Never thought this day would come...my last ALA Council meeting

I didn't realize it at the time, but not only was Council III the last meeting of the ALA Annual Conference, it is my last as Kansas Chapter Councilor. The idea started sinking in slowly as I wondered about what I would do with this extra time and freedom. First things first, though. Getting through our final agenda.

The final council meeting for each conference includes tributes and memorials. This year one of the tributes honored the 50th anniversary of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table. Thank you past and present round table members for all the hard work you continue to do.

The Committee on Accreditation gave their report, stating that the goal of their current work is to look at ALA Standards of Accreditation and make revisions with a greater focus on EDI. The standards, they claim are a little messy and they're aiming to produce a shorter, cleaner version. For the record, the standards consist of systematic planning, student learning, faculty, students, and infrastructure.

International Relations Committee, chaired by former ALA president Julius C. Jefferson Jr, gave the report, sharing that ALA is applying for consultative status with the UN. It seems like ALA is the US representative in IFLA but granting this status would make ALA a non-government entity and allow us to participate in initiatives with the United Nations. Now for the drama because we were not going to get through a conference without some tea being spilled.

A resolution was made to object the recent selection of Dubai at the 2024 World Libraries International Conference, IFLA's annual conference. According to Jefferson, at the time the call went out for host countries, Dubai was the main interested party. However, when they accepted, stipulations were made in regards to freedom of expression, particularly in relation to the LBGTQ+ community. By stipulations I mean no meetings, no sessions and basically no talk at all about LGBT and IFLA's LGBTQ Users Special Interest Group. Being that homosexuality is illegal in Dubai, many had some strong feelings and concerns about having a conference in a place where they don't feel completely safe. The Council Listservs has blown up with this one.

The resolution was passed, with amendments that ALA strongly objects to the selection without the full participation from IFLA's LGBT-SIG and allowance of activities related to the LGBTQIA+ community and urges IFLA to find another location in the Middle East-North Africa region instead (since IFLA has gotten grief about conferences being held in mostly Europe). The 2023 WLIC hasn't happened yet, but we will see what happens and if there's no new location, ALA will decide in January if and how they will participate.

The Committee on Legislation discussed the record involvement from librarians during National Library week, especially with the National Right to Read Day. The Prison Libraries Act was introduced along with the Right to Read Act and the More Social Workers in Libraries Act. Following that news, the Intellectual Freedom Committee gave their report. Between March and May, the Office of Intellectual Freedom was contacted by 104 library workers, educators and supporters, in addition to 30 requests for support about policy changes. The report ended with acknowledgement of us as "intellectual freedom fighters," with Chair Lesliediana Jones stating "Nobody is free to read until everybody is free to read."

The Freedom to Read Foundation discussed ALA's decision to join with several Arkansas libraries to file suit to overturn Act 372, which would make illegal every library, bookstore, or other brick & mortar establishment, to hold items deemed inappropriate. It would limit all reading material appropriate for children or require them to exclude minors from the premises. The report ended with Chairman Peter Coyl asking all councilors to make sure their state's organizations sign Unite Against Book Bans as we all do our best to show our support in fighting censorship.

The final action item was a bit of a hot topic also. The Resolution to Investigate Changing Dates for Future Annual Conferences of the American Library Association asks ALA's conference committee to figure out new dates that don't conflict with local pride events. This resolution received support from multiple councilors for various reasons. The current dates tend to conflict with Youth Services Librarians who are in the midst of summer reading and school librarians who have barely finished wrapping up their school year. Since school years end at different times depending on the state and district, it was recommended that school librarians be consulted in that discussion. The motion did pass as written.

Council III ended with something I don't remember happening previous years. A council document recognizing ALA Councilors and Executive Board Members who are "retiring." As someone who is finishing their 3 year term, my name was on there and that's when it hit me. I don't feel like someone that's retiring. I barely feel like I have a grasp of how to do this role and barely gained the courage to speak up during discussions, still with some hesitation. But I'm glad for the acknowledgement, especially when President Pelayo-Lozada pointed out that we started during the height of a pandemic and have had the most unusual run, with nearly all work done virtually. This has been quite the experience, and I'll admit I have no idea what to do now. Maybe ask me in November at KLA, where I'll be enjoying my last days as your KLA-ALA Councilor.

See you then!