Wow. Joyce Valenza noticed my little post last week (Calling School Librarians to Action) and reposted it on her NeverEnding Search blog. It then grabbed the attention of thousands of librarians as well as the American Library Association. I was pleased to notice that ALA responded quickly to the same newspaper article that had grabbed my attention (see “ALA Wastes No Time – Our Work on Digital Literacy“).
I was informed today that Matt Richtel, author of the article and a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, provided us with misinformation. The digital literacy corps referred to in his article has NO money associated with it. I have sent him an email through the NY Times requesting more information. (You may request the same information from him here.)
Although the article was misleading, it hit a nerve among librarians who feel that the public still does not have a clear up-to-date understanding of our profession.
Evidently many of you are contacting the FCC as I requested. Deb Logan, one of the co-founders of Act4SL, contacted me yesterday and has given me permission to share part of her email here:
“The great news is that people are inspired to action… In all advocacy efforts, speaking up is important, but it is critical to not put people on the defensive…Communications need to be persistent, professional, positive and polite…This situation, in particular, is a great opportunity to position ourselves as part of the solution.”
Let’s keep in mind that all of us are working towards a common goal: to teach our citizens digital literacy skills.
Please continue to exercise your right to communicate with our governmental agencies and let the FCC know that librarians are trained information professionals who already address their concern that our citizens need to be taught digital literacy skills. Our efforts here may well help lay the foundation for future partnerships to better prepare Americans to navigate the digital landscape.
May the Digital Literacy Corps be with you! (With apologies from a former English teacher who cannot pass up plays on words.)
Image used through a Creative Commons license: http://www.flickr.com/photos/starwarsblog/793008715/
Informania 
June 13, 2012 at 3:26 am
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