Because we stress the importance of each and every member in spreading knowledge about libraries, LIRT welcomes all librarians--not just those who carry the title "Instruction Librarian."  We also know that as we instruct library users, they can learn to access information for themselves and, in turn, become instructors for others. 
  

In this way, we all share responsibility for instruction.  Whether it is a parent teaching a child, a mentor his protege, a boss her employee, or peer teaching peer, we all must teach others and share what we know.  Have you ever had the experience of a coworker receiving training, and then not sharing that with the staff?  Keeping knowledge as a guarded edge may give a person the illusion that he is protecting an advantage over others.  But that sort of thinking keeps the I from flowing.  However, when a colleague does share and teach others, it is expansive and rewarding to all.  In LIRT we flourish as instruction librarians and spread the big I to others. 

But what about the  RT in LIRT?  RT stands for Round Table, a picturesque phrase we have adopted from the great symbol of King Arthur's Round Table.  In the spirit of King Arthur, we invite others to pull up a chair and participate as equals.  This is a good reason to join one or more of ALA's thriving coalition of Round Tables.  As LIRT President, I attend meetings with the leaders of other groups, and there is now solid support of Round Table activities by ALA. 

The most exciting thing about LIRT is the incredible future we have spreading before us.  So, pull a chair up to the table, and join us. 

Lynn Ossolinski is Librarian at Incline High School, Incline NV.  Email: lynno@nsn.scs.unr.edu