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Diversity Research Grants Call for Proposals

The American Library Association’s Office for Diversity is pleased to announce its 2006–2007 Diversity Research Grants Call for Proposals. Grant proposals should address one of the following three topics:

1. An Active Learning and Service Approach to Diversity in Small or Rural Libraries
2. Emerging Technologies and Services to Diverse Populations
3. The Role of the Diversity Committee, Liaison, or Officer in the Creation of Institutional Change in Libraries

The ALA Office for Diversity began sponsorship of the Diversity Research Grant program in 2002 to address critical gaps in diversity-related research within library and information science. The Diversity Research Grant consists of a one-time $2000 award for original research and a $500 travel grant to attend and present at ALA Annual Conference. Three grants are awarded each year. The deadline for this year’s Diversity Research Grant proposals is April 15, 2006.

Submission Guidelines

Persons submitting a proposal must be a current member of the American Library Association. Individuals not presently a member of ALA but wishing to submit a proposal should visit the Membership Website for more information on the benefits of joining ALA. Membership ID numbers must accompany proposals. Only proposals demonstrating relevance to the year’s designated research topics will be considered.

A complete proposal must include the following:

1. Cover letter with name, primary contact information, and ALA member ID of the researcher(s).
2. Concise abstract of the project (no more than 200 words).
3. Description of the project (of no more than 5 pages in length) detailing:
   1. Justification and needs for the research project
   2. Research objectives
   3. Design, methodology and analysis of the project
   4. Expected outcomes and benefits
4. Budgetary plan and timeline, including other sources of support sought for the project.
5. One-page vita for each of the researchers involved in the project.

Electronic submissions are preferred and should be submitted in a Word document attachment, email electronic submissions to diversity@ala.org. Mailed submissions should be received by April 15, 2006 and directed to:

ALA Office for Diversity
50 E. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611

Jurors for the 2006-2007 Diversity Research Grant are: Jody L. Gray, Outreach Librarian in Academic Programs University Libraries, University of Minnesota; Martha L. Hale, Dean, The Catholic University of America School of Library and Information Science; Randall Kemp, PhD Candidate, The Information School, University of Washington; Colleen Major, Ethnic Studies Librarian & Multicultural Coordinator & Interim Acquisitions, Librarian, Mansfield Library, The University of Montana; Carolyn Neal, SeniorsConnect Project Coordinator, Cleveland Public Library; Hope A. Olson, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, School of Information Studies; Lorna Peterson, Associate Professor, SUNY Buffalo; and Angela Yang, Manager of Fremont Libraries.

For additional information see:www.ala.org/ala/diversity/divresearchgrants/diversityresearch.htm.

Also: Help to Recognize Excellence in Diversity Research!

As part of its ongoing support of the propagation of library-based diversity research, the ALA Office for Diversity annually honors an individual for “Achievement in Library Diversity Research” with a plaque and complimentary annual conference registration. If you would like to nominate an individual for this honor, please submit their name, contact information and a short description of their recent research accomplishments to Tracie D. Hall, Director of the ALA Office for Diversity at thall@ala.org by April 15, 2006.

Librarians Vote in Favor of Forming Labor Union

The Enquirer (Cincinnati, OH), January 31, 2006

Saying they wanted a stronger voice, a majority of librarians at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County voted January 30th in favor of forming a union.

The vote was 74-65 in favor; 141 employees were eligible to vote. Two did not vote.

Recent budget cuts that resulted in staff reductions and reshuffling of some staff to part-time positions without health benefits sparked talks of union representation. Read the full article.

Piedmont (WV) Librarian Works Many Hours Without Pay

By Bobbie L. Carpenter
Clayton News Daily-Online (MD), February 2, 2006

As Piedmont librarian for 32 years, Paula Boggs has watched generations of children pass through the doors of the corner library on Child’s Avenue. When the two major funding sources for the library—the Allegany and Mineral County United Way—didn’t reach their goal this year, she knew there was a possibility the building she spent her life in would be forced to slash hours or even close completely.

“Right now we are cutting down on our hours to get caught up,” said Boggs. Only receiving pay for 14 of the 28 hours she works, Boggs said making the library accessible to adults, teens and especially children is a major priority. Read the full article.

Clinton (LA) Library Board Approves Operating Budget, Raises

The Advocate (LA), December 16, 2005

The Audubon Regional Library’s Board of Control on December 15, 2005, approved a tight operating budget for 2006 that includes raises of approximately 7 percent for employees.

The budget anticipates revenues of $323,900, most of it from 2.5-mill property taxes in the member parishes, East Feliciana and St. Helena. Salary expenses account for $178,650 or 55 percent of the budget.

In other news, Audubon Regional Library Director Beatrice Parker has resigned, after allegations about her management and denial of a raise. Read the full article.

Memphis Public Library Must Cut Spending

By Lela Garlington
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN), January 27, 2006

The Memphis public library must cut $700,000 from its operating budget for the upcoming year, part of the city administration’s drive to reduce costs across departments, according to the board. The library system plans to leave between 30–40 positions unfilled, saving about $500,000. Other cost savings will be achieved by canceling or cutting existing contracts and purchasing fewer supplies and materials.

Mesa (AZ) Public Libraries Facing Budget Crisis

By Art Thomason
The Arizona Republic, January 25, 2006

The Mesa, Arizona, Public Library is dealing with what some would see as crushing blows as the budget was cut $500,000 and 42 staff positions have been lost over the past year. Services and programming have been scaled down or eliminated even as circulation and visitation grows. Interim Director Heather Wolf is working with the City Council on how the library can recoup some of the lost funding as the city grapples with its own budget crisis. Find out more.

Salinas (CA) Still Squeezed for Money

By Claudia Melendez Salinas
Monterey County Herald (CA), January 18, 2006, and February 8, 2006

Salinas City Council voted on January 17, 2006, to increase library hours to 69 a week and hire three librarians and two clerks. Rally Salinas, a campaign to raise funds to keep libraries open when money from the city could not cover operations, will pay for additional staff.

On February 7, City Finance Director Tom Kever explained that the city’s $489 per resident for services is much lower than surrounding communities, but recommended that increasing library hours be a priority. Read the full article.

Pennsylvania Area Facilities Rebound after State Funding Cuts Two Years Ago

By Hal Marcovitz
Morning Call (Allentown, PA), January 11, 2006

For two years, state funding for Pennsylvania libraries was halved. Bucks County Free Library and others have recalled laid-off workers, re-instated positions, increased library hours and services, and resumed buying materials due, in small part to the state restoring funds, but in larger part to assistance from private donors, local governments, and grants. Find out more.

Copyright 2004–2008 ALA-APA. Contact Jenifer Grady, 50 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-280-2424, jgrady@ala.org for more information.