CLA Weblog Submissions
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Your Leadership Shares
February 18, 2010
Executive Director's Column
Hello CLA Members!
I know we've barely met, but I'm hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question for me. Why do you choose to be engaged with CLA?
You're already a busy enough as it is. Having one more item on your to-do list some days is - let's face it - exhausting, but still, as an active CLA member, you choose to have one more item to do. When you have some downtime, you choose to spend it reading and sometimes responding to listservs, blogs or tweets. You choose to take time away from your daily routine to attend interest group and/or committee meetings, participate on webinars, and travel to conferences to enhance and expand your knowledge. Why? I know we've barely met, but I'm hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question for me. Why do you choose to be engaged with CLA?
Over the next few months you will receive short member satisfaction surveys to help us better understand the value CLA currently provides and what the opportunities are to not only exceed your expectations, but the California library community's expectations as well.
I want CLA to be the to-do on all of your lists. Thank you in advance for choosing to assist your CLA team in striving to provide the tools and services you expect from your professional association.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Holly Macriss
CLA Executive Director
CLA Members, click here to take a brief survey!
Posted by claadmin at 9:56 AM
June 18, 2009
Executive Committee Meeting Highlights
June 12, 2009
The CLA Executive Committee (EC) conducts a minimum of four meetings per year and one leadership-training meeting. EC Highlights are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered official actions of the EC. Approved EC minutes can be obtained by requesting a copy from CLA staff at info@cla-net.org. The EC highlights are produced within one week of each meeting and are made available to help keep our members and the public informed of EC actions and policy discussions.
The following summarizes the meeting:
President's Report
CLA President Barbara Roberts reported that Cindy Mediavilla accepted the permanent editorship of the Clarion. In keeping with the CLA theme of "going green," CLA will, in the future, be offering an electronic version of the magazine to members and limited paper copies. The next issue will be dedicated to the "New CLA."
She also reported on her involvement in the ALA National Legislative Day, noting that California had over 40 members attending. Meetings, stressing continuation of LSTA funding, were held with the staff of Senators Boxer and Feinstein as well as each person's Representative.
She advised members that over the past month, CLA and the CLA lobbyists were working to insure that we had a representative appointed to the California ICT Digital Literacy Leadership Council and ICT Literacy Advisory Committee. She reported that the Governor’s office has added CLA representation to both bodies. A letter recommending Stephanie Sterling Brasley, Manager of Information Literacy Initiatives, CSU Office of the Chancellor, was forwarded to Joe Camicia, the Chief of Staff to the Chief Information Officer, who will be handling the processing of appointment requests.
Consent Agenda
The EC approved Minutes for meetings and/or mail ballots of April 14, May 5 and May 22nd and the Treasurers report for the first quarter and through May 2009.
Action Items
Nominations for VP/President Elect: In the absence of the Immediate Past President Monique le Conge, Barbara Roberts reported that the Nominations Committee has selected two candidates to run for the 2009 VP/President elect: Kim Bui-Burton, Monterey Public Library and Julie Farnsworth, Pleasanton Public Library. The election will run from approximately June 22 to July 13, 2009. Barbara Roberts advised that she will spend time with the VP/President Elect to help orient her to the position. No action was necessary.
Resolution for Judith Krug: The EC approved a resolution recognizing Judith Krug for her contribution to the library community. The resolution will be forwarded by Les Kong to ALA for inclusion in a national recognition of her contributions.
Association Management Company RFP proposal: The committee discussed and approved the RFP to obtain an Association Management Company to manage CLA operations, noting that it was complete in content, direction and timeline. They gave further direction to the Interim Executive Director on suggested outreach, including the search for nationally certified California Association Management firms. The Interim Executive Director advised the committee that she would provide electronic copies of the document and attachments to interested parties and have them distributed starting Monday June 15, 2009.
Program Updates and Reports
Cindy Mediavilla, Chair of the Conference committee provided a report by telephone. She advised that the committee is adhering to their timeline, highlighted the things that will make this a greener conference and the strategies for obtaining sponsorships.
The committee discussed the recommendations of the ROI Task Force and agreed that the report should be provided to the new ED with direction to meet with the State Librarian to determine if there is value in developing this further as part of the library statistical measurements. The Interim Executive Director will include this report in the Executive Director briefing binder with a notation to report his/her findings to the EC.
Les Kong gave a brief ALA update and agreed to complete and return the ALA Assessment Survey completed by the President and Interim Executive Director and include his Chapter/Councilor input. He will also forward the Resolution on Judith Krug to ALA.
Executive Director Interviews
The EC continued their interviews of potential Executive Director Candidates.
Final Announcements
Executive Director Search: The committee announced that it has placed the search for an Executive Director on hold until CLA has successfully contracted with an Association Management Company.
E-newsletter update: CLA staff provided a report on the status of the development of a monthly E-Newsletter. Staff presented the EC with an issue memo that identified the work completed to date in evaluating numerous software companies and obtaining satisfaction information from three associations. Based on staff's review, staff recommended that CLA use MailChimp. With the consensus of the EC, staff will continue development over the next month with a planned launch date of mid July 2009.
The next Executive Committee Meeting Date is set for October 30, 2009, Pasadena. This will be the last meeting of the Executive Committee. At the conclusion of the 2009 Conference, the new CLA Board of Directors will become operational.
Posted by claadmin at 3:37 PM
March 16, 2009
Goodbye to Ken Haycock
Last week the Executive Committee was notified by Ken Haycock, CLA President-elect, that he has chosen to resign from this position. All of us who worked with Ken admire his concern for the well being of CLA and his passion for getting things done. But we respect his decision as one that is best for him at this time.
The CLA bylaws state than when there is a vacancy in the position of President-elect, a special election must be held to fill the position. The nominations committee, chaired by Immediate Past President Monique Le Conge, will begin work to nominate candidates to run for President-elect.
To give sufficient time to search for candidates, the special election will take place online after July 1, 2009. If you would like to suggest potential candidates, or would like to be one yourself, please let Monique know. We are currently on rotation for a northern California President-elect. The person who wins the special election will become President after the 2009 conference.
The regular CLA elections will be taking place in September this year. Be sure to vote in both!
Barbara Roberts
2009 CLA President
Posted by Barbara Roberts at 2:30 PM
February 4, 2009
Letter to Senators Dianne Feinstein & Barbara Boxer
The following letters were sent to Senators Dianne Feinstein & Barbara Boxer, requesting an amendment to S. 1, page 396, line 13 that will allow increased public library funding as part of the coming $782 million stimulus package:
Dear Senator,
On behalf of the California Library Association and our 3,000 members from around the state, I strongly urge you to amend S. 1, page 396, line 13 to read as follows:
SEC. 1402. State Uses of Funds
(b) Other Government Services.
For each fiscal year, the Governor may use up to 39 percent of the State's allocation under section 1301 for public safety and other government services, which may include assistance for elementary and secondary education, public institutions of higher education and public libraries.
By including the words "and public libraries" to this legislation, libraries would have access to funding that would enable them to move forward on $782 million in shovel ready projects. Enclosed with this letter is a spreadsheet that demonstrates that these projects are located throughout the state -north, south and central.
As you know, the demand on public libraries is growing dramatically throughout the state as more people turn to libraries for assistance in finding employment, accessing public assistance programs, and improving their computer and literacy skills. Many libraries in our state are over 40 years old, are not ADA compliant and lack the necessary technological infrastructure to serve the growing demand for internet access.
The library community of California would greatly appreciate your action on this matter. If there is further information we can provide you, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you for your consideration of this request, and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Barbara L. Roberts, President
California Library Association
Posted by claadmin at 11:39 AM
Letter from Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
The following email was received from Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack in response to a letter about the CPSC and lead testing:
February 3, 2009
Dear Mr. Gray:
Thank you for writing with your concerns regarding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008. I appreciate hearing from you about this important issue.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was created in 1972 in response to concerns regarding the safety of many consumer products. Since its inception, the CPSC has worked to protect American consumers by establishing consumer product safety standards and to inspect, recall, and restrict importation of unsafe consumer products. Recent breaches in the safety of consumer products have called attention to the effectiveness of the CPSC, and the adequacy of its authority and resources to fulfill its purpose.
After many hearings and significant legislative consideration, Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Act which was signed into law by President Bush in September of 2008. While the intent of the CPSIA was to provide additional resources and strengthen existing regulations and oversight, it is clear that there have been several unintended and serious consequences of this law.
I appreciate hearing from you with your particular concerns relating to the implementation of this law. As your representative, it is critical that I hear from you regarding how the laws that Congress passes impact you. I have written to the Chairmen of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, requesting that they hold hearings to investigate these serious problems. Please rest assured that as this process moves forward, I will keep your thoughts in mind.
Sincerely,
MARY BONO
Member of Congress
Posted by claadmin at 7:41 AM
January 13, 2009
Letter to President Obama
The White House
ATTN: President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington DC, 20500
Re: Investing in America's Future through Libraries
Dear President Obama,
The 3,400 members of the California Library Association congratulate you on your election and thank you for reminding the American public about the importance of libraries and the struggles that they currently face.
Libraries across California and the nation are serving growing numbers of people who increasingly rely on us for resources and information to help them improve their lives. Whether they are adult learners, students, parents, new Americans, job seekers, or older adults, California residents depend on our libraries to provide them with access to information, lifelong learning opportunities, skills training, and community gathering places. At the same time, many of our libraries lack sufficient space to meet this demand, and are not physically capable of providing the infrastructure to support computer and broadband access that our communities need. Additionally, libraries are facing funding shortfalls as a result of the current economic downturn.
As you examine strategies to stimulate the economy and create jobs, it is our hope that you will include libraries in any federal economic stimulus package. As you know, libraries help people attain employment, assist in small businesses growth, contribute to community economic development, provide lifelong support for education - including the development of essential literacy skills - and provide free public access to computers and the Internet.
CLA supports your planned economic stimulus package to help get the American economy moving and help people find work. Since libraries are part of the basic tools of a community's workforce, we respectfully ask that you consider including libraries in your proposed economic stimulus plans.
The greater library community is excited to have a President who understands, and has experienced the value of libraries. We wish you every success as you face the challenges ahead. And we offer our support and assistance in any way possible in issues related to libraries.
With hope and respect,
Barbara L. Roberts, President
California Library Association
717 20th Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95811
916-447-8541
info@cla-net.org
Posted by claadmin at 7:31 AM
January 7, 2009
Office of the Governor: State Librarian Qualities
January 6, 2009
John Cruz, Appointments Secretary
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Attention: Deputy Appointments Secretary Monica Rea
Dear Mr. Cruz.
The California Library Association, established in 1895, represents over 3,400 Libraries and professionals in California who are helping to keep Libraries as vibrant and relevant community hubs for go to learning, innovation, literacy and information. We have worked closely over the years with the State Librarian to insure that libraries in California can continue to be where imagination is unbounded while fueled with infinite resources and information.
The California Library Association would first like to thank you for having appointed Susan Hildreth as the State Librarian of California. She has been a tremendous library leader. California has truly benefited from her passion and vision, and she will be missed when she moves to her new position as the City Librarian of Seattle.
As you consider the next appointment for the State Librarian of California, we would like to share with you a few important qualities for this very important library leadership position.
- Builder. The State Librarian is not only responsible for the California State Library, but supporting the development of California libraries statewide. This position requires a person who can articulate a vision clearly, is credible and bring communities together to build it.
- Future Tense Thinker. This position requires a person who believes that the best way to predict the future is to be a part of its creation. This person must be knowledgeable and able to understand the trends and forces that are shaping the future of libraries and an ability to articulate and implement proactive solutions for serving the changing information needs of the citizens of California.
- Communicator. The State Librarian needs to be able to communicate and translate clearly ideas and information among many stakeholders. It is vital that this person can take complex systems and concepts and break them down to create common understanding.
- Passionate. The State Librarian needs to exude passion for supporting communities through libraries, which are important to a thriving democracy because they provide access to information, ideas, and dreams.
- Collaborator. The State Librarian must have experience in forging partnership with private and public sector decision makers at the state and local levels.
You may be aware that California has been selected as one of seven pilot states to participate in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Opportunity Online program that will support enhanced broadband connectivity for public libraries in rural and under-resourced neighborhoods. I know that you are committed to broadband deployment in California; and this presents a great opportunity for California public libraries. The Gates Foundation anticipates that the new State Librarian will have a critical role in the success of this program.
We appreciate all of your efforts in identifying the next State Librarian of California and know that you will select someone who can continue to lead California into the future.
If we can be of any assistance in this appointment process please don't hesitate to contact Claudia Foutz, Interim Executive Director at 916-447-8541.
Sincerely,
Barbara Roberts, President
California Library Association
717 20th Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95811
916-447-8541
info@cla-net.org
- Letter to Governor's Office (360k)
Posted by claadmin at 8:49 AM
December 15, 2008
Happy Holidays from CLA President
Happy Holidays everyone!
Before we all get too busy with festivities, I thought I would post an update to let you know what your leadership has been doing since conference. Certainly no dust has been gathering for any of us!
Transition Tool Kit Task Force
Keeping to my promise at conference to make sure that a transition tool kit is available to all sections, committees and round tables within two months, this task force is moving fast. Chaired by former president Margaret Miles, committee members Mark Smith, Cindy Medivilla, Hillary Theyer, Lynne Price and Barbara Flynn are working on a draft to present to the Executive Committee at their January 13th meeting. The goal is to have the tool kit in your hands by the end of January.
Technology Task Force
Very ably chaired by Gerry Calderon, this six month long task force is researching best tools for CLA to use in communicating to and among members. The intent is to find meeting tools that limit the need for physical travel, make virtual meetings possible as well as tools that make our website more interactive. The other task force members are: Lisa Bartle, Mark Lager, Monica Schultz, Sandra Vella, Laurel Eby and Aloha Record.
2009 Conference Committee
Believe it or not, planning for Pasadena is already underway! Conference Chair Cindy Mediavilla and Program Chair Jackie Griffen along with Local Arrangments Chair Ellen Fusco have made great headway in the "Reach Out!" conference planning. The first all conference committee meeting was held in Palm Springs on December 8, subcommittees were formed and the request for proposals should be out later this month.
I hope you have noticed that the blog contains the minutes of Assembly, Executive Committee and Membership meetings held at the 2008 conference. Take time to browse through them and find out what issues are being discussed by your leadership representatives. It may make you want to become more involved!
I am leaving for my first vacation in 2 years and won't be back in my office until January 12. I wish all of you a happy, joyous and loving holiday season. And when we are all back in work mode in January, let's work together to make CLA the best it can be.
Barbara Roberts
Posted by Barbara Roberts at 2:52 PM
December 12, 2008
2008 Annual Membership Meeting Minutes
CLA Annual Membership Meeting
Sunday, November 16, 2008
San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, CA
- Call to Order
The Annual CLA membership meeting was called to order at approximately 9:50am
by President Monique le Conge. She made opening remarks of welcome. - Appointment of the Minutes Review Committee
CLA operates its meetings under Roberts Rules of Order. Because this body will
not meet again in its current form, three CLA members were appointed to serve
as the Minutes Review Committee. Their task will be to review and approve the
minutes of the meeting. Kathy Sanford, David McFadden and Paymaneh Maghsoudi
agreed to serve in this capacity. - Adoption of the Agenda
MSC (Lisa Bartle/Barbara Quarton) to adopt the agenda as presented. - Introductions and announcements
Monique introduced the 2008 Executive Committee and asked that they stand and
be recognized. - Reports to the Membership
Written reports from the President, Treasurer and Executive Director were
distributed at the meeting. Monique summarized her written report and informed
members that the Governance re-organization will be implemented July 1, 2009.
Annette Milliron DeBacker, Treasurer, briefly summarized her report. She noted
the association ended the year about $74,365 in the black. She advised members
that there will be some significant transition expenses this year and they
will be identified by a side note in the 2008/09 Budget documents. She said
the good news is that CLA has a very healthy reserve so the expenses will
easily be covered. Monique noted that the membership was provided a written
report of the prior Executive Director. There were no questions pertaining to
that report. Claudia Foutz was introduced as the Interim Executive Director
and gave a lively, interactive welcome to members of CLA. - Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business. - New Business
The membership was provided a copy of a Resolution for Susan Negreen's service
to CLA over the past 9 years. - Passing the Gavel
Monique le Conge presented Barbara Roberts with the CLA President's pin.
Barbara Roberts presented Monique le Conge with a plaque acknowledging her
term of office and contribution to CLA. Barbara Roberts then recognized her
daughter in the audience and outlined her vision and 2009 Conference Theme of
"Reach Out" for her term as President. - Adjournment
Being there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately
10:28 am.
MSC. (Lisa Bartle/Barbara Quarton) To adjourn.
Minutes prepared by Claudia Foutz, December 3, 2008
Approved by:
David McFadden
Kathy Sanford
Paymaneh Maghsoudi
Posted by claadmin at 12:12 PM
November 20, 2008
Barbara Roberts' Inaugural Speech
Thank you everyone.
It is such a professional honor to be able to serve as CLA president. In this past year as vice president/president-elect I've had the good fortune to work with two pros, Monique le Conge and Margaret Todd. Their work has enabled us to build a new nimble governance infrastructure. My goal is to continue this work toward the revitalization of CLA by building on their good internal work while at the same time expanding our outside relationships and strengthening our image as an organization.
CLA remains the pre-eminent "umbrella" organization for CA libraries and those who work in and for them. So we must use this transition time as a wonderful opportunity to re-energize our image as we develop a stronger and more inclusive organization - one that appeals to a broad spectrum of members and potential members.
Clearly, the election this year demonstrates our membership's desire to transition CLA into the 21st century with the passage of the bylaws changes that will take effect in June 2009. These new bylaws flatten the structure of our organization in ways that can help us: connect better with each other, provide for virtual participation in CLA, provide a mechanism for growing leaders within the organization, and help members form groups of like minded colleagues to explore all sorts of interests, and issues and collaborations. Thus it is incumbent upon me in my year as president to focus on planning for the debut of this more nimble structure and ensure that it allows CLA to concentrate on: providing enhanced member benefits, ensuring transparent communication, and building a robust business operation.
To start this very large ball rolling, I will concentrate this year on doing the following:
- Work with the Executive Committee, Assembly and our interim executive director, to complete a thorough assessment of CLA operations and develop an appropriate business and management plan.
- Convene a summit of representatives from different library types and other library organizations in CA with the express purpose of exploring our commonalities, and discussing our collaboration and partnership potential.
- Within the next two months, make certain there is a transition tool kit for all sections, committees and round tables to help members explore their future options for participation within the new CLA structure.
- Continue the dissemination of "Your Leadership Shares" emails and blog posts that I initiated after this year's Leadership Retreat, to help make CLA's work more transparent.
- Develop and recommend a career development benefit for members.
- Identify how CLA can best use technology to improve communication to members, between members and to enhance and simplify the work of our organization. Hopefully we can also help reduce CLA's carbon footprint in the process!
Continue reading "Barbara Roberts' Inaugural Speech"
Posted by Barbara Roberts at 8:44 AM
October 16, 2008
2008-09 Retreat Summary
Hello CLA members!
As the current vice-president/president elect, I called a leadership retreat at the end of September for all the incoming leaders for the 2009 year. I will be taking office as president at conference this year and the theme of my year and the 2009 conference will be "Reach Out!". It is my intent to make every effort to "Reach Out!" to all members as much as I can using various methods. I want to provide transparency to the work of the leadership as much as possible and encourage two way communication.
In the recent election the request to change the bylaws was passed by a large majority. These bylaws changes will modify the internal structure of CLA providing a flexibility that will allow CLA to become more beneficial and relevant to you as a member. At the leadership retreat we discussed the new bylaws and the next steps. I encourage you to read this summary below and let me know what you think. Feel free to email me at barbara.roberts@palmsprings-ca.gov with comments, questions or concerns. It is important to me that all members understand the workings of this organization to which we all belong.
Barbara L. Roberts
Director of Library Services
PALM SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY
300 S. Sunrise Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.8375
760.327.5744 (fax)
Barbara.Roberts@palmsprings-ca.gov
Posted by claadmin at 11:55 AM