Contributor: Mary Beth Thomson

This past year ALCTS has been exploring a potential new path forward, trying to glance beyond the curve to determine how best to position ALCTS for the future. Our exploration of a possible path forward has included ongoing discussions with the Library & Information Technology Association (LITA) and the Library Leadership & Management Association (LLAMA) about the possibility of the three divisions forming a new single division.

Three ALA divisions—the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS), Library & Information Technology Association (LITA), and Library Leadership & Management Association (LLAMA)—are currently discussing how we might work together to create a new division. We’re asking you to complete an online survey to tell us a little more about your job, work environment, educational needs, and professional aspirations. The survey will close at the end of the day on Sunday, May 20, 2018.

For some time now and especially during the past few months there have been ongoing discussions about the complexities and challenges facing ALA and the sustainability and future of the mid-size functional divisions within ALA, of which ALCTS is one. After discussing the difficulties facing ALA and our divisions, the current and future leaders and executive directors of ALCTS, LITA, and LLAMA, wrote the  “Working Document Exploration of Integration and Realignment Opportunities for ALCTS, LITA, and LLAMA.” We welcome your thoughts.

One of my earliest ALCTS experiences was a Midwinter Meeting in Denver and snow skiing afterwards. Although there will be no skiing for me this time, I am looking forward to heading back to Denver for the 2018 ALA Midwinter Meeting and several days of ALCTS activities and programs. I hope you are also looking forward to the opportunity the Midwinter Meeting gives us to continue addressing significant issues of interest to our community and to learn and share with our colleagues through ALA and ALCTS committee work, interest groups, programs, and events.