Task Force on Non-English Access

I wanted to let you know about a new task force that has been created: The Task Force on Non-English Access. The task force will examine our role in enabling access to library resources in all languages and scripts and in addressing the needs of users of materials in all languages and scripts through the development of library standards and practices. This task force was created to address resolutions that came before Council at ALA Annual in Chicago.

Cynthia Whitacre, Chair of the CCS Section, has written the following charge to the task force:

The Task Force shall examine ALA's past, present, and potential future roles in enabling access to library resources in all languages and scripts and in addressing the needs of users of materials in all languages and scripts through the development of library standards and practices.

In particular, the TF shall examine MARBI, CC:DA, and CC:AAM actions related to non-English language resources, and their role in encouraging and facilitating access to materials in all languages and scripts. The TF shall also examine efforts by online vendors and bibliographic utilities to facilitate balanced access to non-English language materials within their areas of responsibility.

The Task Force shall provide a written report to the ALCTS Executive Committee at its Spring 2006 meeting. This report will include information on access to non-English language materials in library records, catalogs, online systems and bibliographic utilities, as well as recommended actions for ALCTS to consider for encouraging timely development of non-English language material access and support.

Task Force members:

• Beth Picknally Camden (Chair), University of Pennsylvania Libraries
• Joan Aliprand
• Diana M. Brooking, University of Washington Libraries
• Karen Coyle (MARBI)
• Ann Della Porta, Library of Congress
• Shi Deng, UCSD Libraries
• William J. Kopycki, University of Pennsylvania Libraries
• Heidi G. Lerner, Stanford University Libraries
• Kristin Lindlan, University of Washington Libraries
• Sally H. McCallum, Library of Congress
• David N. Nelson, University of Pennsylvania Libraries
• Glenn Patton, Online Computer Library Center
• Karen Smith-Yoshimura, Research Libraries Group

Please forward this email message to all appropriate lists and colleagues.

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