Seven for Sunday: Intellectual Freedom activities today at #ALA2013
We’re halfway through what’s been a fun, provocative, and invigorating 2013 ALA Annual Conference – and there’s tons more on the schedule. After 5 for Friday and 6 for Saturday, today we bring you the 7 best IF happenings today (including, unfortunately, THREE separate programs from 1:00-2:30 p.m.:
1. Intellectual Freedom Committee/Committee on Legislation Joint Meeting — 8:30-10:00 a.m., Hilton Chicago Marquette Room
The IFC and COL meet at each Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference to discuss topics of mutual concern.
2. Now Showing @ ALA: Ferlinghetti: A Rebirth of Wonder — 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., McCormick Place S503a
A documentary about the legendary poet, free speech activist, and owner of San Francisco’s City Lights Bookstore. Check out the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NJZXUnurZGo
3. FTRF/CBLDF Booth — 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Exhibit Floor
We’ll be around all day with our friends at the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund with books, stickers, brochures, “I Read Banned Books” pins, and lots of Carolyn Forsman jewelry (absolutely perfect for gifts).
Raina Telgemeier signing, creator of “Smile” and “Drama,” will be signing for CBLDF from 11 a.m.-noon.
4. Ethics Program: “Ethics in Action: Addressing Conflicts of Interest” — 1:00-2:30 p.m. McCormick Place N427bc
This program will provide attendees with a framework for identifying and dealing with conflicts of interest. Speakers will explore the complex dynamics of vendor relationships and other situations in the library where such conflicts frequently arise. In this highly interactive session, attendees will break out into discussion groups and engage with real-life ethical scenarios, working collaboratively to untangle them.
5. GLBTRT Program: “Access Denied! Filtering: Trouble, Tyranny, and Triumph” — 1:00-2:30 p.m., Hilton Chicago Williford A
OIF Deputy Director Deborah Caldwell-Stone and a panel of experts will discuss the issue of internet filtering–including filtering targeted at LGBT content. What is the legal climate on this issue? A perfect panel for Pride Day!
6. “Busting the Comics Code: Comics, Censorship & Librarians” — 1:00-2:30 p.m., McCormick Place N231
Carol Tilley, University of Illinois GSLIS professor, will discuss her amazing research into Frederick Wertham, author of Seduction of the Innocent, the inspiration for the Comics Code that for decades provided a censorship infrastructure for publishers. CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein, creator Raina Telgemeier, and others will comment.
7. “We Told You So … Use of the ‘Library Provision’ of the USA Patriot Act and other surveillance issues” — 3:00-4:00 p.m., McCormick Place S501bcd
Taking the place of the Intellectual Freedom Issues Briefing Session, this not-to-be-missed program will feature ACLU’s Michael German discussing some of the most recent revelations about the NSA and surveillance.