Remembering Jack Neal (1942-2019)

John “Jack” Vincent Neal was cofounder of Neal-Schuman Publishers and the Neal-Schuman Foundation.

Neal served as executive vice president of Neal-Schuman Publishers from 1976 until 2011 when the company was acquired by the American Library Association. He co-founded the publishing house as well as the Neal-Schuman Foundation, which provides aid and educational research for the improvement of libraries, with Patricia Glass Schuman, who was president of the ALA from 1991-1992.

During Neal's tenure as executive vice president, the Neal-Schuman house published more than 500 books and 2 journals focusing on libraries and information services. He conceived many of Neal-Schuman's titles and series, including the How-to-do-it Manuals for Librarians. The Neal-Schuman Foundation has funded several important library advocacy programs, including the Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (now United for Libraries) Citizens Save Libraries Power Guide, a multi-year program that organized support programs for libraries.

Jack Neal passed on February 20, 2019. He was 77.

United Programs Supported by Jack Neal

Power Guide for Successful Library Advocacy

United for Libraries, along with the Neal-Schuman Foundation, believe strongly that advocacy can and does work. We’ve seen evidence of it from coast to coast in all types of libraries at the local and the state levels. Developing an advocacy campaign, as you will soon see, is not rocket science but it does take dedication, hard work, a core group of people who are passionate about the cause and the support of many, many people in your community. This guide will take the mystery out of advocacy, provide you with an organized step-by-step approach, and allow you to develop a set of strategies that will motivate your community to pressure funders to support the library or in the case of a referendum or a bond issue – to vote “yes.”

Access Power Guide for Successful Library Advocacy

Keeping Governance on Track

Increasingly, library board meetings are facing disruptions, often making it difficult to conduct necessary board business. With the rise in challenges to library materials, programs, and access, boards are often affected internally (conflict/dissent among board members) and externally (public comment and disruptions from meeting observers). During this two-part series, parliamentarian Nancy Sylvester will share actions, training, and preparation that boards and library directors can take now to be ready for problems and issues, and tips and best practices for handling problems in board meetings. Part one focuses on “Steps to Be Prepared & How to Handle Problems.” Participants will learn what actions and preparation boards and library directors can take now to be ready for issues that may arise (including meeting disruptions by non-board members, a board member overstepping boundaries or pushing their personal agenda, etc.). Part two features a “Mock Board Meeting,” with an enactment of a library board meeting and Sylvester providing “in-the-moment” tips to handle misbehavior, conflict, disruptions, etc.

Intellectual Freedom Challenges: How to Strengthen Your Library's Response

Presented as part of the 2022 United for Libraries virtual conference for Trustees, Friends of the Library, Foundations, and the staff who work with them.

Fighting Censorship: Creating Connections to Protect Intellectual Freedom

United for Libraries presents a three-part series for library Trustees, advocates, Friends, Foundations, and those who work with them as they help support the fight against censorship. Part one, “Be Fierce: How to Harness Your Power for Your Libraries,” features tips on overcoming obstacles to harness your power, expertise, knowledge, and passion to successfully advocate for your library, and develop strategic relationships to counter censorship attempts. Part two, “Get Ready, Stay Ready: Supporting Proactive Community Advocacy for Library Professionals,” focused on maintaining inclusive libraries in partnership with community organizations. Parts three is an interactive workshop, "Reclaiming the Narrative: Policy Conversations that Center Community."