Public Policy and Advocacy (PPA)

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Maureen Sullivan: President Obama’s budget gives libraries funding boost

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, President Barack Obama released the budget for the 2014 fiscal year, allocating $177 million for assistance to libraries through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Library funding will be administered by the Institute of Museum and Libraries Services (IMLS). The budget request is approximately a 1.16 percent increase over funding enacted for the bill in the 2013 fiscal year continuing resolution (after sequestration).

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Susan Crawford to anchor the Washington Update at ALA Annual Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Susan Crawford, telecommunications policy expert and former White House official, will share insights about national technology policy and implications for the library community at the 2013 American Library Association Annual Conference. Crawford will address conference attendees during the Washington Update session from 8:30 – 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2013, in the McCormick Place convention center.

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Best-selling author to host copyright workshop for educators and school librarians

WASHINGTON, D.C.—To help school librarians and educators better understand copyright law, author Carrie Russell will host the workshop “Copyright for K-12 Librarians and Educators” on April 11, 2013. Russell is also the director of the American Library Association’s Program on Public Access to Information.

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ALA, Library Copyright Alliance Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision in Kirtsaeng

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Supreme Court announced its much-anticipated decision in Kirtsaeng v. Wiley, a lawsuit regarding the bedrock principle of the first sale doctrine. The 6-3 opinion is a total victory for libraries and our users. It vindicates the foundational principle of the first sale doctrine—if you bought it, you own it. All who believe in that principle, and the certainty it provides to libraries and many other parts of our culture and economy, should join us in applauding the court for correcting the legal ambiguity that led to this case in the first place.

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American Library, Library Copyright Alliance Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision in Kirtsaeng v. Wiley—Total Victory for Libraries and Their Users

Today the Supreme Court announced its much-anticipated decision in Kirtsaeng v. Wiley, a lawsuit regarding the bedrock principle of the first sale doctrine. The 6-3 opinion is a total victory for libraries and our users. It vindicates the foundational principle of the first sale doctrine—if you bought it, you own it. All who believe in that principle, and the certainty it provides to libraries and many other parts of our culture and economy, should join us in applauding the Court for correcting the legal ambiguity that led to this case in the first place.

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Rep. Lofgren presents American Library Association Madison Award to Aaron Swartz

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, March 15, 2013, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) will posthumously award activist Aaron Swartz the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2013 James Madison Award during the 15th Annual Freedom of Information Day in Washington, D.C. Swartz will receive the award for his dedication to promoting and protecting public access to research and government information.

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Registration open: 39th annual National Library Legislative Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Library supporters are encouraged to support federal funding for our nation’s libraries by registering for the American Library Association’s 39th annual National Library Legislative Day, an advocacy event that will be held May 7-8, 2013, in Washington, D.C.

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FCC chairman addresses ALA conference, role of libraries in digital literacy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski joined more than 10,000 librarians and library advocates at the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting in Seattle January 25-29. Chairman Genachowski’s video message to them: Thank you.

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First Report on “BTOP and U.S. Public Libraries” Shares Community Impacts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy released the first national report detailing U.S. library engagement with the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The preliminary report highlights statewide library BTOP projects and improvements they have made to public access technology resources, digital literacy and workforce development.

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ALA President, Secretary Hillary Clinton sign 'Declaration of Learning'

Washington—On Wednesday, Jan. 30, American Library Association (ALA) President Maureen Sullivan joined Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, along with twelve government agencies and organizations, to sign the “Declaration of Learning,” a statement that formally announces their partnership as members of the Inter-Agency Collaboration on Learning.

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