Six for Saturday: intellectual freedom activities today at #ALA2013
After a wonderful evening celebrating the IFRT 40th Anniversary, we’re excited for these intellectual freedom-related goings on at the 2013 ALA Annual Conference:
1. IFRT Program: “How a Book is Saved: Challenges and How to Fight Them” — 8:30-10:00 a.m., McCormick Place S405
What motivates an individual to challenge materials in a library’s collection and how should the library respond? Please join us for an anatomy of a challenge. Emily Knox will explore the motivation to challenge materials. Kristin Pekoll and Suellen Reimers will discuss their libraries’ experiences with challenges. And, OIF’s Nanette Perez will explain what you can do to prepare for a challenge — before it happens – and how OIF can help when it does happen. Coffee and pastries will be served.
2. IFC III & IV — 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-2:30 p.m., Palmer House Water Tower Parlor
The Intellectual Freedom Committee continues its work, with a focus on some of the resolutions coming before ALA Council this conference.
3. FTRF/CBLDF Booth — 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., McCormick Place Exhibit Floor
Stop by Booth #2650 (in the Graphic Novel Pavilion) and learn more about the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and the Freedom to Read Foundation in the joint booth. Lots of Carolyn Forsman jewelry, graphic novels, t-shirts, and fiery free speech supporters!
Special event: CBLDF signing at 1:00 p.m. with Larry Marder, creator of Beanworld and CBLDF President.
4. Diversity & Outreach Fair — 3:00-5:30 p.m., McCormick Place Hall A1, Special Events Area
The annual Diversity and Outreach Fair celebrates library services, programs and collections to underserved and under-represented communities. The LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund (The Merritt Fund) will have a booth, assisted by IFRT’s Merritt Fund Support Committee. A great opportunity to check out some innovative ideas that you can share in your community.
5. ACRL IFC Program: Why Does Intellectual Freedom Matter to Academic Libraries? — 3:00-4:00 p.m., McCormick Place S404bc
OIF Director Barbara Jones will participate in this program discussing key Intellectual Freedom principles frequently encountered in academic libraries, followed by several case studies of academic libraries actively educating students (and staff members) on core intellectual freedom values.
6. Merritt Fund “Reception for a Cause” — 6:00-8:00 p.m., Hyatt Regency Chicago (Wacker Drive, not McCormick Place), Wrigley Room
Please join the Merritt Fund trustees at our annual “Reception for a Cause”. Yes, there will be refreshments. Donations will gladly be accepted at the door – or visit www.merrittfund.org to make a donation in advance (or with your regrets).