CLA Weblog Submissions
To navigate our archives, please click on a category to the left. Do you have information that would be of interest to the library community? Please send your weblog submissions to the CLA office at rberta@cla-net.org.
November 4, 2009
CLA Announces New Host for CALIX Listserv
The California Library Association announces that it will be soon relocating the CALIX listserv to its new host, thanks in part to UCLA's Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. Our organization is grateful to San Jose State University for hosting CALIX since 1995.
The previous CALIX listserv is no longer accessible. However, both CLA and UCLA staff & leadership are working quickly to reinstate the free flow of communication between California's library community.
Posted by claadmin at 4:54 PM
Response to Dr. Ken Haycock's Open Letter
Dear Library Community,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to read the CALIX posting regarding the San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science severing its unique relationship with the California Library Association. We very much regret that the senior management team has come to this conclusion.
The CLA Board is committed to building bridges and strengthening relationships with all providers and supporters of library services across California, and engaging new leaders in the future of CLA. As the 2009-2010 CLA President (and a proud alumnus of SJSU School of LIS) I look forward to finding ways to work with SJSU administrators, faculty and students to re-establish effective relations.
From Dr. Haycock's most recent communication to the previous Board, I believe that this issue is now closed. Our work as the new Board will be to move CLA forward for the future. I am excited and energized to be working with all of you, as I noted in my speech to the General Membership, demonstrating integrity, clarity and transparency in everything we do for the future of California libraries and communities.
Again, I am happy to be contacted with any follow-up questions you may have. My cell is 831-601-0934 - I will be heading into the Grand Canyon and Zion areas for the next few days so will respond as soon as I am able.
Many thanks,
Kim Bui-Burton
CLA President
Posted by claadmin at 10:33 AM
October 27, 2009
111th Annual Conference is Going Mobile!
For this year's Conference, CLA will offer attendees a free application for their Smart Phones, making it easier to quickly access important Conference information.
CLA and sponsor Boopsie bring you CLA 2009 Mobile...the fastest, easiest way to access Conference Schedules, Speakers, Exhibitors and other important information about the 111th Annual CLA Conference & Exhibition directly from your Smart Phone.
From your BlackBerry, G1, Palm, Windows Mobile or other phone, go to http://cla2009.boopsie.com from your Smart Phone's mobile browser. Downloading is easy and quick. Once you have downloaded the CLA 2009 Mobile App, you practically have the CLA Conference Program at your fingertips!
Also, keep an eye out for the Apple App Store version of "CLA 2009" for your iPhone or iPod touch - this will be launched as soon as the App is approved by Apple headquarters.
Please note:
- Access to a data network is required on your phone, so be sure you have an unlimited data plan
- This application works for Smart Phones only and is not accessible through your Personal Computer
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Richard Berta
CLA Membership, Marketing & Communications Manager
Posted by claadmin at 11:37 AM
President's Column
If it's October it must be fall (although here in the Palm Springs desert it's still in the low 90s!) and time to start thinking of costumes, candy and CONFERENCE! The final conference program is getting spruced up, last minute program changes are being made and scripts are being written. I hope everyone has taken a moment to note in the preliminary program the sessions they cannot miss and are busily planning their conference experience.
I can't wait to begin the conference with a big, joyful, and therapeutic belly laugh with Paula Poundstone as a way to bring to an end to this year of transition and change. I am very happy to report that all of the governance transition is nearly complete. Your Board of Directors made the necessary decisions in September and October to finalize all the loose ends as a result of our bylaws changes and Executive Director recruitments.
In September the Board approved a contract with Association Resource Center (ARC) of Folsom, CA to manage CLA. The contract assures that CLA will have the ability to end the relationship when we are ready, hire our Executive Director and take the Executive Director with us if/when we leave ARC. In the meantime when the contract becomes effective December 1, 2009 ARC will immediately increase CLA's staff to 3.8 FTE, provide modern office space, equipment and computer infrastructure and allow a new Executive Director and the Board to concentrate on planning for a bright future. The CLA office will move from Sacramento to Folsom.
The CLA Board of Directors is currently working with ARC to recruit for a permanent Executive Director. Final interviews should conclude in November. To obtain the most current, up-to-date information, make a point of attending the Second General Session and Membership Meeting on Sunday, November 1st, from 3:15pm to 4:45pm. At this meeting, you can catch up on all that has happened this year before hearing from the "Unshelved" duo of Barnes and Ambaum on "Surviving the Public."
As I pass the presidential gavel to Kim Bui-Burton, I am confident that your Board has made the right decisions for CLA at this time. CLA will be advancing into the next year in a healthy and proactive position, poised to plan ahead for future growth.
Please join me in Pasadena to celebrate our resilience and strength as an organization. CLA rocks!
On your mark, get set, get ready---GO TO CONFERENCE 2009!
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Barbara Roberts
CLA President
Posted by claadmin at 11:11 AM
State Capitol Update
Legislature Briefly Returns to Capitol to Tackle Unfinished Business
You will recall that the California State Legislature officially adjourned the 2009 session on Friday, September 11, and should have begun a 4 month long Fall/Winter recess. Instead, some policy matters were left undone in the final days of session, which required the legislature to return to the Capitol in recent weeks to dispense with several pieces of legislation, and to continue their work in the "Special Sessions" on Water, federal funding for education, and the overhaul of the state's tax system.
In our October 15 memo to CLA members, we reported that the State Senate recently returned to the Capitol, to address twenty important measures, including SB 67, by the Committee on Budget, a bill that fell victim to a stalemate between Senate Republicans and Democrats in the final days of session. SB 67 contained several technical "clean up" changes in order to implement the Proposition 1A Securitization program that more than 1100 cities, counties, and special districts have already enrolled in. In the final days of the session in September, Senate Republicans had refused to grant the necessary two-thirds vote for these 20 "urgency" measures, until agreement could be reached on issues important to their caucus, such as extension of the New Construction Home purchase tax credit. Fortunately, with these disagreements resolved, the Senate was able to conclude their work on the 20 bills during a one-day session.
On Monday, October 26, the Assembly reconvened for two purposes: the first was to address approximately 10 pieces of legislation that were coming back to their house from the Senate for a vote of "concurrence," and second, to continue hearings on the complicated water legislation. It should be noted that the Assembly did not need to address SB 67 during their session, as they had already passed the bill in September before the legislature officially adjourned. However, the Assembly did need to take up bills such as technical clean-up measures pertaining to the student aid program and K-12 education.
Also on Monday, as part of the "Special Session" on water, the Assembly and Senate Committees held a joint hearing and took testimony on a major water bill by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, that could potentially address issues affecting the Delta, water storage, and water conservation. Senator Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass are requesting that several public hearings be held this week and next week on the water legislation, to allow as many affected parties to participate in the process as possible. It is conceivable that the legislature may attempt to vote on a water package next week, if agreements are ultimately reached in this politically-charged battle.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro
CLA Lobbyists
Posted by claadmin at 11:09 AM
Exposure to Library Experience through Engaged Mentorship
In our current economic times, libraries have had the opportunity to engage volunteers in their libraries to help with a variety of tasks. What a perfect time for library school students to take advantage of opportunities when presented to them to volunteer in libraries and receive practical experience. I have had the fortunate opportunity to welcome SJSU graduate student Susan Tockgo in to the library I manage; the Glen Avon Regional Library, located in the Riverside County System. It has been a pleasure introducing Susan to the everyday challenges and excitement that occur in a busy public library. I sincerely appreciate Susan's questions, enthusiasm and suggestions, which I believe has strengthened our mentoring relationship. Susan shares her experiences and challenges below:
What do you do when you are seeking a library position without library experience during this lean and challenging economy? As a graduate student, one method to gain a hands-on library experience is through formalized internship once you've completed certain amount of class units. But in the meantime, what opportunities are there to combine theory and practice in the hopes of achieving a better understanding of what librarianship is all about? As it turned out, I was able to find a volunteer position while attending the "Tricks and Tips for Getting Your First Professional Job " Spring Fling workshop sponsored by the Student Interest Group of CLA. I was able to make contact with a forward-thinking library professional with twenty-years of library experience and who subscribes to what the core values of librarianship are about: Stewardship, service, literacy and education, equity of access, intellectual freedom, and democracy. Tracie Carignan is the manager at Glen-Avon library, one of 34 branch libraries within the Riverside County Library System. And through her mentorship, I was able to gain practical day-to-day, hands on experience about librarianship. Here is a short-list of the experiences I gained:
- Learned about the overall library and organization.
- Observed through method of shadowing staff members and learn about their work and interaction with patrons.
- Was able to sit in on staff meetings for reference and circulation department. And sat in on branch manager's meeting.
- Observed problem-solving in action of various departments.
- Was able to interact with staff one-on-one and get to know their philosophy, method and approach to their work.
- Gained personal experience of assisting library patrons at the circulation and reference desk while being supervised.
- Gained knowledge and learn to use Sirsi-Dynix software for Acquisition, OPAC, and Circulation department.
- Gain new knowledge about the use of cataloging within library county system.
- Gained hands-on knowledge about Online Selection & Acquisitions.
- Learn about how to facilitate community outreach programs such as resume workshop.
I appreciate the fact I was able to gain additional insights about challenges to all facets of librarianship while volunteering these past two months at this library. Through her mentorship, I gained the perspective of observing not only other staff members at work but also the day-to-day challenges she faces daily as a manager. The important lesson I take away is the power and dignity shown through herself as an example of a manager with a can-do attitude toward her staff and when serving the public. In the future, I hope to follow her lead while finding gainful employment in a library.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Tracie Carignan
Manager- Glen Avon Regional Library
Riverside County Library System.
&
Susan Tockgo
SJSU Graduate Student
Posted by claadmin at 11:06 AM
2009 Writer-to-Writer Challenge
A Writing Competition for Adult Literacy Learners
What is the Writer-to-Writer Challenge? Adult literacy learners of the California Library Literacy Services are invited to read a book, any book. It can be fiction or non-fiction, written at any level, and can be a book-on-tape. They then write a letter to the author describing how the book changed their lives.
This year 188 adult learners entered the Challenge from 43 library literacy programs all over California. Their letters, based on their writing skill levels, were divided into four categories: Emerging, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced. There are two rounds of judging: In the first round a panel of librarians and literacy specialists carefully selected the finalists in each category. In the second round, groups of learners reviewed the finalists' letters and picked the winner and runners-up in each category.
The letters of the winners will appear as a Four-part Series beginning with this E-newsletter.
Alan Archer
President, CLA Literacy Interest Group
***
Winner: Advanced Writer
Sima Tawakoli
Berkeley Public Library
Dear Paulo Coelho,
I am honored by "my good fortune of the world," as you would say to be able to read your novel The Alchemist in two different languages, Farsi and English. I read the Farsi version of The Alchemist almost one decade ago when I had started to work as an architect and instructor. I read the English version of your novel when my English tutor, Judy bought it for me one very pleasant morning this June in Berkeley. Maybe one day I will have a chance to read it in your language which I am sure will be the best to understand fully all of the magic of the book.
Your book had a deep influence on my life. I had some idea of going to other countries and The Alchemist made this decision stronger. Four years ago, I left my country, Iran, "to look for my treasure," like Santiago did. I can tell you that not just for me but for any person who goes after his or her treasure this book is like a model. All of the things that happened in any chapter in The Alchemist, such as being disappointed, upset, hopeful, or persistent, happen to us seekers. My: life right now is in the chapter where Santiago is working in the Crystal shop, after he feels he has lost everything by being robbed. Sometime I feel I have lost my precious things by leaving my country. I know that I have to pass a few more chapters to find my treasure.
When I read your book again in English, I just remembered how much I enjoyed it for the wonderful truths, like the time that the king talked to Santiago, helping him make his decision about taking his trip and The King told him about a baker who postponed making his decisions for decades and who was still a baker.
It was almost one year after I left Iran when my Mother called to say she just learned the reason for my trip. She wasn't happy when I left. One night when she was missing me so much she slept in my bed where she found The Alchemist under my pillow. She read the book thinking may be she would get sleepy. However, she couldn't stop reading until dawn. When she called me her voice was strong." Now," she said," I understand you."
Thank you, Paulo Coelho for helping me explain my reason for leaving. When I left home, I couldn't explain in words why I had to go. Silently the understanding came when my mother read your words.
Very truly yours,
Sima Tawakoli
Posted by claadmin at 11:05 AM
San Quentin REACH Visit - A Study in Contrast
I was honored to take my first look inside San Quentin State Prison on August 26th, 2009, while attending Project R.E.A.C.H.'s Student Acknowledgement & Check Presentation Event. This MLP-sponsored program, "Reach for Education, Achievement and Change with Help," trains and supports inmate tutors who mentor over 50 men per year in the development of literacy skills. Let me share with you what I saw, which became essentially a study in contrast.
Approaching the foreboding medieval-style castle entrance, I notice the hand-welded bars above tall arched windows. Yet the tower parapet is covered with 21st century satellite dishes.
While waiting in the "sallyport" for guards to hand-operate the ancient gates, there is some dread of what is to come. It is soon assuaged by stepping into a courtyard and gardens, beautifully maintained by inmate gardeners. Yet contrasts continue as we compare the religious facilities on the north side with the grimy Adjustment Center and Death Row on the south.
Continuing on our path, we walk on buckling pavement and follow a crumbling brick wall that opens to a smooth surface tennis court and immaculate baseball diamonds. Thanks to a recent successful fundraiser/rock concert, the baseball fields are a beautiful home to teams that beat all visitors. If it isn't great coaching, then it must be that continual "home field" advantage that makes them constant winners!
A walk past a spiritually active Native American firepit contrasts with our modern pre-fab modular destination. Nervous about inmate contact, I soon feel at home as we are warmly greeted by the five-member REACH Executive Council. They have been working for weeks to establish a list of inmates who are approved to attend the event, and who have each been given a hand-written "ducat." The only signs of modern technology are the nicely printed programs and the overactive air conditioner. Everything else, from setup to cleanup, runs by inmate hand labor.
Although dressed in well-worn denim shirts and pants, I see much pride in appearance with neat pressing and finely-stitched patches.
Despite the fact that many housing units and much of the yard are segregated, the REACH classroom is one place where all races learn together in friendly camaraderie and safety.
As my co-workers and I worry over the fat grams in our KFC box, I realize how eager my inmate dinner partner is to remove my container when finished, in the hopes of salvaging uneaten items. He is not displeased. All men ate voraciously, claiming the chicken and cake were "the best food we've had in months."
We forget that many of the older, long-term scholars have not partaken in the rapid changes of the outside world. One of the inmate "technical experts" remarked that he has never sent or received an email, and that when he left civilian life, "gas was 99 cents per gallon."
The ultimate contrast is the presentation, especially when we see diminutive Jane Curtis speak among men half again her height. Eyes look upon her with respect and love. Appreciation is evident for her and the work of prison co-sponsors Debra Sheldon and Tom Bolema. Along with three regular and several occasional "outside" tutors, they have provided a way for incarcerated men to improve their literacy skills.
As their printed program asserts: Project REACH is making a pronounced difference in the lives of those involved. Every time a man learns to read a new work, graph an algebraic equation, write a letter home, prepares for a successful passage of the GED - or simply sees that he can wish, ask for, and receive help with something that matters very deeply to him and his sense of self-esteem - it is a transforming experience. Project REACH and its participants are at the heart of every one of those transformations.
The two-hour visit, with its look at past versus present housing as well as learning conditions, speaks well for Project REACH. My view may be colored by my enthusiasm for the program, which attracts the most motivated of the incarcerated. Nevertheless, I am convinced that despite what goes on elsewhere in San Quentin, what goes on inside the REACH classroom promotes a brighter future for everyone involved.
Marin Literacy Program offers adult and family literacy programming through its Inmate Literacy Services both at San Quentin State Prison and Marin County Jail. Visit MLP website www.marinliteracy.org for more information. Jane Curtis is Coordinator of Inmate Literacy Services, and Kaaron Carver is Marin Literacy Program's Office Assistant.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Kaaron Carver
Marin Literacy Program
Posted by claadmin at 10:59 AM
October 22, 2009
Conference News - Special Event Ticket Exchange
Did you buy a ticket for a special event and now cannot attend?
Conversely, are you looking for a ticket to a special event?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, be sure to post in the comment box below!
While tickets for CLA Special Events are no longer on sale, you still have a chance to attend these events and/or sell your tickets to your peers. So if you have a ticket to sell or are looking to buy, be sure to discuss below!
Posted by claadmin at 9:44 AM
October 15, 2009
News from the Capitol
SENATE RETURNS TO COMPLETE UNFINISHED BUSINESS, INCLUDING SB 67
On September 11th, the last night of the regular Legislative Session, the Senate Republicans became angry over what they believed were a series of broken promises by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, and subsequently they refused to provide the necessary 2/3 vote on approximately 20 important bills that contained "urgency clauses." Among the bills was SB 67, by the Committee on Budget, which contained several technical "clean-up" changes in order to implement the Proposition 1A Securitization program that more than 1100 cities, counties and special districts have already enrolled in. In order to meet the public notice requirements of the Brown Act, and the required deadlines for a mid-November Bond issue, the Senate needed to act on SB 67 by today, October 15th. Fortunately, the earlier disagreements had been resolved, and SB 67 easily passed the Senate yesterday on a bipartisan vote of 37-0. Since the bill had previously passed the Assembly, and merely needed to be acted on by the Senate, the Governor is expected to quickly sign the measure.
HEARINGS ON GOVERNOR'S TAX COMMISSION PROPOSAL
On September 29th, the 14 member Governor's "Commission on the 21st Century Economy," also known as the Governor's Tax Commission, chaired by Gerald Parsky, wrapped up nine months of work in attempting to overhaul the State's tax system. The Commission incorporated its recommendations into a 326 page draft legislation document. While the recommendations do not specifically impact local government, they are perhaps the most significant tax policy changes ever proposed. In brief, the Commissions recommendations are:
1. Reduce Personal Income Tax collections by $15 billion by reducing the number of tax brackets, lowering the top rate and eliminating most credits and deductions.
2. Eliminate entirely, the Corporate Income Tax,
3. Eliminate the State's portion of the sales tax, except for gasoline,
4. Replace the above lost revenues with an entirely new tax on the net receipts of businesses, known as the Business Net Receipts Tax or BNRT.
Last Thursday and Friday, and again yesterday, the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee held day-long hearings that included presentations by chairman Parsky, and several of the commissioners. Five of the fourteen commissioners refused to sign the report, including former Assemblyman Fred Keeley (also a member of the reform group "California Forward"). While Parsky argued that the new BNRT would help end the revenue volatility resulting from California's high reliance on the Personal Income Tax, Keeley and dozens of other witnesses argued against the wholesale change to an entirely new untested tax system. Witnesses noted that while a "value added" tax is used in Europe, the new BNRT has not been implemented anywhere in the world.
When pressed by reporters at a recent press conference, where the Commission's report was unveiled, the Governor said he would sign the proposal if it reached his desk. However, given the minimal support for the Commission's recommendations, and the strong opposition from the business community, unions, advocacy groups, and others, it is unlikely legislation implementing the proposals will ever reach the Governor's desk. Work on this subject matter will continue throughout the Fall/Winter with various interim hearings in each house. Interestingly, while the proposal does not directly impact local government, issues such as State/local revenue sharing, and changes to Proposition 13 were discussed during the hearings.
Submitted by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists
Posted by claadmin at 3:50 PM
October 13, 2009
Become a Library Advocate @ CLA's Annual Conference
Libraries play an essential role in the community. It is now more important than ever to have effective library advocates to reach out and share this message. Librarians, trustees, Friends of the library, library users who value our services, community leaders, and others can share our message, support our causes, and influence decision-makers.
At this year's annual Conference, taking place in Pasadena, CLA is presenting at least six sessions that specifically focus on advocacy and library support. Please join us to strengthen and expand our critical advocacy efforts for California libraries - at the local, regional, state and national levels. Reach Out!
More Partnerships That Work! A Program for Library Friends, Trustees & Foundation Leaders
Pre-Conference, Friday, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
CLA/CALTAC/Friends of the SFPL
Libraries benefit from partnerships and collaboration. Alliances with strategic partners strengthen fundraising, friend-raising, advocacy and programs. This session of panels and roundtables will showcase collaborations and strategies that result in stronger advocacy, fundraising and library support. Librarians, library employees and students are welcome!
Hold your Ground! How to Maintain Funding in Tough Times
Sat 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
During these challenging economic times when public funds are scarce, libraries and their vital public services often face the chopping block. This workshop will introduce you to successful strategies to advocate for keeping your library's budget intact and for spreading the word about the ways in which libraries increase in value during economic downturns.
Make it Count! Using Private Philanthropy to Leverage Public Funding
Sat 2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Library Foundations raise large sums of private financial support; grassroots Friends groups advocate for public funds. Some library partners do both! In the best of all worlds, libraries benefit from partners who fund programs and capital projects through corporate, foundation and individual donors and also make the case at City hall for increased public funding. Learn how two successful library support groups leverage their work to maximize support, without tipping the scale too far in one direction-and how you can do it too!
Reach Out! Library Advocacy 2010: Solutions for Hard Times
Sat 4:45 - 6:00 p.m.
The California Librarians Black Caucus and the African American Interest Group of CLA will provide best practices related to advocacy for libraries during difficult economic times. We will reach out with known celebrities/authors, and speak on the vital roles that libraries play in their communities today and into the future.
Every Voice Makes a Difference: Frontline Library Employee Advocacy
Mon 9:00 - 10: 15 a.m.
Join ALA President Camila Alire and Yolo County Librarian Patty Wong in this discussion. During these tough economic times, every voice can make a difference for our libraries no matter the type of library. There is another level of advocacy that has not been pursued - empowering library employees to advocate the value of their libraries and their value to patrons/users, friends, relatives, and neighbors. This program covers the importance of frontline advocacy and helpful hints on how to do this effectively.
Wake up your Legislators!
(Replaces Politics: Impact of State and Federal Legislation on Your Library)
Mon 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Legislative Committee and CALTAC
Plan and strengthen your community's library advocacy strategy using tips from grassroots/grasstops experts. You'll hear about messages, coalition-building, social media tools, and ways to engage fresh faces. Jan Sanders, Pasadena PL; Lena Kennedy, Obama grassroots campaign; Kristin Murphy, ALA Legislative
See you in Pasadena!
Deborah Doyle
CLA Legislative Committee
Posted by claadmin at 1:33 PM
California Library Association Passes Resolution to Restore Civil Liberties: USA PATRIOT Act
October 13, 2009 • SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Library Association (CLA) has just announced a resolution calling on Congress to dramatically revise the up-for-renewal USA PATRIOT Act, passed hurriedly in the weeks following the 9/11 attacks.
Librarians have been front-line opponents of certain provisions of the PATRIOT Act since its passage. The Act has made it possible, under Section 215, for the FBI to request and obtain library records for large numbers of individuals without reason to believe they are involved in illegal activity. This jeopardizes the basic ethics of the library profession, expressed in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association.
Expanding on the American Library Association's PATRIOT Act resolution last July, the CLA resolution goes further to address imminent First and Fourth Amendment concerns with Section 505. This provision grants the FBI broad authority to sidestep constitutional safeguards though use of National Security Letters to obtain information.
CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee chair, Mary Minow, a leading expert on library law, said, "It's past time for the blatantly unconstitutional aspects of this legislation to be removed from the books, and now is the opportunity for Congress to act."
Two sections of the PATRIOT Act are currently up for reauthorization, with sunsets at the end of December 2009, and librarians across the country see this as an opportunity to correct those provisions that attack basic civil liberties. CLA's resolution calls for Congress to allow Section 215 to sunset, to amend Section 505 to "include a clear exemption for library records," and in general to intensify Congressional oversight of the use of the Act.
For more information, please contact:
Mary Minow, Chair,
CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee
408-366-0123
Amy Sonnie, Member,
CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee,
415-823-0497
Posted by claadmin at 12:18 PM
October 12, 2009
2009 Annual Report
Beyond Intuition - Planning For Transformation
Whenever there is need for change within an organization, several choices of action are available. One would be to react in panic and revert to past practice. Another would be to jump headfirst into the new situation and build upon the weak foundation of the old structure. However, the best practice for instituting lasting change is assessing, evaluating and careful planning for the organization's future. This process also includes preserving best practices and enhancing core programs that provide value to members.
With the number of significant changes experienced by CLA in this past year the best choice was to hold, assess, evaluate, and manage - sometimes one day at a time. Consider the major changes to our organization in the last 12 months: a supporting membership vote to change the bylaws and governance structure of the organization; the departure of our Executive Director; searching for, hiring and orienting an interim Executive Director; the loss of 1.75 of the 2 remaining office staff; the completion and resultant ramifications of a first ever business assessment report; the sale of the downtown building and moving of the CLA offices; two full recruitments for a permanent Executive Director; a RFP process to select an association management company; and a nationwide economic recession. All of these changes had a significant impact our organization's short-term fiscal health.
Yes, this year has been a very tough one for the organization. Yet what an amazing opportunity these challenges have provided for CLA to become stronger. The old adage, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" can certainly be applied to all of us in CLA this year. Yet we have not only maintained the services members expect from CLA, we've actually launched some new ones. This report summarizes the advocacy, educational and innovative activities that have filled the CLA community this past year on behalf of our members. Here are highlights from the report:
- Continued and coordinated the statewide summer reading program and, "Spring Fling" workshops sponsored by CLA Interest Groups; and received a grant invitation from the prestigious David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
- Continued a strong legislative presence at the state and local levels that included retaining current levels of the PLF and TBR while assertively lobbying for ARRA stimulus dollars for broadband connectivity.
- Completed a Transition Tool Kit to help members better understand the new CLA governance structure
- Debuted the monthly electronic newsletter "California Libraries", published two editions of the CLA magazine "Clarion", and established our presence on two social networks, Facebook and Twitter.
- Joined the Urban Libraries Council as an institutional member providing CLA with access to critical forecasting and research information.
- 2009 Annual Report (914k)
All of this activity happened simultaneously with the completion of a thorough business assessment of CLA. This assessment gave your leadership guidance for growing our organization in the best way possible.
And the reason CLA could withstand all the change and still operate and produce is a direct result of YOU, the members. You kept volunteering, working, and supporting your leadership. And all of us have been supported by our Interim Executive Director, Claudia Foutz, our new Membership, Marketing and Communications Manager, Richard Berta, and the continuing assistance of Laura Fisher our prior long time Administrative Director. As President this team provided me and the Board with the performance, information and advice we needed to advance through this year of challenges.
I believe that with the information we now possess about our finances and organizational structural needs, we are perfectly poised to enter into the next phase of CLA's growth-planning for a strong future. The next couple of years will entail a strategic planning process that will "Reach Out!" to all our members, other library organizations, and incorporate some of the best practices from other state library associations.
I am proud of the way we embraced major change and chose to reassess our association in the strongest possible light. CLA is now prepared for a transformation into an organization that will be exciting, relevant and flexible. We will be an organization whose decisions are based on knowledge, data and our rich history.
I can't think of a more exciting time to have had both the honor and humbling experience of being your President.
Barbara Roberts
2009 CLA President
Posted by claadmin at 10:55 AM
Vote Now in CLA's 2009 Election
Voting for the 2009 CLA Election has begun! To vote online, please visit http://rsmart.ca/VoteCLA.
To vote, you will need to enter your CLA Member ID and password, which has been sent to your email address. If the CLA office does not have your email address, you have been mailed a paper ballot in the mail. If you prefer to vote by mail, send your request to the CLA office at info@cla-net.org or call us at 916-779-4573. The election ends on October 25, 2009.
To view this year's candidates and their statements, click here.
NOTE: You must have a current "Voting" membership with CLA in order to vote in the election. Per CLA Bylaws, Supporting members are not allowed to vote in CLA elections.
Posted by claadmin at 9:10 AM