12.04.08
Eliminating Print Won’t Solve the Problem
“I have this idea that I thought I would tell you,” said the e-mail message. “I am sure it’s not original, but with the economy and the whole environmental crisis, carbon footprint things going on, maybe ALA can FINALLY have an option on their membership to NOT receive the magazine?” Namely American Libraries.
So began a posting to the ALA Council’s electronic list yesterday from Councilor Trevor A. Dawes. He was forwarding a message from an ALA member who, in her effort to be helpful, went on to say: “First off, they send thousands of these magazines out every year that just get wasted: people don’t read them (me)…. If I wanted to read the magazine I could either go to the stacks, borrow someone else’s or forage through the 4th floor. Also, much of its available online now, so what’s the point, AND most importantly, can’t we practice what we preach and go for open access on this one?”
Dawes noted that this suggestion is in line with the recent decision to send ALA election ballots entirely electronically, and that he agrees that members should be able to opt out of the print edition. Actually, so do I, and this is definitely on the horizon. Quite a number of people have suggested to me and the other editors at American Libraries that they do not wish to receive the print edition.
“This could save thousands of dollars,” the posting suggested, along with “a huge spot in the landfill. Mine, honestly goes directly from the mailbox into the trash can/recycle bin.”
I have to admit that made me say “ouch.” But then I think about the many pieces of print that come to me every day that someone put their blood, sweat, and tears into but that I simply do not have time to read, and I understand that this is a discussion that we should be having, but it needs to be tempered with a couple corrections. One is that not much of it but all of American Libraries is already available online to anyone. Right now it is in searchable PDF format, but next year the content will be available online in HTML format. The decision to open up American Libraries and American Libraries Direct to nonmembers came after Annual Conference this year, where several key committees agreed with my assertion that it was time to stop characterizing print AL as the sole perquiste of membership in ALA.
The second correction is to the notion that producing print American Libraries is somehow a drain on the association. The fact of the matter is that AL operates much like any other print magazine. Circulation numbers attract advertisers, advertisers want print, and it is still American Libraries print that pays the bills and the overhead required for the association to employ people to do the work necessary to be an effective advocacy organization.
We are taking many steps to figure out where we are going with print, the AL Direct electronic newsletter, this Inside Scoop blog, the AL Focus video operation, and the forthcoming foray into digital supplements, all designed to attract advertisers as well as readers. American Libraries operates within ALA Publishing and the operation’s primary focus is generating the revenue required to keep the Association operating, and the future of all of our activities and services depends on it.
Lastly, I don’t buy the argument that the best way to save the planet is to eliminate print publications—or books, for that matter. Paper, when made right, is a renewable, recyclable, biodegradable resource, unlike the must-be-replaced-every-three-years computers, hand-helds, and other petroleum-based products we put our trust in.
Every couple years American Libraries, like most magazines, does a readers survey. So far (and the last one was done in 2006), none have ever indicated that readers in large numbers want us to do away with print. And general membership surveys consistently reveal that the vast majority of members view AL as their single most valued tangible link to the Association. That may change as electronic devices become easier to use and print lovers like me die off, but I see no benefit in rushing it!
Which reminds me that I have to go out and buy my Christmas tree this weekend. And it won’t be some plastic job from Wal-Mart; it’ll be an evergreen from some tree farmer holed up in his trailer trying to make a buck off a renewable, local, garden product.
Nancy Norwalk said,
December 10, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I vote for print. I don’t have time to read newsletters on the computer and don’t want to. I usually delete them. I would rather sit in a comfortable chair at home, and read a magazine. I’m too busy at the library to sit in front of the computer all day.
JKS said,
December 10, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I read my husband’s association’s journal because it comes to our house. If I never saw it, I’d know much less about his profession.
Judi said,
December 10, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I agree. While print magazines are going under left and right, they are still read by many. While I do read AL Direct almost weekly, I don’t enjoy reading long articles online. So I do prefer to read AL in print.
save a tree said,
December 10, 2008 at 5:02 pm
My vote would be to do away with it, I read my division pubs but rarely American Libraries, rarely does it have much of interest to me.
Dawn Huston said,
December 10, 2008 at 5:59 pm
But the original e-mailer may not have been advocating the complete elimination of the print: what was mentioned was the ability to opt out of receiving the print even while retaining membership, rather than automatically receiving it. Does the print pay for itself only if the advertisers are promised the ad will be sent willy-nilly to every member?
Allison Angell said,
December 10, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I vote for print, because I read AL while I’m away from my computer, or while computers are down. If it came electronically, it would be one of many, many computer activities I’m already juggling, and I probably wouldn’t keep up with AL.
Peggy Danhof said,
December 10, 2008 at 10:09 pm
I read the print edition. I have so much division stuff on my computer, the magazine would get lost! I am a traditionalist and want the print in my hand. I read American Libraries Direct on the computer. That is enough!
Heike Seidel said,
December 11, 2008 at 1:35 am
I prefer reading the print journal - I can do so while going to work by bus, sitting anywhere waiting for anything, during long railway trips or sitting on my sofa, having tea and cookies …
But living styles, reading styles and working styles differ - so the idea to give members the option not to receive the print journal seems to be a good idea.
BTW, for me as an international member it’s great to learn what’s up in the US by reading American Libraries and American Libraries Direct - thanks to all working on these projects!
Best regards and seasons greetings from snowy Germany,
Heike Seidel
Michael Seadle said,
December 11, 2008 at 7:35 am
I vote for electronic. By the time the print version reaches me, I have read the whole journal. An opt-out would save postage as well as landfill.
A downloadable version for an eBook reader would be welcome.
Maxine Sherman said,
December 11, 2008 at 7:56 am
I like receiving the print edition, and taking the time to peruse it at my leisure. I do not have time to fully read the journal, even American Libraries Direct, online, at my office.
I would, however, like an easy way to notify the publishers of American Libraries to only send one copy of the journal to our family. Both my husband and I are members of ALA. I receive mine at my office, he receives his at home. He is perfectly willing to read the journal after I finish reading my copy. He is a computer programmer, not a librarian.
Would it be possible to have a line on the renewal form for membership, both online and the paper form, requesting not to be sent the print copy of the American Libraries journal? My husband would eagerly request that option.
Just a thought.
Renna Tuten said,
December 11, 2008 at 8:13 am
I’d just like to add another vote for giving the membership the option to receive the print version while renewing membership. While I glance through it when it hits my desk at work, there is rarely time for me to take a moment and really read it - hence a trip to the trash/recycling bin in the end.
Doona Long said,
December 11, 2008 at 8:17 am
Why do me tie ourselves in knots over what are, in the giant scheme of things, minor decisions?
Who says we can’t have both? Why not just have both and let time and actual experiences help make decisions.
Let people decide whether they want e or print and switch as they see fit.
Life is not all either/or , up/down, black/white.
I happen to read AL material in print and online.
Christopher Walker said,
December 11, 2008 at 8:47 am
It isn’t the print version of American Libraries that makes me grumpy; there are times when it’s handy to have it in print format. What I object to is the print copy of the ALA Handbook of Organization. Every year when it arrives I stoop down to the lowest shelf of my office bookcase, extract last year’s (which I have never opened for any reason), replace it with this year’s, and throw away last year’s. It would never, ever occur to me to seek information from the print handbook, when the organization’s web page is bookmarked on my browser, and up to date. If the print Handbook generates no revenue, can we do away with THAT?
Keith Stetson said,
December 11, 2008 at 8:55 am
With Green initiatives ubiquitous and the economic situation dire, it is high time to unbundle ALA publications from membership and allow members to opt out of receiving publications in print, with a corresponding token reduction in fees.
Claire Gosselin said,
December 11, 2008 at 10:19 am
I love to read in print! However, I agree that members should be able to opt out. American Libraries could send out an email when the latest issue is online and many of us would be happy to select from those offerings. My preference in that case is to have a printable version (pdf or other) for each article (or section) of the magazine. While I would at times read online, it is not always the best option — especially after spending most of my work day in front of the computer.
J. Adriance said,
December 11, 2008 at 11:53 am
I agree that whenever possible people should be given the OPTION of getting their magazines and newspapers online…thereby saving trees and postage, etc. We were headed to a “paperless society” at one time, remember, computers were supposed to rid us of all the paper/trees we use. That never happened but we may finally be headed that way. Let’s give it a try.
Kathryn La Barre said,
December 11, 2008 at 12:23 pm
But seriously, we aren’t asking that the print version be eliminated, just that members be given the option of NOT receiving it, and accessing it electronically. Let those who want the print version have it! Some professional organizations (like the American Society for Information and Technology ASIST) already allow this option.
benita strnad said,
December 11, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Thank you for pointing out that paper is much more eco friendly than are PC’s. It is one of the reasons I prefer AL to come in paper rather than non-biodegragable PC’s or PDA’s. I can pick it up and take it with me and then I can recycle it. I do not own a home PC or a PDA or any other electronic device. I only have my office computer and do not generally read newsletter that come in an on-line version. The vast majority of people in this country do not own PC’s and do not have access to wi-fi or any other free access. Me included. I think that ALA members should have an option if that would make everybody happy.
Nicole Powell said,
December 11, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Hi, I’m sure lots of people have already chimed in on this. But I’ve only been a member for two years and no one has surveyed me on this subject. I really wish there was an opt-out option for the print magazine. I’m lucky if I get time to read the AL Direct weekly email, but I never have time to read the print magazine and they just get thrown away. I’m able to put a stop to most of the junk mail I get, but for some reason there does not seem to be a way stop American Libraries. Is it really necessary for everyone I work with AND go to school with AND myself to all get the same magazine? One is enough to share among several people. And if we share, then we are still exposed to all the same advertising.
Dave Hargett said,
December 13, 2008 at 12:14 am
As a relatively new Trustee and ALA member, I’m still a print person for the journal. I do read the AL Direct pretty thoroughly, but not every article. I’m a big computer fan and user, but I like my print journal. On my last plane trip I read two issues and made 4 pages of notes about things that I want to learn more about and/or suggest for my library.
It’s also a fact of life that numbers of readers is what drives advertising rates and advertising does tend to pay the bills, for both associations and commercial entities. If masses of member opted out of the print version, revenues that support the association would probably decrease because it is the circulation number that is usually used with the advertisers.
Kris Ecklund said,
December 15, 2008 at 6:31 pm
As a recently retired California State University librarian, I’m finding that I’m online at least as often and long as I was when working fulltime. Partly this is due to the increased amount of information available online about everything, including transportation options and local climate and road conditions here in the State of Washington. Of course, there are all those subjects and travel destinations to pursue that I hadn’t been able to get to when working. And online management of one’s health, benefits, and financial services (as well as one’s parents’) is now almost mandatory. (Best to plan for a friend’s online assistance if vision impairment issues, though temporary, are part of your retirement experience!)
I don’t want to be online any more than I have to be.
Joel Cummings said,
December 16, 2008 at 11:50 am
I would like to add another voice in favor of giving members an opt-out option for receiving paper American Libraries.
As for paper journals being more environmentally friendly, I must comment that few of us if any purchase a computer, pda or cellphone exclusively for the purposes of reading American Libraries or other journals. While the I don’t know the difference between the energy input/possible carbon emissions required for sustaining an electronic publication [partial or incomplete] for both publisher and reading and that of printing and delivering a printed journal, the environmental costs are higher to produce a print AL for all ALA members than for a subset of ALA members who would like to receive print. What is being argued for for after all, is that members of the organization be given a choice in the matter of how there organization works for them.
Also, it would be probable that an open access American Libraries would receive much more readership from members and non members, thereby more opportunity for ad revenues from the online publication.
Jane Rozek said,
December 17, 2008 at 11:28 am
Two years ago I sent an email to ALA and requested that they stop sending me my monthly issue of American Libraries. They promptly complied. (Thank you ALA.) At the time I worked part-time and simply couldn’t fit it in my day. While I could probably read it now that I’m full time, I am very well adjusted to ALA Direct and don’t really miss the industry articles of American Libraries. I, in fact, love reading many of the briefs and the linked articles in ALA Direct and find many of them–particularly the technology pieces–very helpful.
Christina Connell said,
December 17, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Shame on the unnamed member who pitches American Libraries in the trash. He or she could stop by a local public school and donate the copy to a media specialist–we’re all on tight budgets, and schools don’t pay for memberships. Leaving copies in waiting rooms is also an option–maybe someone will learn something about what we do. Reading the magazine is also an ecellent choice. One wonders why this person even belongs to ALA if the journal goes “directly . . . into the trash.”
I love the print version and enjoy the opportunity to have something of my own to read while waiting at the doctor’s office, in the bank drive-thru, or whenever. I get to turn down corners and mark it up for when I get to work. Having a choice seems fine, but I think opting out=missing out.
P.S. I also enjoy AL Direct very much!
Charlotte Canelli said,
December 18, 2008 at 10:23 am
When I started receiving American Libraries Direct (online) I found that I was spending MORE time looking at the print version. I think both are useful for their own time. I rush through online and email versions; I spent quiet and thoughtful time with the print. I think we need both options and to tell you the truth I am annoyed when publications, newsletters, etc. decide on one version or the other. We need both in this complicated world.
Jane Dobija said,
December 18, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Ryszard Kapuscinski, a world-class writer who witnessed and reported nearly 30 revolutions, used to say that a journalist must earn the privilege to write about other people by walking, at least for a little while, in their shoes.
This may sound obvious, but a close look at the numerous blogs and online newsletters that cross your laptop will quickly prove that reporters no longer are required to witness what they report. Rather, they regurgitate what was published or broadcast elsewhere. Frequently, they use that information as a takeoff for commentary.
I do not question the value of aggregating information from a variety of appropriately credited sources around a specific issue, as does AL Direct, and then offering it to an audience with a shared focus. But I do fear that the argument over the value of print vs. online journalism really is about finances.
Blogs and Internet news sources are seen as money savers. And, for the most part, they are because they do not function with staff that are paid to witness stories, to parse through the facts with an editor, and finally to write the reports that we need.
I have worked as a journalist for nearly thirty years and as a librarian for eight years. My experience in both these fields leaves me less trustful of the “new media.” Most have not proven that they understand what it takes to report from inside someone else’s shoes, and they have not made the commitment to pay for it.
Diane Rossi said,
January 10, 2009 at 10:08 am
I don’t have time to read professional journals at work and most of my time at home is devoted to family, house and (insufficient) sleep. Mobile internet access is not worth the fee to me. American Libraries travels with me in my auto; I read it while waiting in lines at drive up windows, the grocery, etc. While I know the original suggestion was for choice of delivery mode, I fear this could lead in time to only online access.
GM said,
January 16, 2009 at 7:34 am
I’d rather have Booklist, personally.