Last year (2020), I joined a group which became known as Library Futures. Our formal launch was in January 2021. Our goal is to "empower libraries to fulfill their mission and provide non-discriminatory, open access to culture for the public good." We back that goal up with seven principles and a lot of actions.

When Kyle Courtney asked me to join Library Futures, I didn't know the other board members and we didn't yet have an executive director. You might say that we were a twinkle in someone's eye! However, we got off to a fast start and have not slowed down! 

Most of our efforts are related to Controlled Digital Lending (CDL), because we see that as a legal way for libraries to share print materials from their collections. We have built a coalition (see bottom of this page), given a number of different talks and presentations, and looked at how we can advocate for specific efforts including broadband access for all and ebooks in libraries. We have also partnered with iFixit to distribute100 Pro Tech Toolkits in support of the Right to Repair.  Through controlled digital lending, we've been introduced to people outside of the U.S., which led us to be asked to file a factum (written argument) in a Canadian Copyright Case. If you check our blog, you'll see some other things that we did this year.

Through Library Futures, I was able to get involved with a small group named CDL Co-Op. Together we published "Statement on Using Controlled Digital Lending as a Mechanism for Interlibrary Loan." That was an amazing effort and the statement has been well received (see signatories). 

And through CDL Co-Op, I've met an number of other people, which demonstrates again how quickly we build meaningful connections in the information profession. Joining Library Futures in 2020 truly had a positive impact on my 2021! I can't wait to see what 2022 brings.

Resources:

• Digitization 101. Taking Control of Our Digital Future
• Library Futures. Equitable Access is the Future for All of Us
• Digitization 101. Debate: Controlled Digital Lending at the BYU Copyright & Trademark Symposium 2021 
• Library Futures. Four Questions with Michael Blackwell on Ebook Advocacy
• Digitization 101. Controlled Digital Lending: Unlocking the Library's Full Potential
• Digitization 101. NISO Awarded Mellon Funding for Controlled Digital Lending Project
• Digitization 101. CDL Co-Op Releases Statement on Using Controlled Digital Lending as a Mechanism for Interlibrary Loan 
• Library Futures. Statement on the Association of American Publishers Suit Against the State of Maryland