PNLA Quarterly, Vol. 62 No.3 Spring 1998
Discussion Papers: Regional Issues
Prepared by: Carol Ventgen, Oregon Representative, and Frieda Wiebe, British Columbia Representative
INTRODUCTION
As PNLA redefines itself of the 21st century, it is apparent that the organization must focus on the needs of the library community in ways that take advantage of the regional and international make-up of the Association. State and provincial library associations are able to address many of the more localized needs of libraries and librarians. Additionally, funding problems make it increasingly difficult for individuals or institutions to participate in associations beyond the local or state/provincial level. These and other reasons point to the need for PNLA to find and define its unique contribution within the Northwest library world. The dramatic improvements in electronic communication provide an opportunity for the PNLA region to work more closely as a unit than ever before.Despite the differences that exist between the various states and provinces, there are always certain issues of common concern that would benefit from a regional approach. PNLA could be the regional clearinghouse for discussion of concerns and dissemination of information relevant to the Pacific Northwest library community. PNLA could be the vehicle for networking for the purpose of creating cooperative solutions to shared problems. PNLA could provide the regional and international forum for promoting positive library issues and for devising creative strategies to address some of the greatest threats to libraries and the library profession.
COMMON ISSUES
Intellectual Freedom
For example, local challenges to library materials or services (such as use of the Internet by young people) are often part of a well-organized, well-informed and well-funded national effort. An early warning system could give local libraries time to prepare for the challenges, and tips on strategies that work could give librarians the help they need in dealing with the attack of the moment. PNLA might work through state and provincial intellectual freedom committees by creating a combined directory of committee members (And other state and provincial association officers and chairs as well) for posting on the PNLA Web page, serving as a central point of contact and referral. PNLA could serve as catalyst for the sharing of information about censorship activities and groups and for cooperative development of strategies, using the PNLA listserv.Outsourcing
Outsourcing has become a trend for governments everywhere to cope with provision of library services within the constraints of reduced funding. What forms is this trend taking in the Pacific Northwest? Do government officials have all the information they need to make good decisions on outsourcing? What is the experience in libraries where outsourcing experiments have been tried? Do we try to reinvent the wheel in providing our government bodies with the information needed? With PNLA serving as a facilitator of discussion and a clearinghouse of regional information through its Web page and listserv, Northwest librarians might get the quick help they need.Copyright
Both the American and Canadian Library Associations have developed and promulgated strong positions and statements on any changes to copyright law within each jurisdiction. However, librarians and vendors/distributors on either side of the border may not be adequately versed on the differences and developments in each legal arena. The existing PNLA communication vehicles could assist the process of informing librarians and vendors of legal requirements, frameworks, copyright collectives, public performance rights, copyright in the digital environment, licensing agreements and other issues in this field, particularly as they are important to transactions across national borders.
Evolution and Change of Library/Information Field
Some of the reasons for which individuals join associations are to keep abreast of developments in their field and to network with others about professional practices. PNLA could serve as the vehicle for publicity of "best practices" or "benchmarking" activities within the region. While the annual conference highlights a number of library innovations and significant developments on both sides of the border, the PNLA Quarterly and listserv could serve to communicate additional developments and practices that would be of benefit to individuals and institutions. For example, Interest Groups could feature "best practices" in their areas. This communication and comparison of activities might lead to partnerships among institutions within the region that would be more broadly-based than local partnerships, yet not enormously national or international in scope.
CONCLUSION
While it is hard to define library issues that relate solely to the Pacific Northwest region, we believe there would be a real benefit in exposing and examining some common and emerging library issues on a regional, yet international discussion platform. The above examples serve to illustrate how such topical discussions might position PNLA as an important regional voice on library issues as distinct from the other important local and national association voices.