John N. Berry III and democracy in ALA
January 9, 2007 American Library Association No CommentsIn his “Democracy in ALA,” John Berry notes that “A relatively small percentage of the total eligible members vote in ALA elections, even with the addition of email balloting, one of the few concessions to the democratizing potential of the electronic universe.” To accommodate various needs and preferences and to eliminate barriers to voting ALA offers members the choice of a paper or electronic ballot. Yet in the 2006 election only about 23 percent of the members voted. It is not clear what that signifies.
ALA currently has about 61,600 personal members. Their reasons for joining, their reasons for renewing membership or dropping out, and the ways they choose to participate vary. As much as many of us dyed-in-the-wool ALA members wish all members would vote, that is unlikely. A more realistic goal might be to bring it up to the 55% turnout rate in the most recent U.S. presidential election.
ALA best serves its members when it offers opportunities for each one to participate and contribute in meaningful ways. For some, that is committee service or elected office. For others it is working in groups that transcend organizational borders. Approximately 5,000 members, all of whom serve on committees or hold an elected office, are listed in ALA's Handbook of Organization. That means these modes of participation currently accommodate only about small fraction of the membership.
Some library workers have found ways to contribute to the profession through blogs, by forming online groups, and even by producing online conferences. They are doing this outside of ALA structures. A truly inclusive, vibrant ALA–one serving all its members well–will be open to complementary approaches and will amplify members' accomplishments, whether they have been achieved through time-tested structures or grassroots initiatives.
ALA needs to grow that 23 percent to 55 percent and on. I believe ALA can do that by developing additional meaningful ways library workers can participate in and contribute to ALA. We need to experiment boldly and be open to new ways of doing business and new uses of communication technologies. If members are involved and engaged in their association, they will almost certainly be more likely to vote in its elections. This is a key part of the platform I am running on for ALA president.
If ALA takes risks and trusts in its members, it will become a more inclusive organization providing even more benefit to the profession and our society. Mr. Berry remembers “our pride in the receptiveness of association leaders to our actions.” A new generation of ALA leaders open to and encouraging member initiatives can once again renew the organization. By embracing new opportunities for meaningful participation, ALA will be able to serve each of its members in the way best suited to each one's needs and interests.
