ALA Councilor's Report
ALA Midwinter was held in Philadelphia from Saturday, January 12, through Wednesday, January 16. As the New Hampshire Chapter Councilor, I attended several meetings and forums over the five days.
There was a presidential candidate's forum as well as an executive board candidate's forum. All ALA members vote for the president, but only councilors vote for the executive board. Two of the three candidates for whom I voted were elected.
There were two information session that I attended: one for the council, executive board, and membership; the other for the ALA-APA (Allied Professionals Association). Both of those sessions include the reading of reports from the president, treasurer, and various committee heads. Additionally, there are three council sessions where action is taken. Members are allowed to attend those sessions, but only councilors may speak and vote.
Of the actions discussed, the most memorable were providing accessible workstations at conferences (which passed) and a graduated dues study (which was referred to committee.) At each conference, there are a number of political and social issues discussed. In Philly, there was discussion on the crisis in Kenya and the confiscation of Iraqi documents.
Also, I attended two council forums and one chapter councilors forum at which actions are debated and strategies devised for the full discussion at council sessions.
I managed to spend about ten minutes at the mammoth vendors' hall, but not being much of a shopper, it was too overwhelming for me. My meeting schedule did not permit me to attend any of the conference programs.
ALA Annual will be in Anaheim at the end of June.
Respectfully submitted,
Rob Sargent
