There are so many ways for library advocates to make their voices heard these days– emailing their representatives, sending action alerts via text message, blogging to raise awareness within communities, calling a senator’s office–that writing a letter seems like an antiquated form of communication by comparison.  However, it’s still one of the most effective ways to get your message across to representatives at all levels of government.

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All eyes are focused on the presidential race, but it’s important not to overlook state and local races.  States, counties and cities all over the country are considering ballot initiatives that will affect public and school library funding and services.

Some of the ballot measures directly address library funding.  Others may deal with state and local revenue streams, which ultimately affect libraries and schools.  (more…)

A couple months ago Linda Braun blogged about the Megan Meier Cyberbullying Act, which was introduced in the House of Representatives in May.  Now, California appears to be following suit.  Assemblyman Ted Lieu from Torrance has introduced an amendment that would allow school officials to punish students that use electronic devices to harass fellow students.

The amendment is framed in terms of student safety, and considers cyberbullying to be behavior that would disrupt the “safe, secure and peaceful” school environment to which students are entitled.  Specifically, the amendment would let school officials “suspend a pupil or recommend a pupil for expulsion for bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying by an electronic act.”  Bullying is defined in this measure as: (more…)