History of Reading News. Vol.XXV No.2 (2002:Spring)

Thanks to the concerted efforts of Joseph E. Zimmer, SIG president, and others, the IRA has changed its position related to including history of literacy as a rubric in proposals for future conferences. In the last call for proposals, history was dropped from the categories to be considered. In a recent letter to Zimmer, Alan E. Farstrup, Executive Director of IRA, reports the Board’s decision to encourage history-related presentations in the next call for proposals. Below are excerpts from Farstrup’s letter:

I would like to respond in more detail to your message of November 5th and your inquiry about the need for a stronger historical perspective at IRA's annual convention. I’ve been discussing this matter with our Executive Committee (Donna Ogle, Jerry Johns, Lesley Morrow) and with our conferences staff. I’m pleased to report to you that, with the help of Jerry Johns and our conferences staff, we are including language that we hope will provide more visible encouragement of his-tory related presentations in our call for proposals mate-rials for the 2003 annual convention in Orlando.

1. The following language is now included in the introduction to the presentation categories (strands): “Proposals dealing with historical aspects of literacy should be placed in the category of best fit.” This puts history up front and reminds those submitting proposals that an historical perspective can be incorporated in conjunction with the various strand categories. Thus, all presenters, regardless of their particular literacy focus, will have an opportunity to submit a presentation from an historical point of view.

2. The proposal application form now includes the following query: “Does the primary focus of the proposal address the history of reading?” The intention here is, again, to highlight our interest in historical topics and also to provide us with some data that will help us to assess the degree to which various proposals submitted are addressing issues of historical interest.

Please know that the officers and relevant staff of IRA appreciate the concerns you have expressed and will, at every opportunity, encourage presentations and publications that focus on the history of reading.

Thank you for your interest and concern and for your ongoing support of the role and mission of IRA.