"ALA’s Presidential Task Force on Equitable Access to Electronic Content (EQUACC) Launches Interactive Website on E-content Issues"

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Direct to EQUACC Web Site
From ALA’s District Dispatch:

“We have arrived at a critical juncture in history,” said Jacqueline Rafferty, President, Massachusetts Library Association & Chapter Councilor to ALA.
“The rapid proliferation of electronic content (e-content), combined with library inaccessibility to e-content, is undermining the historic library missions of providing equitable access to information for all people and of preserving the recorded history of humankind for future generations.  For this reason, “A Resolution to Ensure Equitable Access to All Formats of Electronic Content Through Libraries” was adopted by the American Library Association (ALA) Council.  The task force created as a result of this resolution is working to identify solutions that will ensure that the library resource sharing model endures.  Libraries fulfill a unique and essential role in promoting literacy and education, thus fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.  A digital divide places a nation of readers at risk.”
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Task force members also discussed [at a recent retreat] the importance of fostering dialog between EQUACC, as the representative for ALA on this topic, ALA membership, and the general public.  The task force determined that a website dedicated to informing interested stakeholders would be the most effective means to keep a wide audience up to date about EQUACC activities.
Task force members and members of the Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) E-book task force will post on a variety of timely topics.  Viewers are encouraged to post comments that task force members will respond to regularly.  The website also hosts a forum for ongoing conversation and discussion.  Task force members will establish forum topics and moderate discussion.
All are encouraged to participate.  EQUACC needs your input as it develop.

Full Text of Announcement

Direct to EQUACC Web Site

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Libraries, Publishing