ACRL Washington Newsletter
Spring 2008, No. 62
President's Message
“The last email I received before the conference was from an attendee who says she will be late because she had to schedule a last minute library instruction session. Yes, conferences are great, but we cannot short change our bread and butter!” (Does this need a citation? Can you plagiarize yourself?)I know it is a strange thing for the president of an association to say, but I’ve never really been a big joiner or participant when it comes to professional associations. At this point I could provide some examples with specific organizations, committees and pointless meetings with fruitless agendas, but I’m sure I’d offend at least a few readers. Let’s just suffice it to say (putting on an economist’s hat here) that the benefits often do not seem to outweigh the costs. Also, I’m a homebody. I did not become a librarian to meet new people, just read about them. In addition, why do we need to gather and speak out for library issues at the regional and national levels? I mean we know that college affiliates and the wider public generally have a sound understanding and appreciation for the work of academic librarians? (insert mental image of old lady with bun and yada, yada, yada) Hmmmm, well maybe we have work to do. More specifically, I’ve been disappointed with my “association” experiences in terms of commitment from committee members (you know, the old “80/20” rule at work). Well, as I think back on my year as president, I can honesty say that I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the ACRL-WA Board and every group member’s willingness to pull the plow (forgive me, I’m from Montana). I feel like I’ve found my niche in working with ACRL-WA, satisfying work with devoted colleagues. Here is the proof (sorry if I left out your favorite contribution):
- Rachel Bridgewater (Newsletter Editor) = “beats the bushes” (X1000) in order to get great articles for the newsletter, gets liquor license for fall conference.
- Julie Cook (Webmaster) = puts together the conference website (and retires it!), runs the electronic system for the recent election.
- Anna Creech (Member at Large) = does credit card processing research for the conference, after she moves to VA writes to suggest a software package for ACRL-WA use.
- Alyssa Deutschler (Member at Large) = became the mother of a future ACRL-WA board member, was instrumental in our spring membership drive.
- Linda Frederiksen (Secretary/Treasurer) = everything somehow relates back to money, it is just plain hard work in an organization where thousands go out and thousands come in.
- Beth Lindsay (Past President) = put together the packet for the conference, recruited a great set of new prospective board members.
- Anna Salyer (President Elect) = contributes everywhere (thanks for the legal pads!) and is always mindful about details, the future of this organization is in good hands.