Issues and Advocacy
It's more important than ever for youth librarians to be informed about current issues in the field and to be able to advocate effectively on behalf of libraries with administrators, trustees, legislators, and other stakeholders.
ALSC can help by providing tools and information, and by advocating on the national level through participation in ALA's National Library Legislative Days.
Issues
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
"Lead is feared in children's books," Associated Press, 3/17/2009 This article outlines ALA's and CPSC's positions.
Copyright
What Youth Librarians Need to Know about Copyright
Intellectual freedom
The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
Summer reading
Dominican University study on the impact of summer reading programs
The Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University received a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for a three-year research study (2006-2009) to answer the question: do public library summer reading programs impact student achievement?
The Importance of Summer Reading: Public Library Summer Reading Programs and Learning
This research paper and bibliography was created by the New York State Library and focuses on the advantages of reading over the summer months, access to books, time spent reading, and use of public libraries during the summer months.
Technology
Web Resources about the Internet & Technology
Children and the Internet: Policies that Work
Navigating the 'Net with Your Kids (PDF) Download this free brochure as a resource for parents!
Advocacy
Library Advocacy Day will replace National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) in 2010 for one year only. The date of Library Advocacy Day will be June 29, 2010, and library advocates from all 50 states will meet at Upper Senate Park on the U.S. Capitol grounds. The event, which will begin at 11:00 a.m., will feature guest speakers, photo ops, and a chance to cheer on libraries! After the rally, participants will meet with their elected officials and their staffs. Details about ALSC's involvement are forthcoming.
Kids! @ your library Public Awareness campaign tools can help you promote your library's services and collections in your community. Many materials are available free for download, including artwork, games and puzzles, and the "@ your library!" song written and performed by Grammy-nominated singer-storyteller Bill Harley.
The ALA Washington Office provides a wealth of information on current legislative issues, and hosts the annual National Library Legislative Days. ALSC members are encouraged to participate through their state delegation; each year the ALSC President and Executive Director call on Congressional committees, national partners, and others to help advance ALSC's mission and discuss legislation important to our members, such as Head Start, LSTA, No Child Left Behind, the Patriot Act, and more.