On October 16th Dr. Jean Preer (Associate Professor, School of Library & Information Science) presented a talk and followup discussion centered on assisting librarians and library boards in developing an Internet access policy. Her overall theme was that libraries often already have excellent access and collection development policies in place that should be the basis for library Internet policy.

During her talk, Dr. Preer covered three basic themes:

• The foundation of formulating a library Internet policy should already be in place. Such library documents at the American Library Association's Code of Ethics, the Library Bill of Rights, and local collection development policies are an excellent basis for library Internet policy. On the issue, libraries should "benefit from work gone on before."

• Internet policy should model library professional values including respect for opposition to those values. Such library ethical values as service, confidentiality, and avoiding conflict of interest will serve libraries well. Dr. Preer did allow that there are basic differences between the Internet and traditional library services including, that the Internet is limitless, combines many medias, is disorganized, and unfamiliar to many patrons. She observed many parallels between the Internet and the introduction of television in the 1950's.

• Library Internet policy can best be viewed through a holistic approach as part of a whole. Libraries need to send the same message on all library related concerns, regardless of the medium. For example, a library's Internet policy should be supported by it's Mission Statement and serve the community as a whole, while respecting the diversity of all groups.

"From City alls to State Capitols to the U.S. Congress: Advocates Team Up to Support Library Programs" -- panel discussion)

This lively October 16th panel discussion was sponsored by VLA's Intellectual Freedom Committee and moderated by committee co-chair Ruth Arnold. The three speakers brought with them a wealth of library advocacy experience, and blended amusing anecdotes with hard-headed practical advice throughout their entertaining and informative presentation.

Mary Costabile, a veteran lobbyist currently with the American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office, began by thanking all Virginia library personnel who donated time and effort to major intellectual freedom issues in our state. Advocacy "wins" this year owed much to grass-roots participation. Ms. Costabile reminded the audience, "Those 'people in Washington' are you," emphasizing the importance of making and maintaining connections between citizens and their elected representatives. Especially important is persistency in working to get ideas across. An advocacy activity emphasized by ALA is the annual National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. The next Legislative Day will be May 4, 1999, with a Briefing Day on May 3. Ms. Costabile encouraged all to participate in making library issues heard. More information about Legislative Day is available from ALA's Washington Office. Phone 1-800-941-8478, or visit the web site www.ala.org/washoff Christie Vernon of St. Leo's College, a VLA past president, a member of the VLA Legislative Council, and a longtime political activist, shared a number of handouts particularly useful for those new to library advocacy Ms. Vernon explained some individuals are often reluctant to lobby because of fears they may not grasp all the complexities of every issue. However, this is not necessary for effective advocacy: activists can be guided by those with more expertise in how to focus on specific points supporting the principles of an issue. Useful tips for new library advocates include: (1) Personal acquaintances count: if you know someone who knows someone, spread the word about your message; (2) Be courteous in articulating your message; (3) Approach legislators with respect both for the office and for the stress of holding office; (4) Deal with one issue at a time.

The final presenter was Sally Reed, Director of the Norfolk Public Library, VLA Federal Relations Coordinator, and a member of the ALA Executive Board. She pointed out the current seniority and clout of Virginia's representatives in the House and Senate, and the advantages of using them to help with important library-related issues, such as the copyright bill, commercializing and privatizing the Internet, and filtering legislation. Ms. Reed urged us to consider the significance of this statistic: 67% of Americans use libraries regularly. This figure can be translated into advocacy power for libraries. Keeping library trustees informed can be a powerful tool; most do not look kindly on the idea of federal or state governments telling local library > boards what to do. Ms. Reed suggested the most effective means of communicating with legislators is through telephone calls. Letters are also effective, and faxes are useful for "eleventh hour" communications. Least effective are e-mail and postcards: lawmakers are virtually inundated with the former, and the latter are almost useless unless they arrive in the tens of thousands.

In response to questions, the panelists offered the following advice:

• If local conditions make you feel less than free to pick up the phone yourself, contact citizens who can and will speak freely to legislators, e.g., trustees or members of your Friends groups.
• Unless you have a personal connection with legislators from other areas, concentrate on communicating with those who represent your district and state.
• Encourage legislators to be proactive in doing something about the > issues, as opposed to expressing general support for libraries.
• Be a "squeaky wheel" - this can bring results.
• Stay vigilant about the filtering and E-rate issues.
• Appreciate that active participation may have benefits even if the > outcome of your efforts isn't exactly what was imagined in the beginning.

At the program's close, committee chair Neal Wyatt presented each speaker with flowers in appreciation for an outstanding contribution to the 1998 VLA Conference.

(Reporter: Starr E. Smith, Marymount University)