Minutes from the September 30, 2009 FLIF Meeting
1. Round table introductions!
Thanks to everyone for coming to the first FLIF meeting for Fall 2009! Sorry the introductions were a little brief, but hopefully we will get to know each better throughout the year.
2. Points to Highlight for Community Bookshelf Project
What’s it all about
The Community Bookshelf Project works with inner city agencies to provide free reading materials for Edmontonians who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. These individuals are may be embarrassed or unable to access other sources of reading materials. For many people, reading offers them an escape and a healthy way to use their time. In some cases, reading has helped people to kick addictions and make a new start.
Where do the books go
Books are distributed regularly distributed to a few select agencies and on an as-needed basis to other agencies.
We drop books at:
• The Bissell Centre – a daytime drop-in centre for inner city residents that also offers other services like showers, laundry facilities, food and help finding housing.
• Boyle Street Community Services – Boyle Street is also a daytime drop-in centre for inner city residents though it also houses a number of other services including the Learning Centre Literacy Association and Street Works. We are currently looking at new opportunities to work more closely with the Learning Centre on some innovative evening programs for Boyle Street clients (we’ll be looking at FLIF to help if this happens!).
• HIV Edmonton – an agency offering drop-in services for Edmontonians living with HIV. Approximately 60-70% of their clients are homeless.
• Operation Friendship – a multipurpose agency for seniors. Operation Friendship runs a daytime drop-in centre for inner city seniors and also operates 5 housing facilities for seniors in the inner city.
We help at events like:
• Homeless Connect – a one-day event for inner city residents held at the Shaw Conference Centre. Attendees can access a wide variety of services from legal help to getting IDs to having their teeth cleaned. The Community Bookshelf Project sets up a table with free books at each event. We usually bring about 20 boxes of books (donated by Edmonton Public Library) and have anywhere from 200-400 people drop by the table. If anyone is interested in dropping by to see what it’s all about, the next event is happening on Sunday, October 4 from 10-3pm. We’re happy to have any extra help! (If anyone is interested, let me know! People can come by for a whole shift or just an hour, it’s up to them)
Where do we get the books we donate
FLIF book drives, donations from local libraries (especially Edmonton Public Library) and personal donations.
Community Walk
We’re thinking of organizing a community walk for anyone interested in getting to better know Edmonton’s inner city. We’re looking at end of October – weather permitting.
3. Greater Edmonton Library Association (GELA) Women’s Prison Subcommittee
What’s it all about
Over the years FLIF has developed a strong partnership with GELA and many of our members have participated in their prison project. This initiative provides services to the women at the Edmonton Women’s Federal Correctional Institution. Over the summer GELA had participated in “vamping” up the library space, by weeding out books, bringing in new titles and giving the space a paint job. Other projects that go on throughout the year include
1. The Storybook Project-This is an opportunity for mother’s in the institution to record themselves reading stories so that they can send them to their children. The pilot project was completed over the summer using Audacity (Tara gave us some of her insights on how the project went). The women who participated were able to send the book and CD to their child. GELA hopes to continue with this project throughout the year.
2. Book Club-Several times a month (usually on the weekend) two GELA members go to the prison and read selected titles for the book club. To see a tentative schedule of what is coming up in the fall visit the GELA blog (). This project requires some what of a regular commitment as it includes the completion and discussion of specific book titles.
3. Prison Training Sessions- To volunteer at the prison there are two 3hour sessions that must be completed. We are still trying to coordinate times for the new training sessions. The first session is an orientation and tour of the prison and the second session is a safety orientation. Stay tuned for this fall’s schedule.
4. Streetworks
What’s it all about
Streetworks is a program offered by the Boyle Street Community Centre that focuses on harm reduction. There are counselors and nurses on staff that work closely with the community and they provide various services and offer education regarding safe intravenous drug use. The organization does have a small, but very significant collection of harm reduction literature. This is a very new partnership and over the summer two FLIF members did an assessment of the collection and developed a plan on how to get their library catalogued and put online so that their resources can be more efficiently and widely utilized. Although there had been little developments with the project we hope to get it launched over the next few months.
5. APIRG (Alberta Public Interest Research Group)
What it’s all about
The APIRG partnership is very new but we are hoping that it will flourish throughout the year. Located in HUB mall, APIRG is a campus based resource centre who’s main focus is community based research, education and social activism. We were approached by them in early September after they were impressed by our banned book collection that we displayed while we were tabling with CLA for Freedom to Read Week last February. APRIG has a small, but very unique collection of literature that they receive through donation and a small budget every year. We have offered to help them catalogue this material using the Edmonton Free Library and they are very excited in becoming more involved in 2010 Freedom to Read Week
6. Freedom to Read Week
What it’s all about
FLIF in collaboration with the CLA student chapter host’s Freedom to Read Week in February. We usually share a table in HUB mall and offer the campus community information on intellectual freedom and social responsibility, display recently banned or challenged books and provide walker’s by a brief history of the event. CLA and FLIF have in the past also made buttons and bookmarks that are sold at a very small fee (all proceeds go to GELA). More to come concerning this year’s events!
7. Benefit to Promote Canadian Literacy?
What it’s all about
We hope to build a new partnership with UBC’s Librarians Without Borders this New Year! We are open to fresh ideas on how to go about doing this, but so far we thought that a neat idea would be to have some sort of benefit event in Edmonton where the proceeds can go towards one of their current projects.
8. Call for 2010 Co-Chairs!
If you are interested in the co-chair position, please send one of us an email! Also let us know if you have any questions about the meeting or if you have any specific interest in any of the initiatives that we have discussed so far.
Brianna- berban @ ualberta.ca
Julie- jruel @ ualberta.ca
Madelaine- mvanderw @ ualberta.ca
OR flifblog @ gmail.com
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Another Amazing Homeless Connect!
This Sunday, October 4th, more than one thousand people showed up at the Shaw Conference Centre for the biannual Homeless Connect Edmonton Event. Attendees had access to a variety of services, including haircare, foot and dental care, taxes, free winter clothing, legal advice, and FLIF was there alongside the Greater Edmonton Library Association's Community Bookshelf Project. Our table was spread with a wide variety of free books, donated by EPL as well as personal donations, and we provided readers' advisory for people looking for a good read.
In total, 22 boxes of donated books were distributed, with 8 of those boxes going to the George Spady Centre and Boyle Street Community Services. We all had a great time talking books with the attendees and can't wait for the next event!
CBC has some coverage of the event here and the Edmonton Journal has a more in-depth article here.
We'll let you all know the date of the next one and we highly recommend volunteering as a great way to connect with the community.
FLIF
In total, 22 boxes of donated books were distributed, with 8 of those boxes going to the George Spady Centre and Boyle Street Community Services. We all had a great time talking books with the attendees and can't wait for the next event!
CBC has some coverage of the event here and the Edmonton Journal has a more in-depth article here.
We'll let you all know the date of the next one and we highly recommend volunteering as a great way to connect with the community.
FLIF
Friday, October 02, 2009
"American Girl" Homeless Doll?
Wow! We're confused! How do we feel about the new "homeless" American Girldoll, Gwen?
Sickened? Disgusted? Or a great way to spend $95.00?
What do you think?
Read the article here.
"American Girl dolls are expensive and extremely popular - among the most sought-after toys among girls from ages four and up. Each doll comes with its own storyline, and a relatively new doll is causing quite a stir. "Gwen," which debuted this year, is portrayed as being homeless.
"I think it's really a good idea, because homelessness affects everybody, at different economic levels," Herb Smith, president of the Los Angeles Mission, remarked to Kauffman. "I actually think it's a good teaching tool."
Not so fast, say some homeless advocates, such as one who observed to Kauffman that she finds "the whole concept to be extremely disturbing. It's not a doll I would ever buy for a child."
There are between 7,000 and 10,000 homeless children in L.A. alone, Kauffman notes, and it's doubtful many, if any, could afford Gwen's $95 price tag."
Is this a good way to raise awareness about homelessness? Hmmm.
Sickened? Disgusted? Or a great way to spend $95.00?
What do you think?
Read the article here.
"American Girl dolls are expensive and extremely popular - among the most sought-after toys among girls from ages four and up. Each doll comes with its own storyline, and a relatively new doll is causing quite a stir. "Gwen," which debuted this year, is portrayed as being homeless.
"I think it's really a good idea, because homelessness affects everybody, at different economic levels," Herb Smith, president of the Los Angeles Mission, remarked to Kauffman. "I actually think it's a good teaching tool."
Not so fast, say some homeless advocates, such as one who observed to Kauffman that she finds "the whole concept to be extremely disturbing. It's not a doll I would ever buy for a child."
There are between 7,000 and 10,000 homeless children in L.A. alone, Kauffman notes, and it's doubtful many, if any, could afford Gwen's $95 price tag."
Is this a good way to raise awareness about homelessness? Hmmm.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Anarchist Bookfair this Weekend
It's short notice but all of you intellectual freedom fans should really come check out the Edmonton Anarchist Bookfair this weekend, October 2-4 at the Edmonton Ukrainian Centre (11018 97 Street NW). This free event has been running since 2002, and provides the people of Edmonton with a chance to access radical information, to share ideas, and an opportunity to connect with like-minded folks. Independent documentaries will be screened, you can participate in skill-share workshops, and there will be tons of radical literature to browse through. And if you're not an anarchist, that's okay, because everyone is welcome!!!!
We're really excited about the opening speaker, Victoria (Vikki) Law, an activist and author who will speak about the issues faced by incarcerated women in Canada and the US, as well as women's resistance and organizing in prison. Law will facilitate a discussion on how people on the outside can support women in prison. This talk will be of particular interest to those involved or interested in the GELA Prison Project, and it would be great if members of the progressive library community in Edmonton could show up to participate in the discussion and share our experiences and initiatives with Law.
If you'd like to hear CJSR's Adamant Eve interview with Law (airing tomorrow at 5:30pm) click here.
Victoria Law is also the author of Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women, an absorbing legal and social analysis of the racism and sexism underlying the criminal justice system in America. Check out Radical Reference's review of the book here.
Bitch Magazine's Kari Lyderson interviewed Law for their Spring 2009 issue, read it here.
Finally, Vue Magazine has an article about Law in this week's issue.
Don't miss out! Unless (like some people) you have to work. Take notes please!
FLIF
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Knowledge is Power: Access to Information in Alberta
Did you know that it's Right to Know Week in Alberta? It all started yesterday with the International celebration of Right to Know Day, and continues up until the 2nd of October. Alberta's festivities are a tad belated, and will be held on October 7th in Edmonton.
Find the details below, courtesy of the Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership
"Calgary—The importance of citizen access to government information will be the focus of Knowledge is Power: Access to Information in Alberta events in Calgary and Edmonton on October 6 and 7, 2009. Hosted by the Alberta Press Council, University of Alberta Centre for Constitutional Studies and the Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership, the events are part of the national Right to Know Week.
Keynote speaker Darrell Evans, Executive Director of the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, will address the need for advocacy and activism to get access to information and to keep that access from being eroded over time, and recount some of the notable successes citizens have had in exercising the right to know in Canada.
“Governments will always try to dominate the political agenda and control citizens by controlling access to information,” says Evans. “But from the perspective of a citizen, ‘the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.’ That means it’s our civic duty to counter the spin by demanding timely access to the key government records that tell us what’s really going on.”
Evans will be joined by panelists Linda McKay-Panos, lawyer and Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre and; in Calgary, Lorne Motley, Editor-in-Chief of the Calgary Herald; in Edmonton, Alan Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of the Edmonton Journal.
McKay-Panos will discuss how Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) legislation functions and what changes are needed to improve the legislation.
Motley and Mayer will emphasize the importance of the right to know from the media’s perspective as a key source of public information for citizens in a democracy. The Editors-in-Chief of Alberta’s two major dailies will also offer examples of the obstacles to access to information in Alberta.
In Alberta, the public’s right to know is guaranteed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The public’s right to information allows any person to request records under the control of a public body relating to the decisions, operations, administration and performance of government. The underlying principle is that citizens are best equipped to hold government accountable, and are better able to participate in the democratic process, when they have timely access to relevant information."
If you'd like to attend, here are the times and locations:
Event Details:
(1) WHEN: Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
WHERE: EPCOR Centre, Engineered Air Theatre, 205 - 8
Ave, S.E., CALGARY
(2) WHEN: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
WHERE: University of Alberta, Glacier Room, Lister Centre,
87th Ave & 116 St, EDMONTON
Happy Right to Know Week!!!!!
FLIF Meeting this Wednesday in Henderson Hall
JOIN US THIS WEDNESDAY FOR THE FIRST FLIF MEETING OF THE YEAR!
This Wednesday, come on down to Henderson Hall at noon to find out more about how you can be a part of Future Librarians for Intellectual Freedom (FLIF). We need your fresh ideas, your enthusiasm, and as little or as much time as you can commit. We'll tell you about what we're involved in and what we hope to do in this coming year. We also need some junior co-chairs so FLIF will have some souls to carry the torch into next year.
AND SNACKS!
See you there!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Banned Books Week!
Hey everyone,
We're a little late in the game, but it's Banned Books Week for our neighbors down south! Running from September 26 until October 3rd in 2009, it's the only national celebration of the freedom to read in the U.S.
From the website:
"It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. The challenges have occurred in every state and in hundreds of communities. Click here to see a map of book bans and challenges in the US from 2007 to 2009. People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups--or positive portrayals of homosexuals. Their targets range from books that explore the latest problems to classic and beloved works of American literature." http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/info.html
Click here for the American Library Association's top ten most challenged books of 2008. We're proud to say that we've read, and enjoyed, almost all of them - and yes, even Gossip Girl. Shhhh!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Homeless Connect volunteer opportunities!
There are 2 shifts remaining for the upcoming third Homeless Connect Edmonton on Sunday, October 4th at the Shaw Conference Centre. You can choose from 9:30am-12:30pm and 12:30pm-3:30pm, depending on your love of sleeping in or not.
This event is a fantastic chance to work directly with the community and network with agencies and service providers who FLIF and GELA work with throughout the year - and you'll get a chance to hang out with us - yay!
Let us know at flifblog @ gmail.com if you can make it, we'd love to get to know you better! Alternately, join the GELA Community Bookshelf Project group on Facebook and send Amelia Martin a message that you can help out.
Thanks gang!
Brianna, Julie, and Madelaine
This event is a fantastic chance to work directly with the community and network with agencies and service providers who FLIF and GELA work with throughout the year - and you'll get a chance to hang out with us - yay!
Let us know at flifblog @ gmail.com if you can make it, we'd love to get to know you better! Alternately, join the GELA Community Bookshelf Project group on Facebook and send Amelia Martin a message that you can help out.
Thanks gang!
Brianna, Julie, and Madelaine
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Expression and Discrimination under Alberta Human Rights Law
The Centre for Constitutional Studies at the University of Alberta is holding a panel discussion on the Boisson V. Lund case on October 1st.
Find the details below:
"Join us for a panel discussion on the Boisson v. Lund case.
PANELISTS:
* Yessy Byl, Human Rights Education Project, Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
* Janet McCready, Peacock Linder & Halt LLP (Counsel for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association)
* Patrick Nugent, Chivers Carpenter Lawyers (Counsel for Dr. Darren Lund)
* Patricia Paradis, Paradis & Associates
Thursday, October 1, 2009
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
231 Law Centre
University of Alberta
This event is free and open to the public."
Find the details below:
"Join us for a panel discussion on the Boisson v. Lund case.
PANELISTS:
* Yessy Byl, Human Rights Education Project, Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
* Janet McCready, Peacock Linder & Halt LLP (Counsel for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association)
* Patrick Nugent, Chivers Carpenter Lawyers (Counsel for Dr. Darren Lund)
* Patricia Paradis, Paradis & Associates
Thursday, October 1, 2009
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
231 Law Centre
University of Alberta
This event is free and open to the public."
Thursday, September 17, 2009
FLP to STAY OPEN!
Breaking news guys! After the ominous threat of closure, the Free Library of Philadelphia is staying open!!!! Thanks in part to over 2000 letters of protest sent to state legislators (we CAN make a difference!), the jobs of 3000 employees are no longer at risk and the FLP can continue to provide important library services to the citizens of Philadelphia.
We think this calls for a celebratory drink! That was a little scary for a while there...
We think this calls for a celebratory drink! That was a little scary for a while there...
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
UN International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, 2009
The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights has just announced the events organized in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace. As librarians, we're committed to education, enlightenment, tolerance, and ultimately peace, so show your face at City Hall Plaza at noon and show the world that librarians are fighting the good fight. Heck, you can even make a huge placard, just no spelling errors, okay?
See the below details, courtesy of the JHCPHR:
"On Monday, September 21st, 2009 the United Nations International Day of Peace will be celebrated worldwide and for the sixth year in Edmonton at 12:00pm at the City Hall Plaza, (west of the Cenotaph). The World Peace Flag will be raised up the flagpole at the southwest corner of the south plaza. The 'World Peace Flag' has the word 'peace' written on it in 37 languages representing many of the world's languages and reflecting the common desire and pursuit of peace by all the world's peoples.
The program will include musical performances and speakers who will define peace in today's world from many perspectives. A moment of silence will be observed to honour the world-wide "Million Minutes for Peace Pledge". All are welcome, rain or shine. A proclamation from City of Edmonton Mayor Mandel will be read.
The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global day when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. Established by U.N. resolution in 1982, "Peace Day" has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in all kinds of events, large and small.
Speakers at the event include: David King, former Minister of Education, Member of the Legislative Assembly and current Executive Director of the Alberta Public School Boards’ Association, and Councillor Amarjeet Sohi to speak on Edmonton’s Racism Free and Multiculturalism Initiatives.
This annual U.N. event is supported by several organizations of Edmonton's peace community: Project Ploughshares, Raging Grannies, Women in Black, Unitarian Church of Edmonton Social Justice Committee, The Edmonton Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, Edmonton Interfaith Centre, Earth's General Store, and Racism Free Edmonton Initiative.
For more information, contact: Netta Phillet, intfaith@shaw.ca Helen Ready, hready@shaw.ca
www.internationaldayofpeace.org"
See the below details, courtesy of the JHCPHR:
"On Monday, September 21st, 2009 the United Nations International Day of Peace will be celebrated worldwide and for the sixth year in Edmonton at 12:00pm at the City Hall Plaza, (west of the Cenotaph). The World Peace Flag will be raised up the flagpole at the southwest corner of the south plaza. The 'World Peace Flag' has the word 'peace' written on it in 37 languages representing many of the world's languages and reflecting the common desire and pursuit of peace by all the world's peoples.
The program will include musical performances and speakers who will define peace in today's world from many perspectives. A moment of silence will be observed to honour the world-wide "Million Minutes for Peace Pledge". All are welcome, rain or shine. A proclamation from City of Edmonton Mayor Mandel will be read.
The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global day when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. Established by U.N. resolution in 1982, "Peace Day" has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in all kinds of events, large and small.
Speakers at the event include: David King, former Minister of Education, Member of the Legislative Assembly and current Executive Director of the Alberta Public School Boards’ Association, and Councillor Amarjeet Sohi to speak on Edmonton’s Racism Free and Multiculturalism Initiatives.
This annual U.N. event is supported by several organizations of Edmonton's peace community: Project Ploughshares, Raging Grannies, Women in Black, Unitarian Church of Edmonton Social Justice Committee, The Edmonton Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, Edmonton Interfaith Centre, Earth's General Store, and Racism Free Edmonton Initiative.
For more information, contact: Netta Phillet, intfaith@shaw.ca Helen Ready, hready@shaw.ca
www.internationaldayofpeace.org"
Monday, September 14, 2009
The closure of Philadelphia's Free Libraries
A moment of silence for the untimely demise of Philadelphia's Free Libraries.
.............
As posted on their website, the FLP will be closing the doors of all branches as of October 2, 2009 as a result of a so-called "lack of funding."
An open letter to all FLP patrons reads:
"All Free Library of Philadelphia Customers,
We deeply regret to inform you that without the necessary budgetary legislation by the State Legislature in Harrisburg, the City of Philadelphia will not have the funds to operate our neighborhood branch libraries, regional libraries, or the Parkway Central Library after October 2, 2009."
The mind boggles. How can the wealthiest nation in the world NOT afford to contribute to the education of its citizens? See Cory Doctorow's amazing rant over at Boing Boing for a little catharsis, and ponder on this:
"Picture an entire city, a modern, wealthy place, in the richest country in the world, in which the vital services provided by libraries are withdrawn due to political brinksmanship and an unwillingness to spare one banker's bonus worth of tax-dollars to sustain an entire region's connection with human culture and knowledge and community."
Unbelievable.
.............
As posted on their website, the FLP will be closing the doors of all branches as of October 2, 2009 as a result of a so-called "lack of funding."
An open letter to all FLP patrons reads:
"All Free Library of Philadelphia Customers,
We deeply regret to inform you that without the necessary budgetary legislation by the State Legislature in Harrisburg, the City of Philadelphia will not have the funds to operate our neighborhood branch libraries, regional libraries, or the Parkway Central Library after October 2, 2009."
The mind boggles. How can the wealthiest nation in the world NOT afford to contribute to the education of its citizens? See Cory Doctorow's amazing rant over at Boing Boing for a little catharsis, and ponder on this:
"Picture an entire city, a modern, wealthy place, in the richest country in the world, in which the vital services provided by libraries are withdrawn due to political brinksmanship and an unwillingness to spare one banker's bonus worth of tax-dollars to sustain an entire region's connection with human culture and knowledge and community."
Unbelievable.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Homeless Connect website updated
As mentioned in today's meeting, FLIF is looking for volunteers to help out at the upcoming Homeless Connect event. You can visit the website for more details, but just remember - it's coming up really soon, so mark those calendars in Sharpie for October 3rd and 4th.
Super Secret Special Speaker!
With no small amount of excitement did we hear the breaking news of the AMAZING keynote speaker booked for the upcoming February SLIS PD Day. We can't tell you who he/she is until the news is formally announced, but keep visiting the blog - we'll reveal the name soon!
Hint: He/She has been pivotal in promoting social justice and intellectual freedom issues in librarianship for a good many years now. Who could it be???? We are, as the kids say, pretty pumped about this event.
Upcoming FLIF meeting
Just a heads up to all future Future Librarians for Intellectual Freedom that our first meeting will be held in Henderson Hall on campus on Wednesday, September 30th at noon. We'll bring some fattening snacks and will spend about 30 minutes introducing you to planet FLIF. We hope to have one or two special guest speakers and we'll also talk about upcoming openings for junior co-chairs and blogmasters.
Thanks for listening to us at today's Bagel Day and we hope to see you at the meeting! Remember - any amount of commitment is welcomed and we just appreciate that there are others out there committed to the cause of promoting IFSR issues in librarianship.
Thanks for listening to us at today's Bagel Day and we hope to see you at the meeting! Remember - any amount of commitment is welcomed and we just appreciate that there are others out there committed to the cause of promoting IFSR issues in librarianship.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
The dystopian future is now!
Cushing Academy, located about 90 minutes outside of Boston, has taken a step that's caused quite the uproar in the library blogosphere: they've discarded all books from their library collection. James Tracy, headmaster of the New England prep school and mastermind of the bookless library claims, “When I look at books, I see an outdated technology, like scrolls before books.’’
The death of the book has been loudly proclaimed from all corners for some time now, but this particular initiative seems like a disturbing harbinger of things to come. The $12,000 cappuccino machine, in particular, strikes us as a giant middle finger to less financially secure students who traditionally have relied on print collections:
"Instead of a library, the academy is spending nearly $500,000 to create a “learning center,’’ though that is only one of the names in contention for the new space. In place of the stacks, they are spending $42,000 on three large flat-screen TVs that will project data from the Internet and $20,000 on special laptop-friendly study carrels. Where the reference desk was, they are building a $50,000 coffee shop that will include a $12,000 cappuccino machine."
http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2009/09/04/a_library_without_the_books/
And eighteen e-readers to satisfy the reading needs of the entire school? The ALA's Keith Michael Fiels remarks,
“Unless every student has a Kindle and an unlimited budget, I don’t see how that need is going to be met,’’ Fiels said. “Books are not a waste of space, and they won’t be until a digital book can tolerate as much sand, survive a coffee spill, and have unlimited power. When that happens, there will be next to no difference between that and a book.’’
Of course, if there's anywhere this experiment may have a chance of succeeding, it's an upscale prep school - it's when this type of thinking percolates into the public library system that we truly have some enormous issues on our plate. Thoughts?
The death of the book has been loudly proclaimed from all corners for some time now, but this particular initiative seems like a disturbing harbinger of things to come. The $12,000 cappuccino machine, in particular, strikes us as a giant middle finger to less financially secure students who traditionally have relied on print collections:
"Instead of a library, the academy is spending nearly $500,000 to create a “learning center,’’ though that is only one of the names in contention for the new space. In place of the stacks, they are spending $42,000 on three large flat-screen TVs that will project data from the Internet and $20,000 on special laptop-friendly study carrels. Where the reference desk was, they are building a $50,000 coffee shop that will include a $12,000 cappuccino machine."
http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2009/09/04/a_library_without_the_books/
And eighteen e-readers to satisfy the reading needs of the entire school? The ALA's Keith Michael Fiels remarks,
“Unless every student has a Kindle and an unlimited budget, I don’t see how that need is going to be met,’’ Fiels said. “Books are not a waste of space, and they won’t be until a digital book can tolerate as much sand, survive a coffee spill, and have unlimited power. When that happens, there will be next to no difference between that and a book.’’
Of course, if there's anywhere this experiment may have a chance of succeeding, it's an upscale prep school - it's when this type of thinking percolates into the public library system that we truly have some enormous issues on our plate. Thoughts?
Sunday, September 06, 2009
A few odds and sods in the Edmonton library community
First off, if those student loans/scholarships are treating you well this September, you have the chance to hobnob with John Wood, founder of Room to Read on October 5th at the Sutton Place Hotel in Edmonton. Details are below:
"- Imagine a world in which every child can read
- Envision a world where every child has access to books
- Picture a world where all children realize their full potential!
Join us....
for lunch to meet John Wood, Founder of Room to Read, a Time Magazine Asian Hero and author of
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: an Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children.
Monday, Oct. 5, 2009
Sutton Place Hotel, 10235 101 St.
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Tickets: $60. per person, $500. for 10 person table.
To register contact: roomtoreadedm@yahoo.ca; 780-481-6308
Space is limited, reserve your seat today!
www.roomtoread.org
World Change Starts With Educated Children"
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Next up, the Greater Edmonton Library Association is having its Fall Social for all members (psst! membership is free for SLIS students!) at one of our favorite places - Martini's Lounge, a haven of free popcorn and sweet 1980s jams. It's located at 9910 109 Street, near the Legislature and a hop, skip, and jump from Grandin LRT station. Show up on Thursday, September 10, 2009 for an opportunity to meet and mingle with some movers and shakers in the Edmonton library community.
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Finally, for those of you waiting with baited breath to join the ranks of FLIF, we'll be at the upcoming Bagel Day in Henderson Hall - that's this Wednesday, September 9th. We'll be talking briefly about our purpose, our initiatives, and various positions you can volunteer for within the group. See you there!
"- Imagine a world in which every child can read
- Envision a world where every child has access to books
- Picture a world where all children realize their full potential!
Join us....
for lunch to meet John Wood, Founder of Room to Read, a Time Magazine Asian Hero and author of
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: an Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children.
Monday, Oct. 5, 2009
Sutton Place Hotel, 10235 101 St.
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Tickets: $60. per person, $500. for 10 person table.
To register contact: roomtoreadedm@yahoo.ca; 780-481-6308
Space is limited, reserve your seat today!
www.roomtoread.org
World Change Starts With Educated Children"
***************************************************************************************************
Next up, the Greater Edmonton Library Association is having its Fall Social for all members (psst! membership is free for SLIS students!) at one of our favorite places - Martini's Lounge, a haven of free popcorn and sweet 1980s jams. It's located at 9910 109 Street, near the Legislature and a hop, skip, and jump from Grandin LRT station. Show up on Thursday, September 10, 2009 for an opportunity to meet and mingle with some movers and shakers in the Edmonton library community.
****************************************************************************************************
Finally, for those of you waiting with baited breath to join the ranks of FLIF, we'll be at the upcoming Bagel Day in Henderson Hall - that's this Wednesday, September 9th. We'll be talking briefly about our purpose, our initiatives, and various positions you can volunteer for within the group. See you there!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
United Nations' University/University of Alberta volunteer opportunities
Get those planners out - it's going to be a busy autumn!
For all those interested in human rights - and you wouldn't be here if you weren't, right? - there are opportunities to get involved with the UN University and U of A's upcoming international conference, "Towards 'the Dignity of Difference,'" happening October 2-4. That is, if you can find enough time between volunteering at Homeless Connect and celebrating not one, but TWO FLIF co-chair birthdays! A variety of positions are available - check out the details below, provided courtesy of the FGSR:
"United Nations' University - October 2-4
John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights is seeking volunteers to help with final pre-conference planning and onsite assistance for United Nations' University and University of Alberta's international conference entitled "Towards 'the Dignity of Difference'", scheduled to be held October 2-4 in Edmonton. The conference's objective is to examine the impacts and implications of the most recent iteration of the Western-centric discourse represented in Samuel Huntington's The Clash of Civilizations and Francis Fukuyama's The End of History theses. It will bring together some of the most prominent scholars in the relevant fields, as well as many distinguished public figures including: Fred R. Dallmayr, Hassan Hanafi, Benjamin Barber, Robert Cox, Hamid Dabashi, Tanya Narozhna, Roger van Zwanenberg, and Vesselin Popovski. The following committees have volunteer spaces available: conference promotion, local arrangements/onsite arrangements, registration, transportation, and social committee. If you are interested in getting involved in the exciting work of this international conference by volunteering your time, please contact Siavash Saffari (ssaffari@ualberta.ca) indicating your area of interest, times when you are available and language spoken. We will be happy to discuss options or answer any questions you may have."
See you all there,
FLIF
For all those interested in human rights - and you wouldn't be here if you weren't, right? - there are opportunities to get involved with the UN University and U of A's upcoming international conference, "Towards 'the Dignity of Difference,'" happening October 2-4. That is, if you can find enough time between volunteering at Homeless Connect and celebrating not one, but TWO FLIF co-chair birthdays! A variety of positions are available - check out the details below, provided courtesy of the FGSR:
"United Nations' University - October 2-4
John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights is seeking volunteers to help with final pre-conference planning and onsite assistance for United Nations' University and University of Alberta's international conference entitled "Towards 'the Dignity of Difference'", scheduled to be held October 2-4 in Edmonton. The conference's objective is to examine the impacts and implications of the most recent iteration of the Western-centric discourse represented in Samuel Huntington's The Clash of Civilizations and Francis Fukuyama's The End of History theses. It will bring together some of the most prominent scholars in the relevant fields, as well as many distinguished public figures including: Fred R. Dallmayr, Hassan Hanafi, Benjamin Barber, Robert Cox, Hamid Dabashi, Tanya Narozhna, Roger van Zwanenberg, and Vesselin Popovski. The following committees have volunteer spaces available: conference promotion, local arrangements/onsite arrangements, registration, transportation, and social committee. If you are interested in getting involved in the exciting work of this international conference by volunteering your time, please contact Siavash Saffari (ssaffari@ualberta.ca) indicating your area of interest, times when you are available and language spoken. We will be happy to discuss options or answer any questions you may have."
See you all there,
FLIF
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tintin under lock and key at the Brooklyn Public Library
A future FLIFer tipped us off on an article in today's New York Times, "A Library’s Approach to Books That Offend," by Alison Leigh Cowan.
Apparently, in 2007, due to a patron's objection to the depiction of Africans in Herge's Tintin au Congo, the Brooklyn Public Library moved the offending title from the public area of the library to a locked area with restricted access. As Cowan cites in her article,
“Policies should not unjustly exclude materials and resources even if they are offensive to the librarian or the user,’’ says the Web site of the American Library Association, which adds, “Toleration is meaningless without tolerance for what some may consider detestable.”
Check the article out and decide for yourself if restricted access is the best answer to formal objections lodged by patrons. Should "detestable" titles remain accessible to all? Take a look at the CLA and ALA Intellectual Freedom statements, where FLIF thinks you'll find your answer.
It's also very worth perusing the comments on the article for an insight into the public's perception of libraries and censorship...225 comments and going strong - there seems to be some powerful feelings out there!
Thanks C.H. for the tip!
Ciao!
Apparently, in 2007, due to a patron's objection to the depiction of Africans in Herge's Tintin au Congo, the Brooklyn Public Library moved the offending title from the public area of the library to a locked area with restricted access. As Cowan cites in her article,
“Policies should not unjustly exclude materials and resources even if they are offensive to the librarian or the user,’’ says the Web site of the American Library Association, which adds, “Toleration is meaningless without tolerance for what some may consider detestable.”
Check the article out and decide for yourself if restricted access is the best answer to formal objections lodged by patrons. Should "detestable" titles remain accessible to all? Take a look at the CLA and ALA Intellectual Freedom statements, where FLIF thinks you'll find your answer.
It's also very worth perusing the comments on the article for an insight into the public's perception of libraries and censorship...225 comments and going strong - there seems to be some powerful feelings out there!
Thanks C.H. for the tip!
Ciao!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Volunteers needed for Homeless Connect Edmonton
Hi folks,
With the summer winding down, FLIF is gearing up for another year of activity and activism in the library community.
The Greater Edmonton Library Association's (GELA) Community Bookshelf Subcommittee will have a table set up at Homeless Connect Edmonton to distribute free books to attendees.
All new and present FLIF members are invited to volunteer for the next event on Sunday, October 4th at the Shaw Conference Centre.
Volunteers are needed for both days of the weekend. The book drop-offs and set-up for Homeless Connect will happen on Saturday, October 3, while tabling and take down will happen on Sunday, October 4. Previous events have been very successful, and the more people we have, the more we can interact with the community. Plus, as we all know, the more the merrier!
Please join the GELA Community Bookshelf Subcommittee on Facebook and let Amelia know of your willingness to lend a helping hand, or you can either send us a message at flifblog at gmail.com or just show up at the inaugural FLIF meeting yet to be announced for September.
Thanks gang, and welcome back!
With the summer winding down, FLIF is gearing up for another year of activity and activism in the library community.
The Greater Edmonton Library Association's (GELA) Community Bookshelf Subcommittee will have a table set up at Homeless Connect Edmonton to distribute free books to attendees.
All new and present FLIF members are invited to volunteer for the next event on Sunday, October 4th at the Shaw Conference Centre.
Volunteers are needed for both days of the weekend. The book drop-offs and set-up for Homeless Connect will happen on Saturday, October 3, while tabling and take down will happen on Sunday, October 4. Previous events have been very successful, and the more people we have, the more we can interact with the community. Plus, as we all know, the more the merrier!
Please join the GELA Community Bookshelf Subcommittee on Facebook and let Amelia know of your willingness to lend a helping hand, or you can either send us a message at flifblog at gmail.com or just show up at the inaugural FLIF meeting yet to be announced for September.
Thanks gang, and welcome back!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Chinese blogger succesfully fights back?
Chinese censors are notorious for limiting the free speech of citizens. However, it looks like the Net has been loosened a little, as a Chinese court has sided with economics professor and critical blogger Hu Xingdou in his fight against authorities for shutting down his website. According to this article in the Financial Times, this is "first-ever case won by a victim of internet censorship in a Chinese court."
Is this a sign of changing times? Or a one-off situation unlikely to be repeated?
Is this a sign of changing times? Or a one-off situation unlikely to be repeated?
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Small changes to the Community Bookshelf meeting
Just a notification of a small change of plans for tomorrow's Community Bookshelf meeting. The location has been changed, and if you're planning to attend, please contact Amelia Martin at amartin@epl.ca for more details.
Also, the Community Bookshelf subcommittee is still looking for additional volunteers for Homeless Connect - particularly in terms of helping to drop off the boxes of books beforehand (Saturday, May 23rd). And if anyone is interested in helping drop off some items at Operation Friendship in the near future, please let Amelia know!
Thanks everyone!
Also, the Community Bookshelf subcommittee is still looking for additional volunteers for Homeless Connect - particularly in terms of helping to drop off the boxes of books beforehand (Saturday, May 23rd). And if anyone is interested in helping drop off some items at Operation Friendship in the near future, please let Amelia know!
Thanks everyone!
Monday, May 04, 2009
Community Bookshelf Meeting
All interested FLIFers are invited to attend the upcoming Community Bookshelf Subcommittee (formerly known as the GELA Bissell Centre Subcommittee) meeting. For more information on this project, click here. If you'd like more information, please feel free to contact Amelia Martin at amartin @ epl.ca.
The Community Bookshelf Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, May 7, at 6pm at the downtown Stanley A. Milner library (6th floor). Ask the security guards to key the elevator for you.
Also, Amelia Martin is seeking volunteers able to help with a bookdrop at Operation Friendship on Thursday or Friday, May 7-8. They're running out of books and are eager for a new drop off. If anyone is free, please let her know via the above email. A vehicle is always much appreciated to transport the books.
Thanks, and we hope to see you there!
Brianna, Julie, and Madelaine
FLIF Co-chairs, 2009-2010
The Community Bookshelf Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, May 7, at 6pm at the downtown Stanley A. Milner library (6th floor). Ask the security guards to key the elevator for you.
Also, Amelia Martin is seeking volunteers able to help with a bookdrop at Operation Friendship on Thursday or Friday, May 7-8. They're running out of books and are eager for a new drop off. If anyone is free, please let her know via the above email. A vehicle is always much appreciated to transport the books.
Thanks, and we hope to see you there!
Brianna, Julie, and Madelaine
FLIF Co-chairs, 2009-2010
A fond farewell and a brief introduction
With classes completed and papers submitted, FLIF co-chairs Richard and Masha are graduating and leaving the FLIF fold. Congratulations to both of you, and many thanks for a wonderful two years of service in Future Librarians for Intellectual Freedom! New co-chairs Brianna, Julie, and Madelaine have some mighty big shoes to fill and we look forward to continuing the fine work you've done.
In addition to existing partnerships, we hope to broaden our horizons with a greater focus on issues in international librarianship. Stay tuned for more information!
Brianna, Julie, and Madelaine,
FLIF Co-chairs 2009-2010
In addition to existing partnerships, we hope to broaden our horizons with a greater focus on issues in international librarianship. Stay tuned for more information!
Brianna, Julie, and Madelaine,
FLIF Co-chairs 2009-2010
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Progressives head to the Alberta Library Conference
The Alberta Library Conference happens later this week. The conference theme is “Cultivating our Future: Seeds for Success,” and the program includes a variety of sessions/themes that relate to issues of intellectual freedom and social responsibility. The environment, alternative materials, and services to diverse communities and excluded populations: all of these will receive some attention at this year’s conference.
Here are some of the sessions that, we think, bring together libraries and the library and information profession with outreach movements, social change, and IFSR issues. And if you need a reminder of what those issues are, please see the post linked here.
Friday
Session B1 Thinking Critically About Sustainable Development
Presenter: Keith Seel
B7 Connecting with New Canadians: Growing Library Services and Programs for Culturally Diverse Populations
Presenters: Shannon Vossepoel and Tamara Van Horne
B11 Dollars and Sense: The Marriage of Economic Success and the Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector
Presenters: Karen Lynch and Russ Dahms
C6 Perspectives on Aboriginal Publishing: A Look at the Aboriginal Publishing Industry from an Aboriginal Viewpoint
Presenters: Larry Loyie and Constance Brissenden
Saturday
F5 Public Libraries as Community Places
Presenter: Francine May
F9 Growing a Prison Library: The Greater Edmonton Library Association Experience
Presenters: Kirsten Wurmann, Valla McLean, Liz Dennett, Allison Sivak
F11 Lorne McRae Intellectual Freedom Lecture
Presenter: FLIF (Masha, Richard, Tara, and Madelaine will be heading to Jasper to share our student perspectives and discuss some of our current and future projects. We’re honoured to have the opportunity.).
G3 Libraries as LEEDers
Presenter: Gerry Meek
G6 Gender Expression: an Interpretation of the CLA’s 2008 Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
Presenter: Moyra Lang
G10 Open Access: What’s In It for My Library?
Presenters: Andrew Waller and Heather Morrison
H3 Sustainable Library Design: Attitudes for the Future
Presenter: Carmel Gatt
H8 Serving Socially Excluded Populations through Community Development Librarianship
Presenter" Amelia Martin
H9 Growing Your Library’s Resource Landscape
Presenter: Leeanne Morrow
H10 Advocating an Alberta Feed to CLA’s Annual Survey on Challenges in Canadian Libraries
Presenter: Toni Samek
We recommend that you try to catch these sessions if you can. Too bad so many of them overlap :( If there’s an ALC session that belongs on this list that we missed, please let us know by emailing flifblog @ gmail.com (without the spaces).
All the best to the presenters, their guests, and all conference-goers. See you in Jasper!
Here are some of the sessions that, we think, bring together libraries and the library and information profession with outreach movements, social change, and IFSR issues. And if you need a reminder of what those issues are, please see the post linked here.
Friday
Session B1 Thinking Critically About Sustainable Development
Presenter: Keith Seel
B7 Connecting with New Canadians: Growing Library Services and Programs for Culturally Diverse Populations
Presenters: Shannon Vossepoel and Tamara Van Horne
B11 Dollars and Sense: The Marriage of Economic Success and the Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector
Presenters: Karen Lynch and Russ Dahms
C6 Perspectives on Aboriginal Publishing: A Look at the Aboriginal Publishing Industry from an Aboriginal Viewpoint
Presenters: Larry Loyie and Constance Brissenden
Saturday
F5 Public Libraries as Community Places
Presenter: Francine May
F9 Growing a Prison Library: The Greater Edmonton Library Association Experience
Presenters: Kirsten Wurmann, Valla McLean, Liz Dennett, Allison Sivak
F11 Lorne McRae Intellectual Freedom Lecture
Presenter: FLIF (Masha, Richard, Tara, and Madelaine will be heading to Jasper to share our student perspectives and discuss some of our current and future projects. We’re honoured to have the opportunity.).
G3 Libraries as LEEDers
Presenter: Gerry Meek
G6 Gender Expression: an Interpretation of the CLA’s 2008 Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
Presenter: Moyra Lang
G10 Open Access: What’s In It for My Library?
Presenters: Andrew Waller and Heather Morrison
H3 Sustainable Library Design: Attitudes for the Future
Presenter: Carmel Gatt
H8 Serving Socially Excluded Populations through Community Development Librarianship
Presenter" Amelia Martin
H9 Growing Your Library’s Resource Landscape
Presenter: Leeanne Morrow
H10 Advocating an Alberta Feed to CLA’s Annual Survey on Challenges in Canadian Libraries
Presenter: Toni Samek
We recommend that you try to catch these sessions if you can. Too bad so many of them overlap :( If there’s an ALC session that belongs on this list that we missed, please let us know by emailing flifblog @ gmail.com (without the spaces).
All the best to the presenters, their guests, and all conference-goers. See you in Jasper!
Monday, March 23, 2009
FLIF receives UofA Senate recognition
FLIF is pleased to inform you that our student group has been nominated for the University of Alberta Senate's Beyond These Halls community service recognition program.
This Senate distinction recognizes the community service efforts of all groups and individuals that are nominated, but they also select certain individuals/groups to acknowledge at a celebration event. We have recently been informed that the Senate has selected FLIF as one of the groups to be specifically recognized at this ceremony.
Group members, supporters, and guests may join the festivities, and any FLIF committee members and anyone from the School or community wanting to attend are welcome.
The celebration event is:
Wednesday, March 25th
Timms Centre for the Arts
4-5:30pm
The Senate office has requested RSVPs to senate.office@ualberta.ca.
We want everyone to know that it is the commitment of our members and FLIF supporters that make us a strong student group, one able to give back to our community. It is nice to have the efforts of past and present FLIF committee members and efforts recognized in this fashion, and our thanks go out to everyone for their encouragement. Finally, we feel that the partnerships we’ve forged with the UofA CLA Student Chapter and the members of GELA's advocacy and outreach subcommittees have created unique opportunities for FLIF. We hope that these groups and their members will share this distinction with us, as their excellent contributions make us the group we are today.
Masha and Richard
FLIF Co-chairs, 2008/09
This Senate distinction recognizes the community service efforts of all groups and individuals that are nominated, but they also select certain individuals/groups to acknowledge at a celebration event. We have recently been informed that the Senate has selected FLIF as one of the groups to be specifically recognized at this ceremony.
Group members, supporters, and guests may join the festivities, and any FLIF committee members and anyone from the School or community wanting to attend are welcome.
The celebration event is:
Wednesday, March 25th
Timms Centre for the Arts
4-5:30pm
The Senate office has requested RSVPs to senate.office@ualberta.ca.
We want everyone to know that it is the commitment of our members and FLIF supporters that make us a strong student group, one able to give back to our community. It is nice to have the efforts of past and present FLIF committee members and efforts recognized in this fashion, and our thanks go out to everyone for their encouragement. Finally, we feel that the partnerships we’ve forged with the UofA CLA Student Chapter and the members of GELA's advocacy and outreach subcommittees have created unique opportunities for FLIF. We hope that these groups and their members will share this distinction with us, as their excellent contributions make us the group we are today.
Masha and Richard
FLIF Co-chairs, 2008/09
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Banned books cafe and Journal story
I just got in from the Banned Books Cafe at EPL. This was another great event celebrating Freedom to Read Week. Members of the audience read from banned or challenged books, including some of our FLIF members. Thanks to Caroline and Ray for their efforts organizing this event, and for inviting us to join them. Thanks as well to EPL for hosting, and continuing to remind our community about the freedom to read.
Also, a story from today's Edmonton Journal was brought to my attention. It discusses Amin Amir, a Somali-born artist cartoonist now living in Edmonton. His political cartoons are read internationally, and their content would cause him no end of troubles in Somalia. It is in part because of the intellectual freedoms we enjoy here in Canada that Mr. Amir is able to continue his work. (Link here)
Also, a story from today's Edmonton Journal was brought to my attention. It discusses Amin Amir, a Somali-born artist cartoonist now living in Edmonton. His political cartoons are read internationally, and their content would cause him no end of troubles in Somalia. It is in part because of the intellectual freedoms we enjoy here in Canada that Mr. Amir is able to continue his work. (Link here)
Monday, February 23, 2009
FtRW is here
In support of Freedom to Read Week, the UofA CLA Student Chapter and Future Librarians for Intellectual Freedom (FLIF) are participating in this annual information campaign.
Members of our respective groups can be found in the HUB Mall pedway between 9am to 3pm each day this week.
Come learn more about Freedom to Read Week and intellectual freedom, buy some of our swag (we have buttons!), or simply check out the controversial material we’ll have on display.
With a minimum donation of $2, you're eligible to enter our raffle for an iPod Shuffle. All proceeds from the buttons and raffle will be donated to the Women’s Prison and Bissell Centre Projects sponsored by the Greater Edmonton Library Association. (For more information on these projects, please visit GELA's advocacy and outreach webpage.)
See you there!
Here's a quick shot of today's setup (with apologies for the poor image quality).
Members of our respective groups can be found in the HUB Mall pedway between 9am to 3pm each day this week.
Come learn more about Freedom to Read Week and intellectual freedom, buy some of our swag (we have buttons!), or simply check out the controversial material we’ll have on display.
With a minimum donation of $2, you're eligible to enter our raffle for an iPod Shuffle. All proceeds from the buttons and raffle will be donated to the Women’s Prison and Bissell Centre Projects sponsored by the Greater Edmonton Library Association. (For more information on these projects, please visit GELA's advocacy and outreach webpage.)
See you there!
Here's a quick shot of today's setup (with apologies for the poor image quality).
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Other FtRW resources
Looking for some good resources on banned and challenged books? Want to know more about censorship? Here are a few items you might check out.
Sandra Bernstein's "When the Censor Comes"
The CLA/Freedom to Read challenged books and magazines list (pdf)
The 2007 results of the CLA first annual Survey of Challenged Publications (pdf)
ALA's Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books of the 20th Century (with explanations)
ALA's list of 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books (1990-2000) (pdf)
In 1986, the ALA sought to clarify the language around book challenges and book banning. Regarding a challenge:
* Expression of Concern. An inquiry that has judgmental overtones.
* Oral Complaint. An oral challenge to the presence and/or appropriateness of the material in question.
* Written Complaint. A formal, written complaint filed with the institution (library, school, etc.), challenging the presence and/or appropriateness of specific material.
* Public Attack. A publicly disseminated statement challenging the value of the material, presented to the media and/or others outside the institutional organization in order to gain public support for further action.
* Censorship. A change in the access status of material, based on the content of the work and made by a governing authority or its representatives. Such changes include exclusion, restriction, removal, or age/grade level changes.
(copied from here)
Sandra Bernstein's "When the Censor Comes"
The CLA/Freedom to Read challenged books and magazines list (pdf)
The 2007 results of the CLA first annual Survey of Challenged Publications (pdf)
ALA's Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books of the 20th Century (with explanations)
ALA's list of 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books (1990-2000) (pdf)
In 1986, the ALA sought to clarify the language around book challenges and book banning. Regarding a challenge:
* Expression of Concern. An inquiry that has judgmental overtones.
* Oral Complaint. An oral challenge to the presence and/or appropriateness of the material in question.
* Written Complaint. A formal, written complaint filed with the institution (library, school, etc.), challenging the presence and/or appropriateness of specific material.
* Public Attack. A publicly disseminated statement challenging the value of the material, presented to the media and/or others outside the institutional organization in order to gain public support for further action.
* Censorship. A change in the access status of material, based on the content of the work and made by a governing authority or its representatives. Such changes include exclusion, restriction, removal, or age/grade level changes.
(copied from here)
More than just the freedom to read
With Freedom to Read Week upon us, we want to remind everyone that intellectual freedom and social responsibility go hand-in-hand. LIS professionals engage with a variety of issues in their personal and professional lives, and here are just some of the past and present topics related to intellectual freedom and social responsibility. These can be found in our society and beyond, and it is important that we be mindful of these issues as we celebrate this event.
Academic freedom
Alternative press, media and publishing
Book censorship and challenges
Burning books
Collection development and management
Community development and outreach
Confidentiality and privacy (eg. FOIPP, PIPEDA)
Copyright, copyleft, and fair use
Destruction or looting of libraries and cultural properties/artefacts
Democracy and citizenship
Diversity and cultural awareness
Environment and sustainability
Free speech in the workplace
GLBTQ, gender, and identity
Hate speech and revisionism
Homelessness and poverty
Human rights
Information access and dissemination
Intellectual freedom
Internet access
Internet filtering and monitoring
Labels and rating systems
Legislation regarding freedom to access information
Library funding (especially for public and school libraries)
Licensing of media and other technology
Literacy and reading
Media
Neutrality
Non-traditional materials and materials in other languages
Open access
Open source
Outsourcing and privatization
Public spaces/forums in libraries
RFID
Social networking
Social responsibility
Surveillance and mass registration
Technology and the digital divide
Unions
Academic freedom
Alternative press, media and publishing
Book censorship and challenges
Burning books
Collection development and management
Community development and outreach
Confidentiality and privacy (eg. FOIPP, PIPEDA)
Copyright, copyleft, and fair use
Destruction or looting of libraries and cultural properties/artefacts
Democracy and citizenship
Diversity and cultural awareness
Environment and sustainability
Free speech in the workplace
GLBTQ, gender, and identity
Hate speech and revisionism
Homelessness and poverty
Human rights
Information access and dissemination
Intellectual freedom
Internet access
Internet filtering and monitoring
Labels and rating systems
Legislation regarding freedom to access information
Library funding (especially for public and school libraries)
Licensing of media and other technology
Literacy and reading
Media
Neutrality
Non-traditional materials and materials in other languages
Open access
Open source
Outsourcing and privatization
Public spaces/forums in libraries
RFID
Social networking
Social responsibility
Surveillance and mass registration
Technology and the digital divide
Unions
Thursday, February 19, 2009
IBBY/PEN Canada Banned books event
I've been meaning to post this. Thanks to Becky for the reminder...
Banned Together
Alberta's finest read the censors' favourites
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Freedom to Read Week, some of Canada's best authors will gather in Edmonton to read from outrageously entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking books for young readers.
Research has shown that one third of books that have been challenged in Canadian schools don't make it back onto the library shelves. Responding to a recent rise in censorship, our province's top creators of books for grownups are joining with their kidlit counterparts to send a powerfully subversive message: no one should stand between a growing reader and a good book.
Greg Hollingshead, Myrna Kostash, Linda Goyette, Todd Babiak, Jocelyne Verret, Caterina Edwards, Marina Endicott, Gwen Molnar, Marty Chan, Kuot Alith and Theresa Saffa will read from children's and young adult books that have been challenged.
You might hear excerpts from Kevin Major's Hold Fast, which was banned for containing foul language, mild sexual content and - egad! - bad grammar; Dennis Lee's Lizzy's Lion, which is apparently too violent and promotes cannibalism; Gwen Molnar's I Said to Sam, which according to one principal had words like "exotic" and "elaborate" which were far too difficult for grade two students.
The event, a joint initiative of IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) and PEN Canada, will be held at 7 pm on February 26, at the Grant MacEwan Conference Theatre (5-142 10700 - 104 Avenue). Admission is free of charge.
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Merle Harris (IBBY Canada - Alberta Chair) at merle@merleharris.com or (780) 444-7214.
What: a celebration of Freedom to Read Week
When: Thursday, February 26, 7 to 9.30 pm
Where: Grant MacEwan Conference Theatre (5-142 10700 - 104 Avenue), Edmonton
Banned Together
Alberta's finest read the censors' favourites
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Freedom to Read Week, some of Canada's best authors will gather in Edmonton to read from outrageously entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking books for young readers.
Research has shown that one third of books that have been challenged in Canadian schools don't make it back onto the library shelves. Responding to a recent rise in censorship, our province's top creators of books for grownups are joining with their kidlit counterparts to send a powerfully subversive message: no one should stand between a growing reader and a good book.
Greg Hollingshead, Myrna Kostash, Linda Goyette, Todd Babiak, Jocelyne Verret, Caterina Edwards, Marina Endicott, Gwen Molnar, Marty Chan, Kuot Alith and Theresa Saffa will read from children's and young adult books that have been challenged.
You might hear excerpts from Kevin Major's Hold Fast, which was banned for containing foul language, mild sexual content and - egad! - bad grammar; Dennis Lee's Lizzy's Lion, which is apparently too violent and promotes cannibalism; Gwen Molnar's I Said to Sam, which according to one principal had words like "exotic" and "elaborate" which were far too difficult for grade two students.
The event, a joint initiative of IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) and PEN Canada, will be held at 7 pm on February 26, at the Grant MacEwan Conference Theatre (5-142 10700 - 104 Avenue). Admission is free of charge.
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Merle Harris (IBBY Canada - Alberta Chair) at merle@merleharris.com or (780) 444-7214.
What: a celebration of Freedom to Read Week
When: Thursday, February 26, 7 to 9.30 pm
Where: Grant MacEwan Conference Theatre (5-142 10700 - 104 Avenue), Edmonton
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Banned Books Café at EPL
Once again the Edmonton Public Library will be hosting a Banned Books Café during Freedom to Read Week.
Details:
Banned Books Café
At 7 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2009
Stanley A. Milner branch (downtown)
Free admission
"Celebrate your freedom to read, view and listen during Freedom to Read Week! Come to the Centre for Reading & the Arts, Stanley A. Milner Library to hear readings from challenged books and to participate in discussions about censorship and your freedom to read."
EPL also has a freedom to read website for teens:
http://www.epl.ca/freedom/
Details:
Banned Books Café
At 7 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2009
Stanley A. Milner branch (downtown)
Free admission
"Celebrate your freedom to read, view and listen during Freedom to Read Week! Come to the Centre for Reading & the Arts, Stanley A. Milner Library to hear readings from challenged books and to participate in discussions about censorship and your freedom to read."
EPL also has a freedom to read website for teens:
http://www.epl.ca/freedom/
A little bit of FLIF history
For those that are curious about the venerable origins of FLIF, here's a link to a 2004 article from School Libraries in Canada. It's an inspiration to read about the inaugural year: documentaries! craft fairs! free books! CJSR appearances! Take a look and leave some comments about what crafty and creative activities you think FLIF should get involved in.
Concordia/GELA Freedom To Reed Week Event
Celebrate Canadian Freedom to Read Week!
Concordia University College Library and the Greater Edmonton Library Association
present...
Toni Samek
Those Free Little Words:
Freestyle Talk about
Canada’s Freedom to Read Week
Friday, February 27, 2009
Come out in support of Canada’s Freedom to Read week by attending this public lecture by award-winning scholar Toni Samek from the U of A’s School of Library and Information Studies. Toni is the author of Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibility in American Librarianship, 1967-1974 (2001) and Librarianship and Human Rights: A Twenty-first century guide (2007). Enjoy a further opportunity to engage in discussion at a wine and cheese reception and the Concordia Library Gallery.
Presentation at 2:00 pm in the Concordia Auditorium
Wine and cheese reception in the Library Gallery from 3:00 – 5:00 pm
GELA Members: $10.00
Non-Members: $20.00
To register or for more information, email myrna.dean@concordia.ab.ca
Concordia University College Library and the Greater Edmonton Library Association
present...
Toni Samek
Those Free Little Words:
Freestyle Talk about
Canada’s Freedom to Read Week
Friday, February 27, 2009
Come out in support of Canada’s Freedom to Read week by attending this public lecture by award-winning scholar Toni Samek from the U of A’s School of Library and Information Studies. Toni is the author of Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibility in American Librarianship, 1967-1974 (2001) and Librarianship and Human Rights: A Twenty-first century guide (2007). Enjoy a further opportunity to engage in discussion at a wine and cheese reception and the Concordia Library Gallery.
Presentation at 2:00 pm in the Concordia Auditorium
Wine and cheese reception in the Library Gallery from 3:00 – 5:00 pm
GELA Members: $10.00
Non-Members: $20.00
To register or for more information, email myrna.dean@concordia.ab.ca
Monday, February 02, 2009
This is the result of big-box chains
Were you planning to attend Canada's annual book fair/publisher's trade show? Well, it's likely you won't be going.
This recent CBC report indicates that both the national BookExpo and the Toronto Book Fair have been canceled.
These shows, normally targeted at large and small booksellers, have been cancelled after three of four major publishing houses withdrew from the show. The article cites Canada's largest bookstore chain as the reason behind the withdrawals, since there are fewer and fewer independent booksellers to target.
This G&M report confirms the cancellation, but make no mention of the rationale other than the aforementioned withdrawal of certain publishers.
This recent CBC report indicates that both the national BookExpo and the Toronto Book Fair have been canceled.
These shows, normally targeted at large and small booksellers, have been cancelled after three of four major publishing houses withdrew from the show. The article cites Canada's largest bookstore chain as the reason behind the withdrawals, since there are fewer and fewer independent booksellers to target.
This G&M report confirms the cancellation, but make no mention of the rationale other than the aforementioned withdrawal of certain publishers.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Freedom To Read Week: An Excerpt from Toni Samek
The Canadian Library Association (CLA) University of Alberta Student Chapter and the Future Librarians for Intellectual Freedom (FLIF) have started planning and preparations to recognize Freedom to Read Week (FtRW) on campus during the week of February 22 - February 28, 2009.
We're hoping to use this blog as a place to collect and discuss background information and highlights related to this commemoration. We encourage our members to contribute content and links as we gear up for FtRW events.
Below is an excerpt from Toni Samek's guest editorial in Feliciter (Vol. 52 No.1 2006). It provides a helpful anchor for Freedom to Read Week activities in that it looks beyond classic challenges to library resources and considers the broad threats to intellectual freedom.
"Librarians’ development and articulation of the broad concept of intellectual freedom has been an important and necessary step in the evolution of librarianship into the 21st century. In 2006, our understanding of intellectual freedom transcends struggles over classic challenges to library resources as well as more recent controversies around open Internet access policies. We grapple continuously with intellectual freedom issues on countless fronts at local, national and international levels. These issues include commercialization of public space, copyright and access to information, cultural destruction, digital preservation and obligations to memory, imposed technologies, anti-terrorism legislation, privacy, privatization, self-censorship and information suppression, social exclusion, limits to the international exchange of ideas, transborder data flow, implications of World Trade Organization agreements such as GATS, freedom of inquiry, and access of citizens to government information" (18).
Could any of these examples be incorporated into our promo materials or posters?
- Masha
We're hoping to use this blog as a place to collect and discuss background information and highlights related to this commemoration. We encourage our members to contribute content and links as we gear up for FtRW events.
Below is an excerpt from Toni Samek's guest editorial in Feliciter (Vol. 52 No.1 2006). It provides a helpful anchor for Freedom to Read Week activities in that it looks beyond classic challenges to library resources and considers the broad threats to intellectual freedom.
"Librarians’ development and articulation of the broad concept of intellectual freedom has been an important and necessary step in the evolution of librarianship into the 21st century. In 2006, our understanding of intellectual freedom transcends struggles over classic challenges to library resources as well as more recent controversies around open Internet access policies. We grapple continuously with intellectual freedom issues on countless fronts at local, national and international levels. These issues include commercialization of public space, copyright and access to information, cultural destruction, digital preservation and obligations to memory, imposed technologies, anti-terrorism legislation, privacy, privatization, self-censorship and information suppression, social exclusion, limits to the international exchange of ideas, transborder data flow, implications of World Trade Organization agreements such as GATS, freedom of inquiry, and access of citizens to government information" (18).
Could any of these examples be incorporated into our promo materials or posters?
- Masha
Monday, January 19, 2009
It's your economy too.
The economy. Library issue? IFSR issue? When you consider that the economic downturn hits everybody (and usually harder on the underprivileged), and that library budgets experience cuts while library usage increases, then I say yes, the bad news is a library issue.
As more and more major governments near and far pledge stimulus packages for their struggling economies, it makes sense to ask what stimulus is in the first place. That's why I like this brief article from the Globe. The reminder is that stimulus means spending, not saving; by putting money back into the economy, rather that cutting taxes, we encourage others to do the same.
As more and more major governments near and far pledge stimulus packages for their struggling economies, it makes sense to ask what stimulus is in the first place. That's why I like this brief article from the Globe. The reminder is that stimulus means spending, not saving; by putting money back into the economy, rather that cutting taxes, we encourage others to do the same.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Geeks wanted
Do you have tech skills and a social conscience? Instead of money, are you willing to donate your time and design, programming, coding, artistic, or other abilities to help NGOs and other organizations with their technical needs?
Reddit.com has created the Feed a Need project, which asks those with a bit of time and energy to help non-profits with some of their IT projects and problems.
Not only can you do good, but there's a chance for some schwag and other cool treats.
ars technica article
Reddit.com has created the Feed a Need project, which asks those with a bit of time and energy to help non-profits with some of their IT projects and problems.
Not only can you do good, but there's a chance for some schwag and other cool treats.
ars technica article
Monday, December 15, 2008
Pew "Future of the Internet" report
The third annual Pew "Future of the Internet" report was released today. These annual reports summarize perspectives and offer points of view about advances in technology and the future of the Net from various Internet gurus, activists, and others. The full report is online here.
Of particular interest for IF and SR advocates within LIS are the sections on:
Have a look, and share this with anyone you think might be interested.
Of particular interest for IF and SR advocates within LIS are the sections on:
Have a look, and share this with anyone you think might be interested.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Access to government information
Some legal wrangling about whether access to government information is a right or a privilege is happening in the Supreme Court of Canada. The Ontario Criminal Lawyer's Association (the other CLA?) is challenging that province's FOIPP Act.
Some media groups have voiced their support for the challenge.
For more info, some articles: Globe, Toronto Star, Canada.com.
Some media groups have voiced their support for the challenge.
For more info, some articles: Globe, Toronto Star, Canada.com.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Oh, it's been a while.
This one came to me through the PLG listserv.
A lengthy New York Times article on Google, censorship, the appropriateness of content (eg, on YouTube), and international laws and perspectives.
This one came to me through the PLG listserv.
A lengthy New York Times article on Google, censorship, the appropriateness of content (eg, on YouTube), and international laws and perspectives.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tuesday Vote-day!
Today is voting day here in Canada, and we're encouraging everyone to go to the polls. Go vote. Now!
Not yet registered? You can register at your local polling stating.
To find your local polling station, use this tool from Elections Canada. The tool will also give you a list of candidates in your riding.
To register at your polling station, you can do a couple things:
More information on registration can be found here.
Finally, of all the Edmonton-Strathcona candidates we contacted using the CLA's election widget, only Green Party candidate Jane Thrall got back to us in time for election day. She noted that the Greens do not have a specific library policy, but that she herself is library supporter. Ms. Thrall responded to many of those CLA questions, so the rest of her points are directly quoted below.
Thanks for your comments!
Not yet registered? You can register at your local polling stating.
To find your local polling station, use this tool from Elections Canada. The tool will also give you a list of candidates in your riding.
To register at your polling station, you can do a couple things:
- provide valid ID that shows your name and address
- on one document, such as a driver's licence
- on two documents, both with your name and at least one with your address, such as a health card AND a utility bill
- swear an oath, and have a registered voter vouch for you also under oath
More information on registration can be found here.
Finally, of all the Edmonton-Strathcona candidates we contacted using the CLA's election widget, only Green Party candidate Jane Thrall got back to us in time for election day. She noted that the Greens do not have a specific library policy, but that she herself is library supporter. Ms. Thrall responded to many of those CLA questions, so the rest of her points are directly quoted below.
- Libraries, along with Universities, are the keepers of public knowledge. Assuch, we have a duty to ensure that they remain open, public, and protected from the attacks of those interested only in maintaining a monopoly on knowledge (read: copyright lawsuits)
- Libraries should be free to the public. Some jurisdictions in Canada now charge substantial annual fees to obtain library cards (e.g. in Edmonton, it is $12, which is a lot of money when you are on a shoestring). Libraries greatly benefit lower income Canadians, as they prevent knowledge from being the domain of the wealthy, and these are exactly the people least able to afford escalating fees.
- The Green Party of Canada recognizes that the creators of knowledge need some form of legal protection to ensure that they can profit from their works, but at the same time, we must not allow the pendulum to swing entirely to their side, as this would decimate the library system, and no municipal government would want to take the legal risk of being responsible for such institutions.
- The Green Party recognizes that many of society's problems can be solved through increased literacy and education, and libraries are crucial to this.
- Libraries often are the only public places that offer free access to the internet, access that is becoming more and more essential in modern life.
- Libraries are one of the few remaining "public meeting places" that are physically embodied, rather than some message board on an arbitrary website. As such, they take an essential role in the crossroads of our society.
- Net Neutrality is an issue that will continue to increase in importance. The government of Canada must ensure that corporate interests to not interfere with the ability of Canadians to communicate over the Internet. The companies that have argued that they must "throttle" internet traffic (Bell, Rogers, Telus) base their arguments around the fact that internet traffic is increasing more rapidly that the Internet's ability to carry it. The Government of Canada has a critical role to play here, encouraging the development of more advanced network infrastructure (communication lines, etc). Canada was an early leader in early days of the net, but government lethargy and inaction has had a definite impact, with Canada's "connectivity" ranking steadily dropping relative to other nations in the developed world.
Thanks for your comments!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
It's still election time, with one week to go until Canadians head to the polling stations to choose a new government.
The Canadian Library Association has created this handy widget that will allow you to easily identify the major party candidates in your riding. Also, it will automatically generate an email for you, asking the candidate(s) to respond to issues of particular concern to libraries and librarians. Provide some basic information, then simply select the candidates to whom you wish to send the message, and submit.
Wondering what our four local major party candidates would say, FLIF sent a message using this widget. Here is the full-text of message sent:
Let's see if we get any responses.
The Canadian Library Association has created this handy widget that will allow you to easily identify the major party candidates in your riding. Also, it will automatically generate an email for you, asking the candidate(s) to respond to issues of particular concern to libraries and librarians. Provide some basic information, then simply select the candidates to whom you wish to send the message, and submit.
Wondering what our four local major party candidates would say, FLIF sent a message using this widget. Here is the full-text of message sent:
As a student interest group that is actively involved within our library community, FLIF (the Future Librarians for Intellectual Freedom) is writing to you today to find out your position on key issues that the library community is currently facing:
1. The Canadian Library Association (CLA), as well as many Canadians, continues to have growing concerns regarding proposed amendments to the Copyright Act. If elected, will you support the need to introduce copyright legislation that would ensure users’ rights are recognized in balance with the rights of creators and rights holders?
2. Literacy continues to be a top priority for libraries and educational institutions. If elected, will you support the need to implement of a national literacy strategy?
3. The Library Book Rate, a Canada Post service since 1939, provides a reduced rate for mailing library books between libraries and from libraries to their users. If elected, what would you be willing to do to ensure that a reduced rate of postage for library materials is maintained in order to support one million Canadians?
4. Industry Canada’s Community Access Program (CAP) provides Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively. If elected, what would you be willing to do to ensure that CAP stays alive, in order to help Canadians, wherever they live, take advantage of emerging opportunities in the new global knowledge-based economy?
5. Network (Net) Neutrality is the principle that all information or services sent over high-speed internet access should be treated equally, with no degradation or prioritization or privileges based on content, source, ownership or destination of information or service. In 2008, Net Neutrality became a very important issue in Canada. Where do you stand on addressing Net Neutrality?
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you soon at flifblog@gmail.com. You can visit us online at flifblog.blogspot.com
Let's see if we get any responses.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Naomi Klein on the Colbert Report
Author and activist Naomi Klein recently appeared on the Colbert Report to promote her book The Shock Doctrine. She discusses the financial crisis in the States, and the role of government in society.
Video for Canadian viewers here.
(US viewers can see the video on the show's site.)
In a time of political and economic uncertainty, it's good to have a prominent Canadian participating in mainstream discussion. Besides, Naomi is a big fan of librarians and information professionals.
Video for Canadian viewers here.
(US viewers can see the video on the show's site.)
In a time of political and economic uncertainty, it's good to have a prominent Canadian participating in mainstream discussion. Besides, Naomi is a big fan of librarians and information professionals.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Catching the public's eye
One of our local independent newspapers, Vue Weekly, has recently published a piece on book challenges and censorship.
We don't know what prompted author Carolyn Nikodym to write on this topic, but having these issues in the public eye is a good thing, so we'll take it. In case you missed, here's the link.
We don't know what prompted author Carolyn Nikodym to write on this topic, but having these issues in the public eye is a good thing, so we'll take it. In case you missed, here's the link.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Banned Books Week
It's late September, and the ALA's Banned Books Week is here!
Similar to the CLA's Freedom to Read Week, this ALA event is used to provide information about book challenges, bans, and the practice of censorship.
For the 2007 year, And Tango Makes Three (J. Richardson and P. Parnell) wound up being the most challenged book. The full list, along with information on previously challenged and banned books, can be found on this page of the ALA website.
While outright bans seem to occur less and less, the fact that books continue to be challenged in our schools and libraries reminds us of the work still to be done in promoting intellectual freedom.
This year Banned Books Week runs from Sept. 27 - Oct. 4.
Similar to the CLA's Freedom to Read Week, this ALA event is used to provide information about book challenges, bans, and the practice of censorship.
For the 2007 year, And Tango Makes Three (J. Richardson and P. Parnell) wound up being the most challenged book. The full list, along with information on previously challenged and banned books, can be found on this page of the ALA website.
While outright bans seem to occur less and less, the fact that books continue to be challenged in our schools and libraries reminds us of the work still to be done in promoting intellectual freedom.
This year Banned Books Week runs from Sept. 27 - Oct. 4.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Librarians and faculty strike at UWindsor
The Faculty Association at the University of Windsor has declared a strike, affecting the work of academic staff, including librarians. The main issues appear to be working conditions and fair wages. G&M article. Information from the perspective of the Association can be found here, and you can find out what the university thinks here.
Needless to say, this affects the university at all levels, particularly students seeking a quality education. It also affects the personal and professional lives of those who are now on the picket lines exercising their right to strike.
Needless to say, this affects the university at all levels, particularly students seeking a quality education. It also affects the personal and professional lives of those who are now on the picket lines exercising their right to strike.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Democratic voice [updated]
During the 2006 election, the Green Party of Canada was a national party, and ran candidates across the entire country in all 308 ridings. During the election campaign, the Green Party leader was refused the opportunity to participate in the official leader debates. Despite this, over 600,000 individual Canadians voted for this party, approximately 4.5% of the popular vote.
How can a party with national representation be refused the right to participate in the federal election debates? How is it that a political voice speaking for more than half a million Canadian citizens is stifled by backroom deals and political machinations? And why is is that we're about to see this happen AGAIN?!?
This FLIF member thinks it's wrong that a major party leader has been blocked from the debates. As a librarian, I support freedom of expression and democratic values. As a citizen, I have the right to hear from someone who could be speaking on my behalf in Parliament.
There is a grassroots push happening to protest for Green Party leader Elizabeth May's participation in the upcoming leader debates. The online petition is available at http://demanddemocraticdebates.ca, and only takes a few seconds to submit.
UPDATE: Those of you who have been following this story know that both the opposing parties and the media committee have reversed their decisions. Green Party leader Elizabeth May has been invited to join the televised leader debates. It's a good day. However, I still wonder why this was an issue at all.
How can a party with national representation be refused the right to participate in the federal election debates? How is it that a political voice speaking for more than half a million Canadian citizens is stifled by backroom deals and political machinations? And why is is that we're about to see this happen AGAIN?!?
This FLIF member thinks it's wrong that a major party leader has been blocked from the debates. As a librarian, I support freedom of expression and democratic values. As a citizen, I have the right to hear from someone who could be speaking on my behalf in Parliament.
There is a grassroots push happening to protest for Green Party leader Elizabeth May's participation in the upcoming leader debates. The online petition is available at http://demanddemocraticdebates.ca, and only takes a few seconds to submit.
UPDATE: Those of you who have been following this story know that both the opposing parties and the media committee have reversed their decisions. Green Party leader Elizabeth May has been invited to join the televised leader debates. It's a good day. However, I still wonder why this was an issue at all.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Elections
It's election time in Canada again. Over the next six weeks we'll likely be bombarded with a lot of campaign spin on the issues the politicians want you to discuss. Whatever your affiliation and political leaning, no matter where you stand on the issues, we remind everyone to be media savvy, to go beyond the rhetoric, and to be critical about what the various parties are saying.
And get involved! Ask questions. Talk to friends and family. Email your candidates. Attend local debates. Press our representatives on the issues YOU want discussed during this election.
As of this posting, elections Canada has yet to update it's website with new voter information, so we can't yet provide you with official resources. Future FLIFblog posts will include more information on voting in our election on Oct. 14th.
----
Also, it's virtually impossible to ignore the election going on in the superpower next door. One of our colleagues recently shared a resource for those individuals holding dual citizenship who want to vote the the American election. If you hold US citizenship but are living abroad, you still have a right to vote in that election. Visit http://www.votefromabroad.org/ for more information, and to find out where to register.
And get involved! Ask questions. Talk to friends and family. Email your candidates. Attend local debates. Press our representatives on the issues YOU want discussed during this election.
As of this posting, elections Canada has yet to update it's website with new voter information, so we can't yet provide you with official resources. Future FLIFblog posts will include more information on voting in our election on Oct. 14th.
----
Also, it's virtually impossible to ignore the election going on in the superpower next door. One of our colleagues recently shared a resource for those individuals holding dual citizenship who want to vote the the American election. If you hold US citizenship but are living abroad, you still have a right to vote in that election. Visit http://www.votefromabroad.org/ for more information, and to find out where to register.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Newness
Hello again. After a summer-long hiatus, FLIF is back. A lot has happened in our neck of the woods since the last post.
The senior class graduated, sending a new group of talented, engaged young librarians to make their mark on the world. Unfortunately, this means we lost some veteran FLIF members, including our executive. We thank all of them for their efforts.
On the flip side, the new academic year is underway, and FLIF is under new management. We are happy to give a big welcome to the new students who have just embarked on their library studies, and to welcome back our returning members. We have some new things planned for this year, and hope to see you all at the meetings and events.
We want to continue examining IF and SR issues. We want to discuss and engage with the questions and outcomes faced by LIS professionals. We want to strengthen ties to our community. While we work to meet these goals, we want you to be encouraged to do the same.
The senior class graduated, sending a new group of talented, engaged young librarians to make their mark on the world. Unfortunately, this means we lost some veteran FLIF members, including our executive. We thank all of them for their efforts.
On the flip side, the new academic year is underway, and FLIF is under new management. We are happy to give a big welcome to the new students who have just embarked on their library studies, and to welcome back our returning members. We have some new things planned for this year, and hope to see you all at the meetings and events.
We want to continue examining IF and SR issues. We want to discuss and engage with the questions and outcomes faced by LIS professionals. We want to strengthen ties to our community. While we work to meet these goals, we want you to be encouraged to do the same.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Bandwidth throttling hits House of Commons
Concerns about bandwidth throttling in Canada won't go away. The issue has been in the news for a couple of weeks now, after it became known that some of our biggest ISPs are shaping Internet traffic, slowing the legitimate flow of information. When asked about the issue in the House of Commons, Industry Minister Prentice didn't have much to say about throttling and Net neutrality, preferring to leave the matter in the hands of consumers and big business.
Naturally, Internet law guru Michael Geist is watching this story unfold, and he can explain the issues much better than this FLIFer. Go check out his blog.
The Campaign for Democratic Media is organizing online, through both their website and a Facebook group. More information can be found here.
Neutrality.ca are also raising awareness and have an online petition, if you're interested.
Naturally, Internet law guru Michael Geist is watching this story unfold, and he can explain the issues much better than this FLIFer. Go check out his blog.
The Campaign for Democratic Media is organizing online, through both their website and a Facebook group. More information can be found here.
Neutrality.ca are also raising awareness and have an online petition, if you're interested.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Cubans blocked from popular blog
Ahh, blogs. Some exist solely as platforms for personal rants. Some help change the world.
This Guardian story highlights an interesting case in Cuba, where the communist country's most popular blogger has recently been censored by the government.
Until today the blog had been widely available, or at least available to those lucky few who could afford and find net access. While still available to the rest of the world, Cuban citizens can no longer access Generación Y. The Guardian story notes that the blog was something of a "litmus test" for dissent in the country.
This Guardian story highlights an interesting case in Cuba, where the communist country's most popular blogger has recently been censored by the government.
Until today the blog had been widely available, or at least available to those lucky few who could afford and find net access. While still available to the rest of the world, Cuban citizens can no longer access Generación Y. The Guardian story notes that the blog was something of a "litmus test" for dissent in the country.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
CLA Award Shortlists!
In the past two weeks, the CLA has announced a number of shortlists for various awards:
2008 Book of the Year Award for Children Shortlist
2008 Book of the Year Award for Young Adult Shortlist
2008 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Shortlist
Thoughts?
2008 Book of the Year Award for Children Shortlist
2008 Book of the Year Award for Young Adult Shortlist
2008 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Shortlist
Thoughts?
Ryerson and Facebook
By now, many of you have probably heard of the controversy surrounding Ryerson University's case against student Chris Avenir for his administration of a Facebook study group. If not, read on!
U of A's Gateway has a very informative article explaining the background and circumstances of the case:
U of A's Gateway has a very informative article explaining the background and circumstances of the case:
"Chris Avenir, a chemical engineering student, joined to help himself and others study for upcoming test and assignments. The group, called “The Dungeon / Mastering Chemistry Solutions,” eventually gained 146 members.After a university administrator discovered it, however, Avenir’s professor gave him an F in the course, charged him with academic misconduct, and recommended that he be expelled..."
This case provokes a range of interesting questions: What constitutes cheating and how is it differentiated from studying? Should the activity of regular in-person study groups be approached in the same manner as online study groups? What is the dominion of the university and it's student code of conduct over online activity? Where are the limitations? Do students have any measure of academic freedom?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Free University Courses and Podcasts Online...
In the area of freeing the intellect, there are a number of very interesting free online University courses--ranging from podcasted lectures to full out text-based reading and inquiry--being offered by a number of universities in the United States, United Kingdom, and abroad.
- Openculture has an extensive list of podcast lectures last updated in 2007. Some of these lectures require iTunes to function properly and undoubtedly contain a measure of DRM, but others can be downloaded as simple mp3s and loaded onto the system or player of the user's choice.
- Education-Portal has a list of ten universities with the "best" free online courses. The programs listed offer varying levels of course content and educational support material in a number of different subject areas.
- McGill's COOL (COurses OnLine) has audio lectures and slides from various undergraduate science classes posted online, although it is not clear whether these are intended for students or if they are open to the general public.
- North Vancouver's Capilano College is also listed as a member of MIT's OpenCourseWare consortium.
Hosting Company "GoDaddy" shuts down domain name service to controversial Ratemycop.com website...
From Kevin Poulsen at Wired:
This is not the first incident in which the GoDaddy company has come under fire for taking down websites that post controversial information and the Ratemycop website is still down at the time of posting.
"A new web service that lets users rate and comment on the uniformed police officers in their community is scrambling to restore service Tuesday, after hosting company GoDaddy unceremonious pulled-the-plug on the site in the wake of outrage from criticism-leery cops.
Visitors to RateMyCop.com on Tuesday were redirected to a GoDaddy page reading, 'Oops!!!', which urged the site owner to contact GoDaddy to find out why the company pulled the plug.
RateMyCop founder Gino Sesto says he was given no notice of the suspension. When he called GoDaddy, the company told him that he'd been shut down for 'suspicious activity.'
When Sesto got a supervisor on the phone, the company changed its story and claimed the site had surpassed its 3 terabyte bandwidth limit, a claim that Sesto says is nonsense. 'How can it be overloaded when it only had 80,000 page views today, and 400,000 yesterday?'
This is not the first incident in which the GoDaddy company has come under fire for taking down websites that post controversial information and the Ratemycop website is still down at the time of posting.
Kentucky Lawmaker proposes the criminalization of anonymous internet posting...
Ars Technica's Ryan Paul writes:
"Kentucky lawmaker Tim Couch has proposed a bill that would criminalize anonymous Internet posting. Web site and forum operators would be forced to collect and publicly disclose identifying information about all of the visitors who post content on their sites. Failing to do so would lead to a fine of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.The bill, which extends Chapter 369 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, would mandate collection of the complete name, mailing address, and e-mail address of all visitors who post Internet content. Web sites would have to display names next to all relevant content and establish procedures that enable anyone to obtain the rest of the information. The bill stipulates that mailing address and e-mail address only have to be supplied to supplicants in cases where someone has posted "false or defamatory" information."
This kind of legislation seems to be intended to increase accountability in online conduct, especially in areas such as cyber-bullying. The cost to freedom of speech and subsequently to intellectual freedom, however, would be very high indeed. It is not difficult to imagine how the application of this bill would increase individual self-censorship and compromise the privacy of many, whether proven cyberbullies or not. Here we might as well note that on many social networking sites, cyberbullying is already carried out by people who post under their own names! From a political standpoint, it is difficult to imagine how this bill would fit into the admittedly messy and delightfully chaotic framework of healthy democratic discourse. The implications for any kind of online reference service offered by Kentucky libraries are also problematic, at best. As a fellow observer remarked, "This bill would pretty much grind the Internet to a halt, at least in Kentucky."
In fairness, Couch seems to recognize that this bill would likely not stand against the 1st Amendment and has little chance of actually passing. When interviewed by The Herald-Leader, Couch claimed that he was more hoping that the bill would raise awareness about cyberbullying and the posting of other "unkind comments" on the web. But if a half-hearted attempt at raising awareness is truly his motivation, then why go to the expense and trouble of threatening privacy, intellectual freedom, and democratic discourse with the levers of government?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Possible filtering in Royal Oaks, Michigan and more...
Royal Oak's elected officials want pornography-blocking filters added to library computers after the arrest of a homeless man on charges of viewing child pornography at the public library.The Detroit Free Press article provides an interesting snapshot of the debate on web-filtering and varying approaches to access as the situation evolves in Michigan. Although many of the librarians interviewed in this article seem opposed or cautious and yet accepting of filtering, there does not seem to be a clear alternative on offer for resolving this issue.
City commissioners stopped short of ordering the library to install filters, but they voted March 3 to have the city library board tackle a question faced by nearly every library: Should First Amendment rights to uncensored information trump a need to block obscenity from public computers?
Meanwhile, the staff of Gwinnett County Libraries will now be able to use software to capture the browsing histories of patrons after a change to the library system's Internet safety policy:
"The responses include counseling users on appropriate Internet usage for less serious situations, ordering users to stop viewing obscene materials, or calling police and capturing the computer's browsing history as possible evidence in the case of child pornography."
This policy also raises the age at which patrons can use unfiltered computers to 18.
These changes were effected after a woman complained that another patron was viewing pornographic materials and staff informed her that they were unable to respond.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Many thanks
Freedom to Read Week is over, and it was a great event! Not only did we promote intellectual freedom and the rejection of censorship, but we helped spread the word to the greater university community. There was a lot of interaction with and some great questions and comments from those who visited the FLIF table in HUB.
Kudos to GELA for joining us, and a special thank you on their behalf to those who donated to the book drive. It's ongoing, so see this post for more information.
The UofA CLA Student Chapter partnered with us for this, and we appreciate all of their help. The buttons were particularly fabulous!
As always, LISSA and the students, faculty and staff of SLIS have been great.
Now we have to make it even bigger and better next year.
Kudos to GELA for joining us, and a special thank you on their behalf to those who donated to the book drive. It's ongoing, so see this post for more information.
The UofA CLA Student Chapter partnered with us for this, and we appreciate all of their help. The buttons were particularly fabulous!
As always, LISSA and the students, faculty and staff of SLIS have been great.
Now we have to make it even bigger and better next year.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Freedom to Watch?
Sometimes we focus a lot on books and other printed materials, but librarians also deal with a lot of video and other multimedia. Recent developments regarding tax credits for film productions here in Canada are worth noting, as the potential for censorship on the part of government is disturbing.
"Tories plan to withhold funding for 'offensive' productions" from the Globe and Mail.
"Artists call Tory plan to vet films 'censorship'" from CBC Arts.
"Evangelist takes credit for film crackdown" from the Globe and Mail.
We will watch how this develops with interest.
"Tories plan to withhold funding for 'offensive' productions" from the Globe and Mail.
"Artists call Tory plan to vet films 'censorship'" from CBC Arts.
"Evangelist takes credit for film crackdown" from the Globe and Mail.
We will watch how this develops with interest.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Freedom to read according to UofA Express News
The University of Alberta's ExpressNews has posted an article about Freedom to Read week. The reporter mentions the Canadian Library Association's Survey of Challenged materials in Canadian Libraries (see previous post for more details) and talks to UofA's own Dr Toni Samek and Dr. Alvin Schrader. There is also a link to a video created by School of Library and Information Science student Tanya Driechel, who looks at literacy and information access issues in marginalized populations (such as those in developing countries).
Mid-week update
Mid-week, and the FLIF table in HUB has been hopping. There have been a lot of questions about why we're there and what we're doing. Our display is rearranged daily and continues to draw the interest of passers-by. If you're in the area, be sure to come by and say hello, to share your thoughts, or just to check out some of our challenged/banned books. If you're only able to visit us on the web, leave a comment or send us an email.
Also, the CLA has recently released the results of the latest Survey of Challenged Materials in Canadian Libraries (2007). See the press release online here, and follow the links on the page to the downloadable .pdf of the survey results.
Stay tuned for more information.
Also, the CLA has recently released the results of the latest Survey of Challenged Materials in Canadian Libraries (2007). See the press release online here, and follow the links on the page to the downloadable .pdf of the survey results.
Stay tuned for more information.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
What's been challenged
Curious to know what books have been banned or challenged? Here are some lists:
- Freedom to Read has compiled a list of challenged books in Canada. It includes reasons why the books were banned and what the outcome was. Some of the books in the list include a book on colour psychology, the popular novel "Snow Falling on Cedars", an award winning French novel based on the author's experiences in World War II, and the classis "To Kill a Mockingbird.
- The American Library Association's list of the most challenged books of 2006 (hey, it takes time to compile these lists). It includes the "Gossip Girls" series (now a TV series) and Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eyes"
- You can also check out this old post from Bookslut which lists some challeneged books and why they have been challenged. It includes the children's book "And Tango Makes Three", another Toni Morrison book ("The Beloved"), and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Censored news
Books and movies aren't the only things that maybe challenged or censored. Here are the top 25 censored news stories of 2006-2007 according to Project Censored, a media research group out of Sonoma State University that strives to highlight censorship in the news.
This years list includes:
This years list includes:
- #25 Who Will Profit from Native Energy?
- #20 Terror Act Against Animal Activists
- #16 No Hard Evidence Connecting Bin Laden to 9/11
- #12 Another Massacre in Haiti by UN Troops
- #5 Human Traffic Builds US Embassy in Iraq
- #2 Bush Moves Toward Martial Law
Fight for your right to read
Here's a great article about freedom to read: Canadians fighting for their right to read. It talks about challenged books and challenges may be resolved in some public library (note that this is not about the Edmonton Public Library and the EPL may handle cases a bit differently).
Book donations for the Bissell Centre and Women's Prison (updated)
Through out Freedom to Read Week, FLIF (partnered with the Greater Edmonton Library Association) will be collecting donations of gently used books at our table in the HUB. The books will be donated to the Bissell Centre, a non-profit organization that helps people with low incomes.
Help make a difference by bringing in a few books!
Update:
Thanks for the comment, Kirsten. The book drive will benefit both the Bissell Centre AND the library at the Edmonton Institution for Women. More on the book drive and contact information can be found on the GELA book drive webpage.
Help make a difference by bringing in a few books!
Update:
Thanks for the comment, Kirsten. The book drive will benefit both the Bissell Centre AND the library at the Edmonton Institution for Women. More on the book drive and contact information can be found on the GELA book drive webpage.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Honouring Freedom to Read Week with art
Students from the Forest Heights Collegiate Institute created sculpted works of art using discarded books and they are being displayed in the Forest Heights Community Library (Kitchener, ON). See here for the full story.
Freedom to Read Week
This week is Freedom to Read Week, a week long event created to encourage us to think about intellectual freedom (which is guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms) and censorship. For more information, visit the Freedom to Read web-site.
From the web-site:
For more information, look for the Future Librarians for Intellectual Freedom table in the Hub this week. Come and see some of the books that have been challenged and learn more about the importance of intellectual freedom.
You can also check out the Facebook event page from Freedom to Read Week.
From the web-site:
"Canadians often take our freedom to read for granted, but it's a right that regularly comes under fire," says Emily Sinkins, Chair of the Freedom of Expression Committee. "Whenever books are removed from school library shelves or journalists are silenced by the threat of legal action, we're reminded how important it is to fight for the free exchange of ideas between writers and readers."
During Freedom to Read Week, the BPC urges Canadians to use their right to choose what they read and to celebrate Canadians who fight to protect that right from would-be censors.
For more information, look for the Future Librarians for Intellectual Freedom table in the Hub this week. Come and see some of the books that have been challenged and learn more about the importance of intellectual freedom.
You can also check out the Facebook event page from Freedom to Read Week.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Freedom to Read Week: Countdown
Freedom to Read Week 2008 is just over a month away, and FLIF is gearing up for our on-campus activities. Stay tuned to what's going on. This banner is clickable:
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Poor people and libraries
An interesting (albeit brief) look at some issues relating to libraries and their treatment of poor people: Are public libraries criminalizing poor people?
Friday, January 11, 2008
Copyright Legislation in Canada
The above link is a nice overview of the proposed copyright legislation by its most vocal critic, Michael Geist. For more information, visit the Fair Copyright for Canada group on Facebook.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Banned books resource
Forbidden Library is a nice web site for people interested in banned and challenged books. The about page states:
The books listed on my site were all challenged on some grounds by groups who wished to impose restrictions on them. Some were removed from reading lists, some were removed from school or public libraries, some were burned in bonfires. I do not claim that all of the books in my list are for the same age group, nor do I believe they are all equally suitable for academic reading lists. I merely report documented challenges to books, and in some cases poke fun at the rationale used by those who object to the works mentioned.
The books listed on my site were all challenged on some grounds by groups who wished to impose restrictions on them. Some were removed from reading lists, some were removed from school or public libraries, some were burned in bonfires. I do not claim that all of the books in my list are for the same age group, nor do I believe they are all equally suitable for academic reading lists. I merely report documented challenges to books, and in some cases poke fun at the rationale used by those who object to the works mentioned.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Canada needs to get with the program
The Business & Human Rights in Vancouver blog reports that a recent Amnesty International report is critical of the Canadian government and its performance in the international arena: read the report for more details.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
40 years and counting
Today is the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom's 40th anniversary. From their web site:
Happy Anniversary, OIF!
Established December 1, 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association’s basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.
Happy Anniversary, OIF!
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