Contents of May 2006 American Libraries

News Fronts

4  ALA

• Report Documents Expanding Role of Libraries 
• ALA Opposes EPA Library Cuts 
• Candidates Sought for 2007 Elections 

16  Washington

• Government Drops Appeal in Patriot Act Case 
• NARA Cooperated in Document Reclassification 

18  USA and International 

• Provo Schools Phasing Out K–8 Librarians
• West Virginia District Eyes Savings from Librarian Layoffs
• Boston PL Defends Reputation in Wake of Scathing Report
• DOJ after Other Companies Besides Google
• Newsmaker: Straight Answers from ARTHUR PLOTNIK,
  former editor of American Libraries 

Special News Reports

9    You Have to See It for Yourself

      BY LEONARD KNIFFEL
      AL Editor-in-Chief assesses New Orleans’ readiness for ALA.

30  Boston Gets All Booked Up

      BY BEVERLY GOLDBERG
      The Public Library Association National Conference.

Features

36  Cover Story:
      Sacred Stacks: The Higher Purpose of Libraries and Librarianship

      BY NANCY KALIKOW MAXWELL
      Though secular institutions, libraries can be the setting
      for a spiritual vacation.

38  The Subtle Approach

      BY THOMAS WASHINGTON
      A school librarian surreptitiously tantalizes teens
      with book displays.

40  It’s the Little Things

      BY MATTHEW J. WAYMAN
      The 2006 list of Outstanding Reference Resources.

44  Leaders as Readers

      Prominent librarians talk about some of the books they love.

48  Opening New Worlds for Latino Children

      BY ISABEL SCHON
      Librarians can play a special role in serving the literature needs
      of a growing minority group.

51  Partners in Your Backyard

      BY STEPHANIE HOLLOWAY
      A library proves that local artists can be turned into allies.

52  The Tiny Threat

      BY JAMES P. DANKY
      Those litle strips that appear on your incoming mail
      are dangerous to the preservation of serials.

Departments

2  Editorial

      “Read Any Good Books Lately?”
      BY LEONARD KNIFFEL

5  ALA President’s Message

      “More on Library Education”
      BY MICHAEL GORMAN

32  Thus Said

33  Reader Forum

35  On My Mind

      “Why Stop at One City?”
      BY MICHAEL BALDWIN

54  Currents

56  Grassroots Report

      “The Next Great Download”
      BY JENNIFER BUREK PIERCE

58  Internet Librarian

      “What Is Google?”
      BY JOSEPH JANES

60  Technically Speaking

      “Handhelds across America”
      BY ANDREW K. PACE

62  Working Knowledge

      “Be Your Own Successor”
      BY MARY PERGANDER

64  Librarian’s Library

      BY CATHLEEN BOURDON

66  Quick Vids

      “New York, New York!”
      BY GARY HANDMAN

67  Datebook

70  Career Leads

79  How to Contact ALA / Index to Advertisers

80  Will’s World

      “Paying Our Dues at the Circulation Desk”
      BY WILL MANLEY