Jason Puckett.net

I am a big fan of Cory Doctorow, author/blogger/activist.  I’m very excited to see that he’s appearing at ALA Annual in Anaheim this year, but I haven’t seen a lot of buzz about it in the biblioblogosphere yet.  So I’m, um, buzzing.

As far as I’ve been able to tell, he’s got only two appearances on the schedule.  If I’ve missed any, please comment and let me know.

Science Fiction and Fantasy: Looking at Information Technology and the Information Rights of the Individual
Saturday, June 28
4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Anaheim Convention Center 304 A/B

Distinguished science fiction and fantasy authors will discuss the visionary nature of their craft, how speculative literature suggests new ideas and technologies, and the possible impacts these developments could have on society in the future. This year’s authors are Cory Doctorow, Eric Flint, Vernor Vinge and Brandon Sanderson, experts in the field of information technology, access to information, and the rights of individuals, along with just being really good authors. Come to listen, ask questions, and enjoy!  Speakers: Cory Doctorow, Tor Books; Eric Flint, Baen Books; Vernor Vinge, Tor Books; Brandon Sanderson, Tor Books

Privacy: Is it Time for a Revolution?
Sunday, June 29
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
201D, Anaheim Convention Center

Protecting reader privacy and confidentiality has long been an integral part of the mission of ALA and its members. Should it continue to be a priority? In an age when people increasingly use social networking to expose intimate life details, does privacy still matter to information seekers? Does anyone care if their library records and online searches are being tracked? If they don’t, why should they? A panel of thought leaders from the information economy including author Cory Doctorow, Wired senior writer Dan Roth, and Privacy Rights Clearinghouse director Beth Givens will debate the importance of privacy and what’s at stake if the persistent erosion of privacy continues unchecked. Join us for a provocative examination of a librarian’s role in the future of privacy.

Author Cory Doctorow is planning to start a “matchmaking” service between schools and libraries that would like to receive free copies of his new novel Little Brother and individuals who want to give them.  He mentioned in his podcast last week that he often gets e-mail from readers who enjoyed the free e-editions of his books and want to pay him but not receive a physical copy.  This way sales will still support his work via his publisher, and theoretically the book should reach a lot more than two readers per sale.

I’m sure it’ll show up on Boing Boing or Craphound as soon as the matchmaker system is up and running.