by Mitch Stepanovich, Architecture Library, Univ of Texas at Arlington

It seems at times as though organizations have a life of their own.  They can develop such inward momentum that it appears that things are happening for the good of the organization.  It's almost like watching thunderheads boiling in the sky on a summer afternoon; a lot of activity but no visible direct impact.  Occasionally I wonder if LIRT appears that way to its membership - many committees and officers, much activity at conferences and in between.  Important, yes, and necessary to keep the organization moving forward but what are the rest of our members getting in return for their dues?

For those that want active involvement there are many opportunities to participate in committees, serve as officers, and attend programs and activities at conference.  For those that for one reason or another cannot be as actively involved I want to point out three additional significant ways to benefit from LIRT membership: the LIRT News, LIRT-L, and the LIRT web site.

We each receive this outstanding newsletter that is full of useful information.  It contains reports to keep us informed of other instruction related activities, summaries of conference programs that we might been unable to attend, lists of other instruction related literature that we can pursue for further learning, and details on individuals we can contact for additional information.  Many hours of preparation go into creating this acclaimed publication.  I personally have referred to both current and past issues on many occasions.

We have the LIRT-L discussion list, and although it is not very active it is an avenue that can be used to pose an informal question or thought to an immediate group of colleagues, or to carry on an informal discussion.  Yes, we also have BI-L, but aren't there are times when you might not want the entire library instruction world listening?

The LIRT web site at http://diogenes.baylor.edu/Library/LIRT has many links and useful features designed  with LIRT members in mind.  Online issues of this newsletter dating back to June 1985 can be found here.  Also here is a description of and information on how to subscribe to our LIRT-L discussion list.  Have you been wondering how you could better evaluate your instruction efforts?  LIRT's book on Evaluating Library Instruction is described here.  Ever wonder where you can easily find leads to library instruction tutorials on website evaluation criteria, or on evaluation of resources, or on designing tutorials?  Have you had a need to contact colleagues at other state or regional library instruction organizations?  It's all here, and more, at our LIRT web site.

My question to you: are there other things LIRT could be doing to make your career in library instruction more meaningful?  For example, is there a need among our members for assistance or guidance in the process of publishing?  Would a LIRT speakers list be useful?  Any other ideas you might have?  Let me know what you think on these issues at stepanov@flash.net