SI-ASB-2009: 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 4
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 66,000 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

I did some research and wrote a brief 3 page summary about an issue related to ALA and my own interests (extending the concept of Universal Service to Broadband Internet). The staff were exceptionally accommodating. They treated us to lunch a few times, allowed us to see in on discussion meetings, attend a housing committee hearing and a symposium about GoogleBooks. They also encouraged us to take some time to see DC.

Projects

Student proposes a topic that is within the scope of the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy

Intern: Michael Perry

Code: ALADC-02

Interns
1-2

In addition to working on collaboratively selected project the student will have the opportunity to participate in seminars at think tanks Congressional hearings FCC hearings and coalition meetings; the specific opportunities depend on what is happening during the particular week. See http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oitp/index.cfm for information on the work of OITP.

Hathi Trust Investigation

Intern: Greg Grossmeier

Code: ALADC-03

Interns
1

Gather information and resources on the Hathi Trust and develop a short issue brief on the historical technical and legal issues of the repository. Highlight potential policy implications and other preservation and access considerations libraries may want to keep in mind as they contemplate joining the Trust or become involved in similar initiatives.

Unmatched Projects

DTV transition: What went right what went wrong?

Code: ALADC-01

Interns
1-2

Gather information and resources on the digital television transition (DTV) and develop a short issue brief on the positive and negative outcomes of the transition. Investigate the transition process and critique stakeholders' approaches. Explore the role that public libraries had in communicating information about the transition and briefly discuss how libraries can be effective mechanisms for the dissemination of e-government information and services.

Wireless broadband potential for libraries

Code: ALADC-04

Interns
1

Gather information and resources concerning the wireless broadband landscape and develop a short issue brief outlining some of the opportunities and challenges to libraries these new technologies present. Initiatives to explore might be wimax white spaces and/or AWS-3 spectrum. How could these new technologies interact with existing library connectivity plans?

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.