Niagara Falls, New York | October 14 – 17, 2009
Preliminary Conference Program
Print version of the preliminary program (pdf) 1.45 MB
Libraries: Peace, Love & Freedom
Peace
Libraries are one of the last remaining quiet places in our white noise society. They are a place in the community where people can go and think, study and contemplate. Consider the atmosphere of your library. What type of environment are you creating?
Libraries are also the place to resolve conflict. They are neutral places where people can come together and have community conversations. People of different viewpoints, ethnic groups, and sides of the fence can come and debate their issues. How have libraries facilitated this?
Love
Librarians have a passion for literature, art, and music. They are the cultural conscience of the community. It is our role to continually reinforce and pass on the cultural heritage of this country and the world. How do libraries raise cultural awareness in their communities?
Also librarians need to appreciate each other. The work we do to inform and support the country succeeds because we support each other. School libraries inspire students in reading and information literacy; academic libraries teach research and study, public libraries serve the community for the cradle to the grave; special libraries help our businesses compete; hospital libraries help our doctors and nurses have the most up to date information; correctional facility libraries help rehabilitate. Every librarian, regardless of type of library is an important link in this chain and needs to valued and supported by every librarian in the state. How do we build and collaborate with our network of libraries?
Freedom
Libraries protect freedom by insuring that people can read, view or listen to any viewpoint. We provide a complete range of opinions on any issue. In these days of media conglomeration, how do we insure alternative viewpoints are included in the dialogue? People also need to feel that they can access items without fear of retribution. How have libraries protected privacy and confidentiality?
In Orwell’s 1984, Winston Smith’s job was to revise the historical record to fit the current situation. The motto was, “He who controls the preent, controls the past. He who controls the past, controls the future.” Libraries are one of the last places where the true historical record can be found and only librarians can be fully trusted to protect that record. How do librarians insure a complete record of the past?
NYLA’s sections, roundtables, committees and affiliates worked diligently to organize and present a wide range of experiences. From highly specialized presentations, to programs that will appeal to everyone, there is no shortage of quality information.
For more information, visit http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1705.
