From the President

In early June I attended a CCLI (California Clearinghouse for Library Instruction) program on information literacy.  Four librarians talked about a community college program, a university library's information competencies survey, a collaboration between university and high school librarians to ensure that high school graduates have information competence, and a public library system's program of services for young adults.  Each of the presentations offered a different approach to an issue that concerns all instruction librarians. I was excited both by hearing about the innovative programs that were described and by seeing librarians from different types of libraries address a mutual concern.  After the program, I noticed that the presenters were exchanging cards and ideas not only with members of the audience but also among themselves. 

I am glad to be a member of LIRT and pleased to be able to serve as President of an organization that has the potential to regularly generate the excitement and energy of the CCLI program I described above.  Last year when I was a candidate for the office of Vice President and wrote my "Statement of Professional concerns," I said that LIRT's strength "lies in the collaboration among members from all types of libraries." One of my goals for the coming year is to increase active participation in our organization by members from public, school, and special libraries so the collaboration I wrote about occurs more often. 

How can you be an active participant?  There are many opportunities. The most obvious is to volunteer to be a member of a LIRT committee; you will find a volunteer form in every issue of LIRT News.  Last year more than 50 LIRT members were first-time volunteers for committees.  Thank you!  I hope you will each find the work of your committee rewarding.  Traditionally, committee membership has meant regular attendance at ALA conferences.  But we are in a non-traditional age and many committees are working on projects that don't require every member's presence at every conference.  If you would like to serve on a committee but are unable to attend conferences twice a year, contact the chair of the committee you're interested in to see if they need members who participate primarily via email. 

Another opportunity for your participation is through this newsletter.  Each issue features columns and articles by LIRT members describing instructional programs in their libraries, resources they recommend, and teaching tips they have found effective.  David Sherwood, LIRT News editor, would be glad to hear from you if you'd like to volunteer to write an article. 

A third opportunity for you to participate is through LIRT-L. You'll find information on page  [insert page number here]    about how to subscribe. Once you're "on the list," let us know what you think.  LIRT-L is an easy way for you to express your ideas about LIRT programs and projects and to make suggestions for future endeavors.  I hope you'll use LIRT-L as a discussion forum on how we can better serve the needs of instruction librarians and make it easier and more rewarding for librarians from all types of libraries to participate in LIRT. 

I'm looking forward to an exciting year in LIRT.  I'm glad you're involved, and I hope you'll let me know your suggestions and comments whenever they occur to you.