American Library Association Legislative Day
Washington, D.C.: For twenty-two years constituents have taken one day to visit congressional offices to speak to the people who create and fund federal library programs. This year, Tuesday, May 6, 1997, is the day for those most qualified to present the case for libraries to ensure that Members of Congress have at hand the objective facts, timely information and creative ideas needed to make intelligent decisions.

Sue Nespeca, Melissa Lattanzi, and Kathy Sauline began their day with a short briefing and send off for participants sponsored by the American Library Association and the Ohio Library Council. Debbie O’Connor, President of the Ohio Library Association and Director of Geauga County Public Library, is also in D.C.

The ALA Washington Office prepared background kits for participants to distribute during congressional office visits. NOLA also has handouts with state and local information as well.

The NOLA representatives will visit James Traficant, Steven LaTourette, and Sherrod Brown. Three principal issues to be discussed with each of the congressmen are library funding (LSTA), access to information, and technology in the public interests.

Later today there is a wrap-up session for state coordinators to discuss the day's experiences followed by a Congressional Reception.

Check out the following on the ALA Washington Office web site:

Presidential Initiatives for FY98
http://www.ala.org/washoff/president.html

Federal Library Funding — Action Needed
Library Services and Technology Act
ESEA Title VI, Innovative Education Program Strategies
Status of Congressional Appropriations
http://www.ala.org/washoff/alawon/alwn669.html

1997/1998 NOLA Board of Trustees Election
Board ballots for five positions on the NOLA Board of Trustees were mailed to NOLA membership representatives at NOLA public, academic and school member libraries today. Ballots must be received at the NOLA Office by May 23, 1997, to be counted.

The NOLA Board is composed of 13 members elected by, from and among the Membership Council. Terms are for three years and are staggered with some terms expiring each year. No NOLA Board member may serve more than two consecutive elected terms.

Public library nominees are:

Columbiana County Representative (one to be elected):
Carol Davis, Leetonia Public Library
Nancy Simpson, Lepper Library

Trumbull County Representative (one to be elected):
Lois Wynkoop, Newton Falls Public Library

Public Library Representative-at-Large (one to be elected):
Kathleen Sauline, Girard Free Library
Patrick Finan, Portage County District Library

Academic Library Representative (one to be elected):

Susan Weaver, KSU, East Liverpool Campus Library
Lilith Kunkel, KSU, Salem Campus Library
Evelina Smith, KSU, Trumbull Campus Library
Debra Beronja, YSU, William F. Maag Library

School Library Representative (one to be elected):

Peter Kozup, Bloomfield-Mespo Local School District
Linda Bohannon-White, Youngstown City School District

All positions are for a three year term commencing July 1, 1997, and ending June 30, 2000. Good luck to all.

Got a neat idea for fostering communication among members, let us know!