Crashing ...
I have a weird idea of fun. So I crashed the SLA Public Policy Advisory Council meeting. Lo and behold, it was fun, informative, etc. I'm not going to put any of the members, or Doug Newcomb, SLA's one-man band on policy policy issues, on the spot, so I just listened rather than taking notes.
But I am SO pleased at the increasing role and visibility SLA is taking on issues of public policy where libraries and access to information are a concern. Its mission is not as wide-ranging as ALA's advocacy, but it has a solid yet flexible platform, knowledgeable and engaged members on the advisory board, and a good dissemination point for its message via the Public Policy Connections blog.
If you're attending SLA2009, I know how jam-packed one's personal schedule can be, but if you can, PLEASE make time to come to the Tuesday Public Policy Update session, from 11:30 am to 1 pm @ Room 143A. Special guest Dan Clancy from Google Book Search will be speaking about the Google Book Settlement. Even though I work mere yards from Google (*grin*), this is unexpected access, and if you care about the issues surrounding the settlement, come give your imput!