DREAM ACT Resolution-ALA MW 2011

Background detail

http://librarian.lishost.org/?p=3377

WHEREAS, The American Library Association (ALA) strongly support the protection of each person’s civil liberties, regardless of that individual’s nationality, residency, or status; and that ALA opposes any legislation that infringes on the rights of anyone in the USA or its territories, citizens or otherwise, to use library resources, programs, and services on national, state, and local levels (ALA Policy 52.4.5); and...

My Commentary

I am currently taking a course "New Directions in Public Librarianship".  I will be blogging throughout the term on issues "that impact the functioning of the public library".

Our society provides services to those members of our communities who have little access to these services outside of the community.  The proper functioning of a community must involve those with no access to basic services without reference to citizenship or otherwise.  Indeed, the library provides services to those who are impoverished and susceptible to alienation.  This proposal, which was recently resolved at the ALA midwinter meeting, is a strong step forward in providing direction for public policy going forward. 

Many of the benefits of our public libraries are instantly noticeable.  These include literacy, community, access to technology, reference, and the means to research issues such as citizenship and residency.  It is shameful that any person or body would decide to restrict access to these basic needs within our society!

The founding of the public library system was the result of the vision, faith, and philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie.  His vision was simple, to offer "surplus wealth ... [to the] industrious and ambitious; not those who need everything done for them, but those who, being most anxious and able to help themselves, deserve and will be benefited by help from others and the extension of their opportunities at the hands of the philanthropic rich" (Carnegie, 1889, p. 686).  The decision of Carnegie and others to share their "surplus wealth" with those who are not burdened by such issues, was and should be at the forefront of our public library system.

References:
Andrew Carnegie, "The Best Fields for Philanthropy", The North American Review, Volume 149, Issue 397, December, 1889.