As the nation becomes more involved with the creation, uses, and distribution of knowledge, the library, once a central institution for these activities, is being pushed to the periphery. Librarians' voices are not being heard in the major dialogues now defining the nature, scope, and content of the structures and services which will form the information environment for the foreseeable future, and the voice of the public interest is not even a whisper. Already, ALA is being asked by various groups and constituencies in and outside of government to take positions on the myriad proposals and policies being crafted as the information infrastructure becomes a reality, but there is currently no coherent response.
The American Library Association must quickly transform itself into a force capable of fully engaging in the age of information, embracing new technological forms, but within the traditional values of freedom of expression, equality of access, and respect for a multiplicity of points of view. It is our duty to share what we have learned as one of the major information institutions by claiming a greater voice for our members and our users in the national information discourse.
Among the issues at stake are the following:
*the desire for a fresh vision which positions ALA prominently in the national dialogue on information issues
*the need for a clear focus and direction for all ALA functions and activities to accomplish a more coherent agenda
*the convergence of the necessity for more legislative activity and a stronger ALA presence in the emerging national information scene in general and the electronic environment in particular, and the 50th anniversary of the Washington Office
*the growing need to stabilize the financial base in order to support these areas while building on necessary existing functions
*the continuing importance of intellectual freedom efforts
*the internal underutilization of technology to apprehend and provide critical information and the inefficient use of available technology
*the expanded role for libraries in preparing the general public, particularly children, for the information society
*the need to redefine library education and provide training for professionals for the new information age.
A great responsibility weighs on us. The place of libraries of all kinds must be developed and firmly secured with our active participation, not just as a by-product of larger decision-making processes where we are now not represented. And the public must be educated and involved in the issues so that they can reach an understanding of what alternatives or choices are being presented, with all of their associated benefits or liabilities.
To do this, we must mobilize our resources in pursuit of a singular goal: that the library field be as closely associated with the idea of the public's right to a free and open information society-- intellectual participation--as it is with the idea of intellectual freedom.
We, the information providers, must inform ourselves on every aspect of each issue and formulate a coordinated agenda of objectives and actions. Without a concerted effort, we will remain fragmented and unfocused, weakening our ability to influence issues crucial to our constituencies, our libraries, and ourselves.
Information provider: