ALANEWS (September 21, 1995) URL = http://hegel.lib.ncsu.edu/stacks/serials/alanews/alanews-950921 NEWS RELEASES September 21, 1995 This batch contains: 1. ALA First Freedom Op-Ed series launched 2. ALA Humphrey/OCLC/Forest Press Award nominees sought 3. Family literacy fact sheets available 4. New YALSA publications available 5. Nominations/applications sought for 1996 Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award 6. Nominations sought for 1996 ASCLA awards 7. Nominations sought for Instruction Section Innovation in Instruction 8. Nominations sought for 1996 RASD awards 9. Elisa F. Topper new ACRL director of member services 10. Fred W. Weingarten new ALA Washington Office senior policy fellow 1. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 ALA First Freedom Op-Ed series launched A series of op-ed columns has been launched by the newly established First Freedom Op-Ed Service, an independent project of the American Library Association (ALA) Intellectual Freedom Committee and the Freedom to Read Foundation Board of Trustees. Coordinated by the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, the service is designed to provide newspapers with expert, independent commentary about the liberties guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. A recent column is titled "Scared Enough To Hurt Ourselves, written by Jean Otto, retired editorial page editor and reader's representative for the Rocky Mountain News in Denver. Otto is also co-founder of the First Amendment Congress. The article discusses whether we value safety more than individual freedom and questions whether rights must be compromised to assure personal safety. Other column authors will include legal scholars, constitutional historians, novelists and individuals who are on the forefront of computer and Internet developments. Op-ed pieces will be mailed once each month to participating newspapers. The free service targets small and medium-size dailies. The columns are also available through electronic mail upon request to u24803@uicvm.uic.edu. Libraries can obtain copies for their community newspapers or publications by sending an e-mail request. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, established in 1967, is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom and free access to libraries and library materials. The goal is to educate librarians and the general public about the importance of intellectual freedom. 2. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 ALA Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award nominees sought Applications are being accepted for the 1996 John Ames Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award presented by the American Library Association (ALA) International Relations Committee (IRC). The deadline is January 1, 1996. The award, $1,000 donated by OCLC/Forest Press, is given to an individual for significant contributions to international librarianship. The contribution may include publication of professional literature, participation in library organizations, introduction of new technologies or theories or outstanding teaching. Primary consideration will be given to contributions in the fields of classification and subject analysis, and to work in Third World countries. Nominations should include a personal history or vita with an emphasis on the nominee's achievements relating to international librarianship, listing of publications and letters seconding the nomination or other letters of commendation or appreciation. Nominations should be submitted to: John Tyson, Associate Professor, University of Tennessee, School of Information Sciences, 804 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37996-4330. Telephone: 615-974-7914. Fax: 615-974-4967. E-mail: jtyson@utkvx.utk.edu. 3. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 Family literacy fact sheets available Family literacy fact sheets developed during the Bell Atlantic/ALA Family Literacy Project are available free from the American Library Association (ALA) Headquarters Library and Information Center. The fact sheets include: "Developing a Family Literacy Program;" "How to Write In Plain English;" "How To Recruit Participants Using Nonprint Media;" "How To Start a Dial-A-Story;" "Needs Assessment: Gathering Information for Decision-Making;" "Evaluation of Family Literacy Programs," and "Libraries and Local Business Partnerships: Connections for Family Literacy." To receive the fact sheets, send a self-addressed #10 envelope with 55 cents postage to: American Library Association, Headquarters Library and Information Center, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. 4. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 New YALSA publications available Two new publications are available from the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). YALSA's 1994 list of recommended books for reluctant readers is available in a brochure, "Quick Picks 1995." The list of fiction and non-fiction titles is chosen annually by the YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Committee. It includes titles that will stimulate the interest of reluctant teen readers. The books are chosen for their high appeal in terms of content, format and artwork. YALSA's "Best Books for Young Adults 1995," a two-color brochure, is an annotated list of books published in 1994. The list includes fiction and nonfiction titles that have proven or potential appeal to young adults. Single copies of the brochures are available by sending a stamped, self- addressed #10 envelope to the YALSA Office, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 4390, or 312-280-4390. E-mail: YALSA@ala.org. Multiple copies, 100 for $24, are available from: ALA Graphics, American Library Association Customer Service, 155 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606-1719. Telephone: 800-545-2433, press 7. FAX: 312-836-9958. Orders under $30 must be prepaid. YALSA is a division of the American Library Association. 5. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 Nominations/applications sought for 1996 Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award Nominations and applications are being accepted for the Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award. The deadline is December 1, 1995. The award is jointly sponsored by four American Library Association (ALA) divisions -- the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS), the Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) and the Library Information and Technology Association (LITA). The award, $2,000 and a citation, recognizes outstanding accomplishments (including risk-taking) by academic librarians who have contributed significantly to improvements in the areas of library automation, library management and/or library development or research. To be eligible, nominees must be librarians employed in a university, college, or community college library in the year prior to submission of the award application and must have a minimum of five years of professional service in an academic library. Nominations must include a letter that includes name, address and telephone number of the nominator and the name, address and telephone number of the person nominated, a narrative supporting the nomination and a current vita. Individuals may nominate themselves or others. Five copies of the nomination packet should be sent to: Hugh Atkinson Memorial Award, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), American Library Association, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. For more information, contact Jack Briody, at 800-545-2433, ext. 2516, or 312-280-2516. E-mail:jack.briody@ala.org. 6. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 Nominations sought for 1996 ASCLA awards Nominations are being sought for 1996 Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) awards. The deadline for nominations is December 15, 1995. The awards: ASCLA Leadership Achievement Award, a citation, for leadership in consulting, multitype library cooperation and state library development. ASCLA Professional Achievement Award, a citation, presented to one or more ASCLA members for professional achievement within the areas of consulting, networking, statewide services and programs. ASCLA Service Award, a citation, presented to recognize an ASCLA personal member for outstanding service and leadership to the division. The awards recognizes sustained leadership and exceptional service. ASCLA Exceptional Service Award, a citation, recognizes an individual who has provided effective programming, a pioneering activity or significant research to special populations. ASCLA/National Organization on Disability Award for Library Service to Persons with Disabilities, a citation and $1,000 donated by the National Organization on Disability and funded by J.C. Penney, is given to institutions or organizations for development of programs or services that have made the library's total service more accessible through changing physical and/or additional barriers. ASCLA Research Award, a citation and $500 donated by Auto-Graphics, Inc., given to stimulate researchers to examine such areas as state library services, interlibrary cooperation, networking and services to special populations as valid areas of research. Frances Joseph Campbell Citation for contribution of recognized importance to library service for the blind and physically handicapped. For more information and nominations forms, contact the ASCLA Office, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 4399, or 312-280-4399. E-mail: ascla@ala.org. ASCLA is a division of the American Library Association. 7. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 Nominations sought for Instruction Section Innovation in Instruction Award Nominations and applications are being accepted for the 1996 Instruction Section Innovation in Instruction Award presented by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). The deadline is December 1, 1995. The award, presented by the ACRL Instruction Section, recognizes librarians who have developed and implemented innovative approaches to instruction at their respective institutions. Recipients must have implemented their ideas in an academic or research library. The emphasis of the award is on creativity and innovation. There are no restrictions as to the size of the instructional effort, academic discipline, target audience or techniques employed. Recipients must have implemented their ideas in 1994 or 1995. Nominations, such as a letter and supporting documentation, should be submitted to: Robert F. Rose, Chair, ACRL Instruction Section, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-3675. Telephone: 319-273-2737. E-mail: Robert.Rose@UNI.EDU. ACRL is a division of the American Library Association. 8. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 Nominations sought for 1996 RASD awards Nominations are being accepted for 1996 Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) awards. The deadline is December 15, 1995. The awards: The Dartmouth Medal, donated by Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., is presented to honor achievement in creating reference works outstanding in quality and significance. It is normally given for works published, or otherwise made available, during the calendar year preceding the award. The Denali Press Award, $500 and a plaque donated by The Denali Press, recognizes the achievement in creating reference works, outstanding in quality and significance, that provide information specifically about ethnic and minority groups in the United States. The RASD/Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS) Disclosure Student Travel Award, $1,000 donated by Disclosure, Inc., enables a student with an interest in a career as a business reference librarian to attend the ALA Annual Conference. The Facts On File Grant, up to $2,000 donated by Facts on File, Inc., is awarded to a public, academic, or school library for imaginative programming that makes current affairs more meaningful to an adult audience. The Gale Research Award for Excellence in Business Librarianship (BRASS), $1,000 and a citation donated by Gale Research, Inc., is given to an individual who has distinguished him- or herself in the field of business librarianship. The Gale Research Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Services, $1,000 and a citation donated by Gale Research, Inc., is presented to a library or library system for developing an imaginative and unique library resource to meet patrons' needs. The Genealogical Publishing Company/RASD History Section Award, $1,000 and a citation donated by The Genealogical Publishing Company, recognizes and commends professional achievement in historical, reference and research librarianship. The Margaret E. Monroe Library Adult Services Award is given to a librarian who has made significant contributions to, and an impact on, library adult services. The Isadore Gilbert Mudge - R.R. Bowker Award, $1,500 and a citation donated by R.R. Bowker, a Reed Publishing Company, is given to a person who has made a distinguished contribution to reference librarianship. The Reference Service Press Award, $1,000 donated by Reference Service Press, Inc., recognizes the most outstanding article published in RQ, RASD's official journal, during the preceding two volume years and to reward the author. The John Sessions Memorial Award, a plaque donated by the AFL/CIO, recognizes the efforts of a library or library system to work with the labor community. The Louis Shores-Oryx Press Award, $1,000 donated by Oryx Press, is given to an individual, team of individuals, or an organization to recognize excellence in the reviewing of books and other materials for libraries. For more information, contact the RASD Office, 800-545-2433, ext. 4397, or 312-280-4397. RASD is a division of the American Library Association. 9. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 Elisa F. Topper new ACRL director of member services Elisa Topper, former director of information services at the Jewish Vocational Service in Chicago, has been named director of member services for the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL). She began her new position on September 1. Topper is responsible for providing support to ACRL members in chapters, sections, committees and discussion groups. She will plan, develop and manage ACRL's preconferences and American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference programs, provide advisory services on issues of interest to academic librarianship and function as a member of the ACRL staff managerial team. "ACRL's members are sure to benefit from Elisa's more than 12 years experience in providing information services in a non-profit environment," said Althea Jenkins, ACRL executive director. Topper had worked for the Jewish Vocational Service, an affiliate of the Jewish Federation in Chicago, since 1983, where she managed the library and information services department. She previously served as director of training and career librarian at the Chicago Public Library. She is a member and former chair of Career Development for the Special Libraries Association, Illinois Chapter. Topper received the 1995 Certificate of Service Award from the Association for Computer-based Systems for Career Information. She has a master's degree in library science from Florida State University and a master's degree in industrial relations/career development from Loyola University in Chicago. ACRL is a division of the American Library Association. 10. For Immediate Release From: Pamela Goodes September 1995 Linda Wallace 312-280-5043, 5042 Fred W. Weingarten new ALA Washington Office senior policy fellow Fred W. (Rick) Weingarten, executive director of the Computing Research Association, has been named senior policy fellow at the American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office. He began his half-time position on September 1. Weingarten will work with the ALA Washington Office to better understand technological change in the information infrastructure, to examine the implications for the nation's libraries and to analyze consequences for telecommunications and information policy. Weingarten will also be available to speak to library groups on a variety of information technology and policy issues. "I'm pleased to welcome to the Washington Office team an experienced policy analyst who will provide commentary on policy trends," said Carol Henderson, executive director of the ALA Washington Office. This new position helps further ALA Goal 2000, the five-year plan to position the association for the information age and to strengthen ALA's roles as an advocate for the public interest. Weingarten teaches information policy at the University of Maryland College of Library and Information Services. He has been in his current position at the Computing Research Association since 1990 where he is primarily involved in the National Information Infrastructure policy debate. Weingarten previously worked as senior associate at the congressional Office of Technology Assessment. He is a speaker and columnist on research and information policy issues for several computing journals. Weingarten is a member of the Board of Trustees for CAPCON, Inc., a regional library network in Washington, D.C. He spent 10 years at the National Science Foundation funding research on networking and the social implications of information systems. Weingarten also managed some of the early research and study projects at the Foundation that helped lead to the development of the Internet. Weingarten has a bachelor's degree in engineering from the California Institute of Technology and a master's degree in mathematics and a doctorate in applied mathematics and computer science from Oregon State University.