Message from the President

Collaboration, re-engineering and partnerships are buzzwords of the 90s which all librarians must consider with a new perspective as we debate and plan our futures. LIRT's purpose, "to advocate library instruction as a means for developing competent library and information use as part of life-long learning," is right where the action is.

As a multi-type organization we are uniquely positioned to share our expertise inside and outside the library community. Pat Breivik spoke recently at the Indiana Library Federation on the topic, "Every Librarian a Leader." She addressed the fact that as a profession we are too inwardly focused and need to focus energy externally to become players in the larger education business.

Breivik cited a recent study which found that money put into school library media centers directly influences student achievement. (The first member who sends me the exact source will be rewarded in New York!)

We must participate actively in public awareness campaigns to showcase our special talents in research skills, listening, information management, technology, and information literacy. Our annual program on Monday morning, July 8, in New York will address some of these talents. See you there to begin the celebration of our coming of age!