Thomas.gov information is now on Congress.gov

Effective November 19, 2013, when accessing Thomas.gov, you will be redirected to Congress.gov. Congress.gov has grown since it’s beta release in Fall 2012 through a collaborative effort between the Library of Congress, U.S. Senate, U.S. Representatives, and Government Printing Office (GPO). The new site includes bill status, texts and summaries, direct links from bills to cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, Congressional Record, committee reports, legislative process videos and committee profile pages going as far back as the 103rd Congress.

The Library of Congress will offer webinar classes on Congress.gov on January 16^th, March 11^th, and May 15^th.  To register, complete the seminar form at http://beta.congress.gov/help. Basic help information is also available through this link.

Free Webinar – The Fiscal Situation in Washington – And How it Gives Librarians a HUGE Advantage

The American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office is offering a free webinar on Wednesday, November 13th, 4-5pm. Despite Congress’ lack of popularity, libraries have a huge advantage. Learn how to use that advantage to avoid setbacks and even make great strides forward. Advocacy resources being developed in response to an ALA Washington Office survey will also be reviewed. Registration for this webinar is available online.

Webinar video available – Advocacy Recycling: Leverage existing events and resources for lasting advocacy impact

Missed the webinar that taught 10 quick and easy ways to use your library’s busy summer calendar as an advocacy tool? You can view online a recorded video of the June 18th webinar, as well as a more detailed description.

Free Webinar – Advocacy Recycling: Leverage existing events and resources for lasting advocacy impact

 

Learn ten quick and easy ways to use your library’s busy summer calendar as an advocacy tool to show elected officials what your library does to benefit the community and schools. This free webinar offered by the American Library Association will be held on Tuesday, June 18^th from 4-5pm. For a more detailed description and to sign up, go to the registration page.

CANCELED – Free Webinar on 4/23: Nat’l Library Legislative Day information

4/22/2013 UPDATE: Per ALA Washington Office, this webinar has been canceled:

“Unfortunately, we’ve had to cancel tomorrow’s webinar titled, “What to Know Before You Go to National Library Legislative Day (or Participate from the Safety of your Community!).” Stephanie Vance, our advocacy consultant, is dealing with a family emergency.

For anyone interested, here is the link the webinar we did before Leg Day last year: http://vimeo.com/40158365

The specifics have obviously changed but the advocacy tips remain quite relevant. Additionally, first time participants are encouraged to attend “Pre-Conference” at the Washington Office on May 6 from 3-5pm. Stephanie and I will lead that session.”

Copyright Workshop for School Librarians

Carrie Russell from the American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office will offer an online workshop entitled “Copyright for K-12 Librarians and Educators” on Thursday, April 11th from 2:30-4pm. The workshop description states that it will offer guidance on ways to legally provide materials to students by exploring common scenarios encountered by school educators and librarians and is based on her book by the same title. Registration is through the ALA Store. This is not a free workshop. See the registration page of individual and group rates.

Webinar video available: Fiscal Cliff & Impact on Libraries

Still trying to figure out the fiscal cliff, how it impacts libraries or what you can do about it? Then watch the video of the informative January 17th webinar on those very topics. The slides are also available.

National Library Legislative Day 2013 – Advocate for Libraries!

The American Library Association is once again coordinating National Library Legislative Day, a national advocacy effort in support of libraries. This year, library advocates from across the country will gather in Washington, DC on Tuesday, May 7^th and Wednesday, May 8^th to learn about legislation and issues and visit members of the 113^th Congress.  This coordinated effort increases the visibility of libraries on Capitol Hill and compliments the advocacy efforts that occur throughout the year.

Briefing Day

On Tuesday, May 7^th, a briefing day will be held at the Liaison Hotel on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Speakers will present information on federal legislation and issues that impact libraries to prepare library advocates for legislator visits on Capitol Hill. To register, complete the online registration form.  The registration fee is $30.

Legislator Visits

On Wednesday, May 8^th, library advocates will go to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their aides and to ask for support of libraries. Because the Maryland Library Association / Delaware Library Association Conference begins on Wednesday, May 8^th, many of the visits with Maryland’s legislators will be scheduled on Tuesday, May 7^th. Formal meetings with legislators will be coordinated through the Maryland Library Association’s Legislative Panel to keep Maryland’s advocacy efforts organized. If you are interested in participating in the scheduled meetings, please contact Natalie Edington, Maryland’s State Coordinator and the Federal Coordinator of the Legislative Panel, at nedington@aacpl.net by Monday, April 15^th.

Reception – 4/30/2013 Update

A reception for members of Congress and their aides will be held as part of the National Library Legislative Day activities. Invitations have been sent to all members of Congress. The reception will be on Tuesday, May 7th from 5:30-7:30pm in Room 902 in the Hart Senate Office Building. If you are visiting or contacting your legislators, please encourage them to come. If you are a library supporter, please also plan to attend!

Virtual Library Legislative Days – 5/7/2013 Update

Can’t make it to DC? You can still participate in this national advocacy effort virtually by calling, emailing or tweeting your representatives in Congress during Virtual Library Legislative Days, May 6th – 10th. Simply say thank you for their support or choose to advocate about key issues. For issues, talking points and details how to participate, see the Legislative Panel blog post.

Twitter Hashtag – 5/7/2013 Update

Be sure to use the hashtag #nlld2013 when you tweet about your National Library Legislative Day activities!

Webinar & Training – 5/3/2013 Update

Unfortunately, this year’s “What to Know Before You Go” webinar to share what to expect from National Library Legislative Day was canceled. However, the video of last year’s webinar still includes valuable information and may be viewed. First-time attendees are also encouraged to go to the Pre-Conference on Monday, May 6th from 3-5pm at the American Library Association’s Washington Office.

Issue Briefs & Legislator Scorecards – 5/3/2013 Update

The issue briefs outlining the talking points and the American Library Association’s position on various legislation and issues are being posted to the National Library Legislative Day web page as they become available. New this year are videos giving an overview of some topics. Legislator Scorecards, showing how members of Congress voted on library legislation in 2012, are also available.

Hotel Information

The ALA Washington Office has already blocked off rooms at The Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel. To make reservations, go to the registration page and scroll down to Hotel.

More Information

This post will be updated as more information becomes available.

Free Webinar – Fiscal Cliff & Impact on Libraries

Congress averted the fiscal cliff for now, but what does that mean for libraries? How can we speak up for libraries? You can find out this and more on Thursday, January 17^th, 4-5pm during a free webinar entitled “The Fiscal Cliff, the 113^th Congress and You – How What’s Happening in DC Might Impact the Library Community.” Offered by the American Library Association Washington Office, this webinar will discuss the fiscal cliff, sequestration and other issues facing the 113^th Congress, their impact on libraries, and what we can do to speak up for libraries. For more information and to register, please see the webinar announcement.

113th Congress session opens on January 3rd

Last Thursday, the 113^th session of Congress opened. For Maryland, there was one new elected official going to Washington, DC. Congressman John Delaney will be representing the 6^th District. This seat was formerly occupied by Congressman Roscoe Bartlett.

If you’re wondering how to connect with your representatives or what issues the 113^th Congress may consider, you may want to check out the webinar video “Election Update and Connecting with the New Congress” from the American Library Association Washington Office. See the District Dispatch post for details on how to access the video, slide deck and handouts.