths an unsettling disparity between how library leaders envision the future of the library as opposed to a polling of public opinion. The role of the library shrinks as the public is asked to envision the library of the future. The public imagines it as a museum rather than a gateway to information. (1)
If we are a paperless society with access to information from home or a myriad of mobile devices, what need is there for a library?
Generations of us have gone to the library to do homework, and research, meet with friends and work on projects, to go to story time, use the computer, peruse the shelves for our next book to read, or simply to have a place to be. Libraries have always been a source of civic pride, a library seen as mandatory for any community of worth.
Of all groups polled in Weiss' article, the library is least valued by today's teenagers, the future lawmakers and taxpayers. Our current teens may be the first generation that does not have a sentimental attachment to the library, which spells danger for the future library.
The library has always been The Gateway for information.
With the internet, there are now many Gateways to Information.
Do the other Gateways lead to the Library?
Or does the Library lead to the other Gateways?
What is the Library of the Future?
I need to know:
What role todays library has in relation to the information on the internet.
Does the library have access to all of the information on the internet?
What is the source of the library's collection of digitized work from the internet? (Who gets what first and how does it come to the library)
Are electronically published works cataloged in a consistent format such as MARC (Machine Readable Copy)?
Is the Library of Congress still a main hub with a record of all published works?
How the Library of Congress is handling digitized information. Do the same rules of copyright apply to digitized information as to bound books?
(1) Weiss, Laura. "Buildings, books, and bytes: Libraries and communities in the digital age." APLIS 10, no. 3: 163, 1997. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed July 1, 2011).
Sunday, June 26, 2011
KD Rouse: Thoughts on the Library
Despite my reservations about the potential to ruin a personal haven by working there, (See One Legged Larry & Leery of the Library. KD Rouse. Exploration of Internet Publishing and Promotion Blog. June 17th., 4:42 pm post) I have just successfully completed my first year of Library School at University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
While I have not actually worked in a library, the library has not lost its luster under scrutiny. My admiration and devotion for the library grows as I learn of its heart, brains and guts. It is a place of dreams, and unapologetic triumph, endless destinations, and social reform, manned by a diverse array of unassuming, but fierce defenders of free speech, social equality, and intellectual freedom.
To me, the library is the most successful institution in its marriage to the ideals ensured to us by the U.S. constitution. It is fluid, responding, rising, changing as information builds and morphs to new systems of delivery, driven by technology.
The American Library Association, (ALA) the primary professional association for librarians, embraces a clear mission steeped with workable idealism, proving its dedication and success in implementing social reform and invoking and enforcing our constitutional rights by its history. The ALA provides cohesiveness to the group charged with guarding open and easy access information for all, in an environment of dizzying change.
The ALA has a proud history and matter-of-fact presence, while it keeps a vigilant eye on the future.
When I walk into a library, I leave the frenzied world behind. I am welcome, no matter who I am or what I look like. It is warm when I am cold, cool when I am hot.
I smell equality, freedom, and the scent of books, and I can wander whereever I will and pick books like posies in any bouquet that strikes my fancy.
My library card is used and worn, but the thrill of being allowed to take books home with me never fades.
I leave with anticipation, happy with the heaviness of my bag.
I devour them behind closed doors, selfish and demanding, using them, then returning them without remorse when I am done.
While I have not actually worked in a library, the library has not lost its luster under scrutiny. My admiration and devotion for the library grows as I learn of its heart, brains and guts. It is a place of dreams, and unapologetic triumph, endless destinations, and social reform, manned by a diverse array of unassuming, but fierce defenders of free speech, social equality, and intellectual freedom.
To me, the library is the most successful institution in its marriage to the ideals ensured to us by the U.S. constitution. It is fluid, responding, rising, changing as information builds and morphs to new systems of delivery, driven by technology.
The American Library Association, (ALA) the primary professional association for librarians, embraces a clear mission steeped with workable idealism, proving its dedication and success in implementing social reform and invoking and enforcing our constitutional rights by its history. The ALA provides cohesiveness to the group charged with guarding open and easy access information for all, in an environment of dizzying change.
The ALA has a proud history and matter-of-fact presence, while it keeps a vigilant eye on the future.
When I walk into a library, I leave the frenzied world behind. I am welcome, no matter who I am or what I look like. It is warm when I am cold, cool when I am hot.
I smell equality, freedom, and the scent of books, and I can wander whereever I will and pick books like posies in any bouquet that strikes my fancy.
My library card is used and worn, but the thrill of being allowed to take books home with me never fades.
I leave with anticipation, happy with the heaviness of my bag.
I devour them behind closed doors, selfish and demanding, using them, then returning them without remorse when I am done.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)