For years, one of the most energetic LIRT members has been Charles Dintrone, comfortably known as "Chuck" to most of us.  Charles has always been interested in library instruction, so when he first joined ALA and LIRT in 1984 he volunteered to work at the LIRT booth, though he as yet knew no one in LIRT.  Mary Popp quickly nabbed him for the Liaison Committee; after two years he became Chair.  Then followed an impressive array of committee appointments: Computer Applications Committee, member and Chair of the Elections/Nominations Committee, and Long-Range Planning Committee.  From 1988 to 1994 Chuck served as LIRT Publicity Coordinator.  In 1997, as Chair of the Long-Range Planning Committee, he was instrumental in planning the LIRT retreat held prior to ALA Midwinter in Washington DC in February, 1997.  He currently serves as Chair of the Organization and Bylaws Committee.

Chuck's involvement in LIRT springs from a deep commitment to library instruction.  At San Diego State University (SDSU) in California, where he has served since 1972, his long-term interest in library instruction resulted in his role as  Coordinator of Library Instruction for three years.  His interest has continued since then as he plays a very active role in the instructional efforts of the Library.  Last semester he taught a University Seminar class, part of a "freshman success" program that covers all aspects of student life--including library use.  In Spring 1999 Chuck will participate in an interdisciplinary experimental curriculum course, a 9-unit freshman core course based on a theme, in which the librarian works closely with the faculty in integration of  information literacy with the course content. 

Avidly interested in film and mass communication, Chuck is the library liaison to  SDSU's School of Communication which offers programs in telecommunication, journalism, film, and speech communication.  In this role he offers a library research component in the Introduction to Research course (300 students in only two sections!) and has composed the extensive library assignments required of the students. Also in conjunction with this course, Chuck has prepared a PowerPoint presentation on communications resources, and another on using Social Science Citation Index.  And--just for fun--he put together a classic film series which was popular with SDSU students, faculty, staff and community members.  McFarland published Chuck’s book, Television Program Master Index, in 1996. 

What does this busy guy do for relaxation?  Chuck and his wife love to travel.  Cruises are their favorite mode of transport--Greenland and Hudson Bay last summer, where they hiked around the islands.  Chuck enjoys reading and watching sports, especially soccer and baseball (he's delighted with the Padres this year!)  Part of an adult fitness program, he and his wife walk on the track, and do weights and aerobics.

LIRT is lucky to have Chuck on board.  His enthusiasm, sense of humor, and dedication to LIRT make him invaluable.

Judy Clarence is Music Librarian, and Instructional and Interpretive Services Librarian at California State University Hayward.