ALA to Discuss Vital Role Libraries Play in Protecting the Public Interest at National Press Club, May 14, at 9 A.M. EDT

ALA to Discuss Vital Role Libraries Play in Protecting the Public Interest at National Press Club, May 14, at 9 A.M. EDT

Partnership with PBS and APTS to Educate Public about DTV Transition, Other Issues Will Be Highlighted

WASHINGTON, May 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Library Association (ALA) President Loriene Roy will host a press conference on Wednesday, May 14, at 9:00 A.M. EDT, to share details about the ALA's most important recent initiatives, including a major effort between libraries and Public Television stations to help educate the public about the rapidly approaching DTV transition deadline.

For the first part of the event, Dr. Roy will be joined by Jeffrey R. Davis, Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) Vice President of Communications and Jan McNamara, PBS Director of Corporate Communications to discuss how the three organizations are working together at the national and local levels to reach out directly to citizens and provide them with straightforward, uncomplicated information about the switchover.

While awareness of the February 17, 2009, analog shutoff date is growing, research also shows that many people are confused about what they can do to navigate the transition. As trusted community resources, libraries and Public Television stations are in a unique position to team up and help people get the information they need, especially those who rely exclusively on over-the-air antenna reception for their television service.

Following the presentation on the DTV transition, Dr. Roy will then discuss the vital role libraries play in protecting the public interest in other areas, including National Security Letters reform. Last week, Dr. Roy released a statement about the unconstitutionality of NSLs, vowing that libraries would continue to fight their abuses.

Who:
Dr. Loriene Roy, President, American Library Association
Jeffrey R. Davis, Vice President, Communications, APTS
Jan McNamara, Director, Corporate Communications, PBS

What:

Press Conference to discuss partnership for DTV transition education and other ALA initiatives

When:
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 9:00 A.M. EDT

Where:

National Press Club, 529 14th St., N.W., in Washington, D.C., 13th Floor, Lisagor Room

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: American Library Association

CONTACT: Andy Bridges of the American Library Association,
+1-202-628-8410, abridges@alawash.org

-------
Profile: intent