Local Libraries Becoming MoreGlobally Aware
Local Libraries Becoming More| Global Learning, Inc. of Union, NJ, has
selected the American Library Association as its partner
organization for a one-year project, Local Libraries:
Global Awareness, that will involve school and public
librarians in creative international programming in their
libraries and with their local communities. A Global
Awareness Team of ALA school and public librarians will
work closely with Global Learning to develop an
international resource guide and undertake an interactive
training session at the 1998 ALA Annual Conference in
Washington, DC that will be designed to familiarize ALA
members with global resources to better serve their
users. "Finding innovative ways to incorporate international programming and global awareness at the local library level is of critical importance to all libraries," said ALA President, Barbara J. Ford. "This partnership with Global Learning will help ALA to challenge its members to think globally and help all libraries respond to the need to diversify their resources and programming to respond to the new era of globalization." "As the 21st Century dawns upon us," said Jeffrey Brown, Global Learning's Executive Director, "the world can be characterized in two contrasting ways. On one hand it's a world of expanding democratization and accelerating integration of a global economy. On the other hand, it's also a world of persistent poverty, a degrading environment, and all-too-frequent recourse to violence. This project's central question is, What should be the role of the United States in such a world? What roles should be played by the US government, by nongovernmental organizations, by businesses, and by individual action? Libraries can be key players in helping U.S. citizens develop informed opinions on these important questions." The project is being funded by a one year grant for $120,000 to Global Learning from the U.S. Agency for International Development. USAID's Development Education Program is a public/private initiative designed to foster interest and participation in international development among U.S. citizens. The program supports activities by private groups to educate large segments of the American public about U.S. humanitarian relief and sustainable development programs overseas and build understanding of these programs. The American LibraryAssociation's project activities will be coordinated by ALA's International Relations Office in conjunction with the American Association of School Libraries (AASL) and the Public Library Association (PLA), divisions of the American Library Association. The American Library Association, with offices in Chicago, IL and Washington, DC, is the oldest and largest, and most influential library association in the world with some 57,000 members, primarily librarians, but also trustees, publishers and other library supporters. Its mission is to advocate for the American people's right to a free and open information society and the highest quality library and information services. Global Learning, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has worked since 1974 with individual educators, school systems, professional associations, colleges and community organizations to incorporate a global perspective into U.S. programming and curriculum. Survey: We would like your help!For further information, contact Global Learning, Inc. |
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