American Libraries

2009 ALA Presidential Candidates Kenton Oliver and Roberta Stevens respond to member questions at the Presidential Candidates Forum held January 24, 2009, at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver. ALA Past-President Loriene Roy moderated the forum.

Questions asked (with time of question in parentheses) were:

What might your presidential theme be? (at 0:15)

How soon can ALA gain connections with the Obama administration? (4:00)

What is the future of e-participation in ALA? (7:50)

How can you attract young members and develop young leaders? (11:54)

How do you see the role of ALA internationally? (16:03)

How can we make best use of the "wisdom of crowds"? (18:31)

What do you think are the crucial issues facing libraries in the 21st Century? (21:21)

How would you strengthen relationships between ALA and its chapters? (24:59)

How can we get people personally involved in advocacy? (27:48)

What are your views on running the association like a business? (31:19)

Closing statements (34:20)

Transcript (opens in new window or tab).