Yesterday, I went to meetings for the ALA Literacy Assembly and the Committee on Literacy. There are so many initiatives regarding literacy, thanks to this group and others. For instance, an Adult Literacy toolkit is in the works, which gives libraries tips on working with adults who are not functionally literate. (This refers to native English speakers). After this toolkit is completed, there will be steps to create an English Language Learners literacy toolkit. There was also a discussion on digital literacy. The Digital Literacy Task Force (under the branch of the Office for Information Technology) is working to create a Digital Literacy toolkit as well as working with the government on digitalliteracy.gov. Digital Literacy is something that we can all relate to at our library. The digital divide is very obvious with more and more patrons forced to fill out applications online, despite having trouble grasping the skills needed. The conversation on digital literacy also included a discussion on how it pertains to helping patrons using new devices, such as e-readers. We have certainly seen an influx in patrons asking questions about these devices. (Since Christmas, especially).
Thanks to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, ALA was able to launch the American Dream Starts @ your Library in which literacy programs for those learning English are launched at libraries. The participating libraries have done so many wonderful programs, including hosting naturalization ceremonies for new citizens. (The Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen did this, several years ago.)
We also had visits from both candidates for ALA President, as well as a representative from the ALA Washington Office. I'm going to put his presentation in a separate post.
As JR would say, "So Long, darlin'!"
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