Section: Columns

From the President: A Roller Coaster Year for ALCTS

Columns, From the President

For ALCTS 2018–2019 turned out to be a roller coaster of a year. We entered the year with definitive Board votes to devote time and resources toward exploring a new division, joining with the Library Information Technology Association (LITA) and the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA). Although we devoted significant time and resources toward a new division in the fall, we were unable to get all of our goals accomplished in time for our respective Boards to make a decision whether to bring the new division before the membership. We instituted a project pause, to give all the Steering Committee (made of leadership of the three divisions) a chance to think, reflect, and determine the best course of action for the future. I am very pleased that after a moment of collective breath-taking, we have resumed work on developing a new ALA division.

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From the President: ALA Annual 2019 in Washington, DC

ALA Annual Conference, Columns, Conference News, From the President

After a cool and wet spring, it’s hard to believe that summer is arriving, but yet here we are just a week and half away from the ALA Annual Conference, starting on June 20. Washington, DC always offers unparalleled opportunities to explore our government institutions and national treasures, often for no cost at all. This summer ALCTS will add to the cultural riches of our nation’s capital by offering conference attendees a wealth of programs and learning opportunities during Annual Conference.

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My Emerging Leader Experience: Netanel Ganin

Columns, My ALCTS Experience

Last year I had the privilege of joining the 2018 class of ALA Emerging Leaders and was doubly honored to be sponsored by ALCTS. Although I’d previously served on committees and task forces within ALCTS, I didn’t have a strong sense of the larger picture of ALA’s structure and governance, and where I might fit into it. All that changed during the program. Through presentations, speakers, and the ongoing conversations facilitated by the leaders of the program, I gained a keener understanding of some of how ALA functions, both internally, as well as for librarianship, libraries and librarians.

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Exploring a New ALA Division with ALCTS, LITA, and LLAMA: A Personal Take

Columns, From the President

Shortly before Midwinter, the Steering Committee—composed of the Presidents, President-Elects, and Executive Directors of the three divisions—determined that we weren’t ready to bring a new division proposal to the members for a vote. Instead, we agreed to pause the project. I realize this official notice had about as much warmth as an office memo, so I’d like to share a more personal version of this story, hopefully answering some questions along the way.

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Interviews with ALCTS Leaders: Mary Beth Weber, Library Resources & Technical Services (LRTS) Editor

Columns, Interviews with ALCTS Leaders

As LRTS Editor, I chair the LRTS Editorial Board, whose members review papers and help me to solicit content. I also actively solicit content for the journal and oversee all submissions from review and editing to the final product. I work closely with Brooke Morris-Chott, who is ALCTS’ Program Officer for Communications, and Tim Clifford of ALA Production Services. Brooke is an amazing copy editor, and Tim handles the journal’s layout and production.

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