Join ALA on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, for the free webinar Libraries and the 2020 Census, from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (Eastern) | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM (Central) | 1:00 PM-2:00 PM (Mountain) | 12:00 PM-1:00 PM (Pacific).
State and local governments are organizing for the upcoming 2020 Census, and libraries of all types should have a seat at the table. Governors, state legislators, mayors, philanthropic funders and other leaders across the country are forming Complete Count Committees and allocating resources to help get communities get counted. These efforts offer library staff and supporters opportunities to increase awareness of library services, strengthen community relationships, and support libraries’ work related to census outreach. Hear from librarians who have been involved with Complete Count efforts and learn about new advocacy resources from ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy team. Register in advance.
One of the key service populations for academic libraries is also one of the demographic groups at greatest risk of being undercounted in the census: college students. In an analysis of nonresponse to the 2010 Census, the most influential predictors were renter households and people aged 18 to 24. Read more about the Census and implications for academic libraries in this month’s Washington Hotline column in C&RL News.
Speakers: Michelle Perera, Director of the Pasadena (Calif.) Public Library; Jennie Stapp, Montana State Librarian; Diane Foote, Executive Director of the Illinois Library Association; Gavin Baker, ALA Assistant Director of Government Relations; and Larra Clark, ALA Deputy Director of Public Policy.
Background: In 2020, the Census will be conducted primarily online for the first time. Like past e-government efforts, this will likely impact libraries and libraries’ technology resources as staff work to assist people in participating in the Census. The 2020 Census also presents an opportunity to increase public awareness and use of Census data. ALA is positioning libraries to support our communities in the 2020 Census by engaging with the Census Bureau and other stakeholders to ensure that libraries are informed and represented in the policy discussions and planning process. Learn more about why the Census is important, key roles for libraries, and how ALA is advocating for a fair, accurate, and inclusive Census. Contact Gavin Baker at gbaker@alawash.org with questions.