“The library field needs to look at these issues,” said keynote speaker Kathleen Weibel, director of staff development at Chicago Public Library. “We have had our heads in the sand for too long.” Weibel urged the 135 delegates to focus on “doable and sustainable” solutions, ideas “that will help sustain you for the long-term transformational change necessary to be the kind of organization . . . where we are working together, where we are compensated appropriately, and where we live in a climate of mutual respect.”
Among the key issues named were certification, accreditation of library technical assistant programs, career ladders, pay equity, and inclusion of support staff in ALA publications, committees, and campaigns.
At the close of the congress, energized delegates shared their own personal “commitments to action”—the things they could do immediately following COPE—such as encourage support staff to take more active roles in ALA as well as regional and state associations; and bring support-staff issues to the boards, committees, and other organizations in their areas of influence.
The COPE steering committee will provide a summary report to the Executive Board no more than 10 days before ALA Annual Conference in Toronto, June 19–25, and ALA staff liaisons will generate a list of recommendations of the best ways to carry out the initiatives.
Posted May 26, 2003.