It’s that time again, CMLE members and library community! We take a short break from sending our weekly newsletter over the summer since we know so many of you are in schools (plus, we really appreciate being able to use the time to focus on other projects!!)
Of course, we’ll still be available by emailing admin@cmle.org. We’ll continue to put up articles of interest on our blog, and will be active on social media.
And we’ll continue to release new podcast episodes!! Our last episode of Season Five of Linking Our Libraries will be on June 27th, with a special Bonus Episode on July 4th.
Send us an email, drop by our office, join us for a podcast episode! Come camping with us! We hope you all have a rejuvenating summer filled with lots of good books!
This is an email from Julie Todaro, ALA President. (Jamie, mentioned below, is Jamie LaRue, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom)
Colleagues – I wanted to provide an update to leadership on ALA’s work on this. Below is a brief overview and links as well as content on Jamie’s lead and great work from him on this situation.
Desiree Fairooz did not reach out to ALA for support. Jamie saw the first NYT story and began to research the issue.
ALA media found out about the same time when they received a few communications from members who had worked with her. Her colleagues identified her as a librarian, and asked ALA if/how they might help. Her story is here.
Jamie reached out to Ms. Fairooz and alerted American Libraries as to what he/ALA OIF and FTRF was doing.
AL told ALA media/us they would be gathering information for a story.
I had asked ALA/OIF and media to find out hearing rules and Jamie confirmed – as one might imagine – Congressional hearings can set rules of behavior and – apparently set additional rules at their discretion.
It’s not clear – based on the variety of reports – what all of the charges are/what they mean and which behaviors are the real issues (links are to stories with charges) and one opinion is while the laughter probably wasn’t a crime, her conduct as she was led from the room was determined to be.
Jamie is the ALA lead on this and will work with FTRF board.
