ALA 2011 NOLA

The 2011 ALA Annual Conference opened today in New Orleans. My day started with the Boomers, Staff & Students; Engaging the Many Voices of Advocacy. Speakers provided insight into federal legislation and lobbying, using reaching the 50+ as library volunteers, empowering library staff and students as advocates. Each group plays a vital role in assisting local libraries. See these links for more information:
ALA Advocacy & Legislation
Frontline Fundraising Toolkit
Widget to let patrons tell their story about your library
AdvocacyUniversity
Capwiz - Online Advocacy Network
Workforce Investment Act - use Capwiz to let your representatives know that you would like libraries to be listed as part of the WIA renewal.
Get Involved - Powered by your Library

Emerging Leaders displayed the results of their projects later in the day. Idaho's Kristine Brumley was part of Group F -- Librarians Build Communities - from one day a year to any day of the year!

NO Mayor; Libraries after Katrina became hubs of survival for communities, so much that FEMA now considers libraries essential in emergency.

Dan Savage was the Keynote speaker at the opening General Session. Quotes:
"I am a print guy and I think books are magic." and it does get better!

Social Media, Libraries and the Law

Mary Minow and Infopeople did a wonderful hour-long webinar on the topic of Social Media,Libraries and the Law. Mary provided a wealth of resources regarding social media and government, as well as content, copyright and children's privacy. I highly recommend you listen to the archive and access the resources at http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/list/archived

While you are there check out other archived webinars such as
1. George and Joan on Conflict Resolution Techniques
2. Project Management and Measuring Success for Digital Projects
3. Teens, Tweens and Social Networking
4. Introduction to Digital Storytelling: Everyone Has a Story to Tell

You won't be disappointed!