Full Text (PDF) - Mississippi Library Association

Page 21 Vol. 67, No. 1, Spring 2003 Mississippi LibrariesMLA Councilor: Representing MLA at ALABy Billy BealDean of Learning ResourcesMeridian Community Collegebbeal@mcc.cc.ms.usOver three hundred Mississippi librariansbelong to the American Library Association(ALA). As your Councilor I representedour Mississippi Chapter withinALA’s governance structure. The ChapterRelations Council keeps the Associationgrounded in the reality of the day to dayactivities of libraries and librarians in eachstate and even American territories. Somedescribe the chapter councilors as the senatorsof ALA who balance the influence ofthe at-large elected councilors.ALA has been politically very active inthe last three years, concentrating onissues that affect librarians every day: UniformComputer Information TransactionsAct (UCITA), the Children’s Internet ProtectionAct (CIPA), and the USA PatriotAct as well as the establishment of theALA/Allied Professional Association(APA). The ALA/APA has been designedto provide specialized skill certification forlibrarians and to create a lobbying structureto vigorously advocate for library servicesas well as better salaries for librariansand library workers.The Association elected to become veryproactive in passing a resolution seeking toamend the USA Patriot Act, because of itsintrusion into the area of intellectual freedomand privacy. To promote diversity,the Association has developed the SpectrumInitiative, giving scholarships to minoritystudents in accredited library schools.Several Mississippians have alreadyreceived Spectrum awards. The Associationhas fought vigorously to prevent theadoption of UCITA legislation in State legislatures,as this expansion of copyright lawthreatens intellectual freedom and equity ofaccess. The Association has committedmore than a million dollars to the legal fightagainst CIPA since it denies local libraryboards the chance to determine the level ofcensorship local communities may adopt inorder to fulfill their mission.ALA is a membership organization.Librarians, library workers, library trusteesand library vendors are eligible for membership.I urge all Mississippi librarians tobecome active members of ALA, knowingthey can enrich themselves and shapethe values of the Association throughactive participation in its multitude of sections,roundtables, discussion groups andprograms.My three years spent as Councilorhave enriched me as a professional. Ithank you for the opportunity to haveserved and represented our MississippiLibrary Association.