GPLNE
Meeting minutes of December 10, 2004
Brandeis University
Attending
Steve Batt University of Connecticut
Gail Fithian Boston Public Libraray
Daniel Neville State Library of Massachusetts
Vida Margaitis Harvard University
Bette L. Siegel State Library of Massachusetts
Deborah Mongeau University of Rhode Island
Betty Febo Wellesley College
Kathy Berry Boston College
Leonard Adams UMass Amherst
Ralph Szymczak Brandeis
Jenny Groome Trinity College
Jim MacMonald Connecticut College
John Fobert Roger Williams University
Making Sweatshops: The Globalization of the U.S. Apparel Industry Ellen Israel Rosen
Guest speaker Ellen Rosen began her talk by acknowledging the Boston Public Library, which she used while on sabbatical to do research and writing for the book. She stated in the preface of the book that BPL had every document necessary for her research, with nothing missing or stolen! She thanked the helpful, courteous BPL librarians in the government documents division for access to and support for the rich historical documents in the collection.
Making Sweatshops looks at the origins of trade policies and legislation, beginning in the 1930s, that resulted in the proliferation of sweatshops in the world. After World War II, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade reduced tariffs and quotas on textiles imported into the United States. With Japan in particular, our imports of their low-cost (and for the most part, low quality) goods in the apparel industry were seen as a way to rebuild the island's economy and counteract revolution and insurgency in China and Southeast Asia. Subsequently, new, larger and more modern factories were built in Tawain, Korea and Hong Kong, in addition to Japan; in the 1950s our imports from these countries were seen as a way to counteract communism.
In 1962, President Kennedy put quotas in place to slow down the flow of apparel and textile imports; until 1965, the textile industry in the United States remained healthy, and women were a majority of the payroll. The Multifiber Agreement stayed in place for 20 years, but by 1985 protectionism had “become a dirty word.” By 1995, GATT was phased out and the World Trade Organization had been created. As a result, all quotas and tariffs on textiles are to be phased out in 2005.
Ms. Rosen’s talk was followed by questions and answers, and a general discussion of the phenomenon of the ‘big box’ stores and their effects on the economy and jobs, in both the United States and where their goods are produced.
Business Meeting Discussion Topics
Letter to GPO
Following the last meeting, a letter was sent to GPO (including Bruce James) and the GPO Council regarding the FDLP conference and concerns about the council being bypassed in the plans to do away with most printed document distribution to federal depository libraries, and regarding discussion of the issues not being allowed other than what the public printer put on the meetings agenda. The Council was only given these discussion issues at the last minute before the meeting. It seems the spirit of collaboration between the GPO and the Council has been lost; the meetings were professionally mediated and participation by the audience was not allowed.
The Regionals meeting was similarly structured, with time limits, and the full range of issues discussed weren’t reflected in the minutes issued after the meeting.
There was a brief discussion among attendees as to what the content of the letter should be; there was a general agreement that the group primarily wants to express our concerns. There was also a suggestion that the finalized letter be forwarded to John Larson (US House of Representatives, 1st District, Connecticut), who is on the committee for government printing. There was a motion proposed that the group will allow the officers to draft a letter after the comment period, and forward it to GPO before ALA Midwinter. It was proposed that GODIG, RI Godort and CT Godort might append their names to the letter if their corresponding membership wishes to co-sign.
GPO Library Consultant
At the time of the meeting, the draft MOU between GPO and UMass Worcester still needed to be signed, and then the recruiting process could begin.
GPLNE Mission Statement
Betty Febo received 44 positive votes via email in favor of the mission statement, 2 more than required. A discussion about GPLNE’s affiliation with Nelinet, options for affiliation with other groups, and establishing non-profit status with the IRS were discussed. John Fobert volunteered to ask the assistance of RWU’s legal clinic regarding the establishment of non-profit status.
Treasurer’s statement
Because the status of the GPLNE bank statements is unclear (who they are being sent to), Vida will give to Gail Donna’s contact information; Gail volunteered to serve as treasurer in the interim.
Minutes
The minutes of last meeting were accepted as amended. Gail will work on amendments.
General
The May 13 meeting at Bates will be catered. Len proposed that bylaws for GPLNE be discussed at that meeting; Betty S., Betty F. and Len volunteered to serve on a by-law committee to look other groups’ by-laws, and will solicit help and suggestions from the listserve.
Gail announced that the Boston Public Library’s pilot ‘Government Information Online’ online chat service (a cooperative effort with over 30 other libaries) has been extended through November 2006.