Drafted by the LACUNY Legislative Action Committee and endorsed by LACUNY Executive Council on
October 22, 2004
Dear LACUNY Member:
In consideration of the upcoming elections, we and the LACUNY Executive Council (see Resolution below) would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to go to the polls and vote on November 2.
In the last four years, there has been important legislation enacted impacting libraries and the communities they serve, all in the interest of national security. This is just the beginning of the introduction of legislation affecting information centers like libraries that is an affront to our democratic society. It may be perceived that national issues are remote and distant concerns having little or no bearing on the autonomy of academic institutions of learning. However, this could not be further from the eventual reality of academic libraries operating with increased restrictions and impositions placed on our users. Ultimately, the work of academic librarians and the free intellectual engagement of the users we serve, are being undermined.
The following are just some legislative issues proposed or pending to give you an idea of how the work of librarians and the users they serve are being drastically transformed:
To stay informed of important legislation affecting libraries and institutions of learning link to:
Sincerely,
LACUNY Legislative Action Committee
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Resolution was drafted by the LACUNY Legislative Action Committee and endorsed by LACUNY Executive Council on October 22, 2004: Whereas there are many important issues that will be decided by the upcoming election on November 2nd’; and Whereas, in the last four years national security legislation has been enacted that impacts libraries and the communities they serve; and Whereas there are many proposed and pending bills that would change the structure of our society, such as the extension of the USA Patriot Act, and the Intelligence Authorization Bill; Whereas, these national issues have a direct bearing on the autonomy of academic institutions of learning, the work of academic librarians and the free intellectual engagement of the users we serve, BE IT RESOLVED that all CUNY librarians are strongly urged to vote in the upcoming election and to contact their representatives and senators to express their views on these important issues.
