ACRL New England Chapter News Online

ISSN 1527-0106

Winter 2003, Number 98

In This Issue (Home):

President's Letter

ACRL/NEC Spring Conference

Board Minutes Synopsis,
January 10, 2003

ACRL Chapters Council 2003
Midwinter Meeting Report

Academic and Research Library
@ Your Library Campaign

Announcements:
Mary Baker Eddy Library Archive
Inauguration

New England Technical Services
Librarians Spring 2003 Meeting

Serials Interest Group Spring Program

Women's Studies Interest Group
Spring Program

The January Thaw

New England usually experiences the January thaw, a meteorological term which describes above average temperatures about this time of the year. Unfortunately, we haven't felt the thaw in temperatures yet, and librarians are feeling a deep freeze too. Fortunately, however, attendance at the ALA's Midwinter Meeting certainly warmed the spirits and enthusiasm of those librarians who traveled to Philadelphia. Like the deep freeze and snow that has enveloped us since November, library land has experienced similar bone-chilling reactions to some activities and events that affect all of us. For example, the USA Patriot Act was passed and produced conflicts about patrons' First Amendment rights and the traditional values of our profession. Fortunately, the ALA President's program eased our concerns. It featured Amy Goodman, the award winning host of Democracy Now!, a national listener-sponsored public radio and TV show.

Intellectual freedom issues also contributed to colder climates in libraries as we face problems such as academic interest in pornography, the use of library computer resources to support private business, and the mailing of personal threats via library computers. The ACRL Intellectual Freedom Committee suggests that libraries develop clear guidelines about intellectual freedom issues and that all staff members be adequately trained.

Temperatures really dropped as a result of the business crisis and financial failure at Divine/Rowecom. CHOICE, Booklist, Book Links, American Libraries, Library Technology Reports and Smart Libraries (formerly Libraries Systems Newsletter) are all among the ALA and affiliated publications affected by this recent publishing disaster. On January 22, 2003, ALA announced it will extend subscriptions until March 1, 2003, pending further analysis and the receipt of additional information on the number of subscriptions affected. According to ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels, "The ALA will continue to monitor this situation, seek legal council on any possible courses of action and provide updates as soon as possible. We are committed to assisting libraries in any way we are legally able during this crisis."

As this very hard winter continues in New England, librarians are keeping warm with a little encouragement and lots of support from our parent organizations. So " let it snow, let it snow, let it snow," because plans are underway to teach us "to make a difference" in Charlotte, NC, at the 11th ACRL National Conference April 10-13, 2003.

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