SI-ASB-2008: American Library Association, Washington DC


American Library Association, Washington DC 1615 New Hampshire Ave NW, First Floor, Washington DC 20009-2520 www.ala.org	Projects 2
The American Library Association (ALA) is a private, not-for-profit membership organization, with headquarters in Chicago and offices in Washington, D.C. and Middletown, CT. The American Library Association is the oldest, largest and most influential library association in the world. Its approximately 65,000 members are primarily librarians but also trustees, publishers and other library supporters. The association represents all types of libraries; its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information. ALA's strategic focus is on the following areas: Diversity - Equitable Access to Information and Library Services; Education and Lifelong Learning; Intellectual Freedom; Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession; Literacy; Organizational Excellence.
Photos and Comments

Students who participated in ASB at the American Library Association, Washington DC: Alina Johnson, and Timothy Vollmer.

“I enjoyed the experience of being able to represent my school and contribute in some way by creating a representative model of framework for policy analysis. My supervisor (and staff) were very pleasant and helpful.”

“Mostly I liked going to Capital Hill, listening to decision-makers and realizing that civic participation is the same at every level of government.”

More comments from participants...

Projects

Information Policy Organizations

Code: ALADC-01

Interns
1

Identify, compare, and contrast the various information policy organizations in the Washington, D.C. policy community. Tasks include:
1) identify and collect information about information policy organizations;
2) analyze this information and summarize the similarities and differences;
3) condense this information into a matrix or other summary document and compile an appendix comprising the raw information collected.
Discuss results with the ALA Washington Office staff. Work process would include searches of the Web, interviews with Office staff, visits to information policy organizations, and attendance at Washington policy events as available.

Telecommunications Policy

Code: ALADC-02

Interns
1

For a topic in telecommunications policy (e.g., media ownership, network neutrality, etc.), identify the key issues as they pertain to the library and information studies community. Draft a several page writeup that
1) briefly summarizes the topic for the lay reader;
2) explains why the topic is important to the library and information studies community; and
3) articulates different positions that could be adopted.
Discuss results with the ALA Washington Office staff. Work process would include searches of the Web and other published literature, interviews with Office staff, interviews with experts, and attendance at Washington policy events as available. The topic would be determined based on student interests and needs of the Office.

Participants' Comments

“I compiled a list (representative sample) of key organizations of interest to the ALA Washington offices of OITP and OGR. They were gathered to provide a basis of analysis in understanding how their organizational structure and mission fit in within the ALA mission: to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. It was also meant to demonstrate how funding sources and leadership may be helpful in the rate at which policy is formulated. Mostly I liked going to Capital Hill, listening to decision-makers and realizing that civic participation is the same at every level of government.

The SI Alternative Spring Break is open to graduate students of the University of Michigan's School of Information. Undergraduates looking for Alternative Spring Break opportunities should look into the University of Michigan Alternative Spring Break program administered by U-M's Ginsberg Center.