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March 2005 cover
Contents of March 2005 American Libraries


News Fronts

6  ALA

  • ALA to Launch Online Communities 
  • Petition Candidates Seek Council Posts 
  • AASL Supports DOE Education Plan 
  • Alabama Joint Membership Offered 

10  Washington

  • President’s 2006 Budget Boosts Library Funding
  • Ashcroft Hints Patriot Act Used
  • Groups Oppose Drastic GPO Reductions
  • ALA, ARL File Amicus Supporting FBI Whistleblower

12  USA and International 

  • Salinas Mayor Launches Campaign to Keep Libraries Open 
  • Ohio Budget Cuts Library Support by 5% 
  • Philadelphia Cuts Staff, Hours 
  • Global Reach 
  • Interview: Straight Answers from MARTHA CHOE, 
    director of the Gates Foundation’s Gobal Libraries Program

Special News Report

24  LIS Educators Emphasize Opportunity over Angst

      BY LEONARD KNIFFEL
      Celebrating 90 Years: ALISE Conference, Boston, January 11–14.


Features

32  Cover Story:
      Are You the Librarian?

      BY JENNIFER S. KUTZIK
      The face of quality library service depends on drawing a
      wide circle in our profession.

36  10 Ways to Improve Data Quality

      BY JEFFREY BEALL
      With a coordinated effort, your library can make significant
      progress in cleaning up its online catalog.

38  Fundraisers “R” Us

      BY KOREN STEMBRIDGE
      One small library’s victory over inadequate municipal funding.

40  Google at the Gate

      A quartet of experts assesses the company’s ambitious digitization
      plan and predicts what it may mean for libraries.


Midwinter Coverage

44  Boston Brings Out the Best in ALA

      The Association draws high numbers to business meetings,
      exhibits, and cultural events. Plus: Council and Executive Board
      reports, beginning on p. 58.

64  Official Candidates’ Statements

      Leslie Burger and Christie Lind Hage compete for ALA
      presidency. Plus:  Candidates for ALA Presidency Spar at
      Midwinter Forum.


Departments

5  ALA President’s Message

      “Diversity: The Heart of the Profession”
      BY CAROL BREY-CASIANO

26  Thus Said

28  Reader Forum

29  Editorial

      “The Pressure to Make No Judgments”
      BY LEONARD KNIFFEL

31  On My Mind

      “Live . . . at Your Local Library”
      BY TATIANA WEINSTEIN

54  Technically Speaking

      “2005: Confirming the Promise of 2004
      BY ANDREW K. PACE

69  Currents

71  Grassroots Report

      “Another Use for Pulp Fiction”
      BY JENNIFER BUREK PIERCE

72  Internet Librarian

      “The Ghost in the Machine
      BY JOSEPH JANES

74  Working Knowledge

      “Going Paraprofessional
      BY ELISA F. TOPPER

76  Librarian’s Library

      BY CATHLEEN BOURDON

78  Quick Bibs

      “World-Weariness, Italian Style”
      BY BILL OTT

80  Datebook

82  Career Leads

95  Index to Advertisers

96  Will’s World

      “Reconciliations That Last a Lifetime”
      BY WILL MANLEY

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