June 2009

Gaming, Learning, and Libraries Symposium 2008

Submitted by Sean Fitzpatrick on Tue, 06/02/2009 - 10:48

The 2008 ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning, and Libraries Symposium, held November 2-4 in Oak Brook, Illinois, demonstrated many of the benefits gaming has for libraries, including improved literacy, improved civic engagement, inclusiveness, and even fundraising. Interviewed are:

Lawrence Kutner, Center for Mental Health and Media, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital (keynote: "Grand Theft Childhood? Real Data on Violent Video Games and Youth")

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Banned Books Week: I'd Like To Find *BLEEP*

Submitted by Sean Fitzpatrick on Tue, 06/02/2009 - 11:55

A library patron needs some books. Famous, award-winning, acclaimed books. Seems simple enough. And yet…

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2009 Chicago Annual Conference Promo

Submitted by Sean Fitzpatrick on Wed, 06/03/2009 - 15:08

Produced by ALA Conference Services, this video features plenty of your colleagues discussing the value of Annual Conference—and the benefits to holding it in Chicago. Annual Conference this year is July 9 to 15.

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Read This Now

Submitted by Sean Fitzpatrick on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 14:00

ALA’s book and media awards represent some of the best works of the year. In this video, the chairs of many of the committees charged with choosing the award winners discuss the winning books and why they were selected. For more information, see the accompanying "Read This Now" article in the May 2009 issue of American Libraries, as well as ALA’s main awards page at ala.org/ala/awardsgrants/. For more ALA videos, see alfocus.ala.org.

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Avi interview

Submitted by Sean Fitzpatrick on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 14:01

Legendary author Avi speaks to Booklist about Poppy and Ereth—his newest and most autobiographical book—as well as how he ended up with his famous name, how his lack of a distinctive style helps him as a writer, his thoughts on how the Newbery Award could improve, and which of his books is the “best.” Hint: It’s a trick question.

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Kate DiCamillo interview

Submitted by Sean Fitzpatrick on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 14:02

Kate DiCamillo, author of The Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn-Dixie, sat down with Booklist’s Ilene Cooper to talk about seeing her creations become major motion pictures, the surreal moments that came along with the Despereaux phenomenon, and her latest projects. Also, there’s tons of laughing.

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Judy Krug Memorial

Submitted by Sean Fitzpatrick on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 14:02

A memorial video to intellectual freedom legend Judith Krug, the long-time director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and Freedom to Read Foundation, featuring messages from colleagues, interviews featuring Judy, and photos of Judy from throughout her career. Transcript (opens in new window or tab).

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ALA Presidential Candidate Question Responses: Stevens on GLBT Employment Rights

Submitted by Sean Fitzpatrick on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 14:04

ALA Presidential Candidate Roberta Stevens responds to Karen Schneider’s question on enforcing ALA policy on GLBT rights. More ALA videos available at alfocus.ala.org.

Question: Karen Schneider:  Hi, Im Karen Schneider.  I blog at freerangelibrarian.com.  Ive been an ALA member since 1992.  I served on ALA Council three times.  And Ive served on numerous task forces, committees, interest groups, yada yada.  My question to the candidates for ALA office is on policies about equal opportunity in employment.

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