Office for Information Technology Policy

ALA recognizes four library programs as top cutting-edge services in third annual contest
The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) and the Library Information Technology Association (LITA) have selected programs at Contra Costa County Library in Pleasant Hill, Calif., New Canaan High School Library in New Canaan, Conn., New York Public Library in New York, and Scottsdale Public Library in Scottsdale, Ariz., as the winners of the association’s third annual contest to honor cutting-edge technologies in library services.

In November 2011, a joint OITP and LITA subcommittee serving under the OITP Program on America’s Libraries for the 21^st Century (AL21C) issued its call for nominations for best library practices using cutting-edge technology to showcase libraries that are serving their communities with novel and innovative methods. Last year, four libraries were cited for their outstanding work.

“This year’s winners represent thoughtful and creative engagement with technology trends including QR codes, open-source software, social media, GIS, and mobile applications,” said Christine Lind Hage, Director, Rochester Hills Public Library, who chaired the selection subcommittee. Read more....

The Revolution Isn't Just Digital
The digital revolution in libraries is not exactly a secret. Every day we read about some upheaval in the ebook industry, a new development in digitization, or yet another service from Google. And the recent announcement of an ALA-wide initiative on digital content and libraries, while important and necessary, won’t exactly make media headlines.

It is natural enough to focus on digital content, whiz-bang technology, and how libraries should provide innovative services for our communities. Yet there is more going on than meets the digital eye. Read more....

Renee Hobbs named as Fellow at ALA Office for Information Technology Policy
The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) has named Dr. Renee Hobbs as its most recent OITP Fellow. Her term extends through 2012.

Dr. Hobbs is one of the nation’s leading authorities on media literacy education and is the author of Digital and Media Literacy: Connecting Culture and Classroom, Copyright Clarity: How Fair Use Supports Digital Learning, and Reading the Media: Media Literacy in High School English. Formerly a professor at Temple University’s School of Communication and Theater, Hobbs has developed award-winning multimedia resources to integrate digital and media literacy into the context of K-12 education and conducted research to examine the impact of media literacy on academic achievement.

In collaboration with the Aspen Institute, Hobbs authored the white paper, Digital and Media Literacy: A Plan of Action. She is co-editor of the open-access peer-reviewed Journal of Media Literacy Education  and the founder of the Media Education Lab , a research center that improves the practice of media literacy education through scholarship and community service. Read more....

OITP appoints its first research associate
In 2007, the Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) established the OITP Fellows Program. OITP appoints distinguished scholars and practitioners to work on varied aspects of the OITP portfolio. Professor David Lankes of Syracuse University served as the first fellow, focusing on his research stream on libraries as conversation. Read more....

Future of libraries ‘confronted’ in new ALA Office for Information Technology Policy report
The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy’s (OITP) latest policy brief breaks down the formidable challenges in store for libraries during the next few decades. The brief, “Confronting the Future: Strategic Visions for the 21^st Century Public Library” was written by OITP Fellow Roger E. Levien, president of Strategy and Innovation Consulting. Read more....

ALA OITP, PLA Participate in National Coalition to Develop Technology Access Benchmarks at Public Libraries
An unprecedented national coalition has formed to design and pilot a series of public access technology benchmarks for public libraries, with $2.8 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy and the Public Library Association (PLA) – with other library and local government leaders – will provide leadership in developing guidelines that support continuous improvement of and local re-investment in public technology access at libraries. Read more....

Office for Information Technology Policy offers ‘perspectives’ on digitizing hidden collections in first publication of new series
The Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) today released the first publication of “OITP Perspectives” – a new publication series created to complement OITP Policy Briefs. Read more....

ALA Washington Office News and Media Archives

Confronting the Future of Public Libraries
Public libraries now confront formidable challenges. The digital transformation of all media affects our resources, services, staff and programs, while changes in users and their needs, the growth of competitive Internet services, and financial stringencies add complexity. Access the webinar video and panelist slides. You can also access a specially recorded session with the paper's author, Dr. Roger Levien on slideshare.

OITP depends on a variety of consultants and committees as well as the staff to accomplish OITP Mission and goals.  OITP people index

 

Interested in learning more about OITP? Read our mission and history. Learn how our work is funded by a number of foundations. See how you can be involved and make a difference for libraries nationwide.