News Report #2

ALA calls on House subcommittee to use libraries, other anchor institutions to promote universal broadband
Jenni Terry, ALA Washington Office
September 11, 2009
http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2009/september2009/anchor_wo.cfm

This is a press release from the American Library Association concerning the institution of universal broadband in several different types of libraries. The ALA is calling on the House of Representatives to provide universal broadband in anchor institutions. These include medial facilities, primary (K-12) schools as well as post secondary libraries. Lynne Bradley the director of the ALA Office of Government Relations is quoted with saying "While it must be a national goal to deliver broadband to every home and community, the 'best bang for the buck' during this transition is to fund local public institutions who serve broad populations, such as libraries."

This press release shows the progress the American Library Association is making progress to provide local communities with more access to information. This is being seriously considered even though many libraries are still experiencing budget cuts. Seeing the support of the several House Committee members and their willingness to present the ALA's case to congress is a positive sign that libraries will remain an integral part of our local communities. By providing broadband to educational and medical institutions it can enable many citizens to a world of information they otherwise would not have access to. This can open a wealth of information as well as increase the role of libraries. A point the press release also brings up is giving broadband access to rural communities. Creating a broadband service that will be free and accessible to rural residents could also cut down on local governement expenses to institute such access. By providing the funding to institutions such as schools and medical facilities, the broadband service can cover almost every walks of life.

Finished News Report #1

"With Budgets Tight, Public Libraries Step Up Book Donation Programs"
Lynn Blumenstein, LibraryJournal
8/31/2009
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6686755.html

This article is about how three different systems are working to keep stocking libraries with needed books. The Fairfax County Library in California is using a system through Amazon.com that enables citizens to donate books directly to the library. Donors can view the libraries' wish list and once purchased the books are put on the shelves. As an added benefit, the program sends a recipet to the donor for tax deduction purposes. The Santa Cruz Public Library is getting new books from it's local community. They are taking local donations and are partnering with several community bookstores. The director of the SCPL, Theresa Landers, acknowledges that this is no permanent way for the library to aquire materials but in the is economic down time it is the most pragmatic approach. The third part of the article is about the Library Systems and Services LLC and its !stread program. This program is being revamped to encompass more donations. The system benefits both donors and libraries. Donors buy books at a discounted rate and once finished with the book they donate it to their local library and recieve a coupon for a discount on their next book purchase.

I think that libraries are a fundamental part of our local communities and that in times of economic hardship many citizens forget to lend their support. It is good to see that several different programs are in place to keep new material flowing into libraries even while their budgets are being restricted.