I don't know how to say this (and maybe some of the historians in the
organization can contribute to this discussion), but what was the original
intent of the architects of ARLIS/NA as an organization? I feel ARLIS/NA
operates unlike other library organizations like ALA, SLA, etc.-it is
actually a bit more complex.
ARLIS/NA includes librarians from diverse library settings but there is
somewhat of a push-pull mentality among those who are continually
re-structuring the organization. Indeed, there are many needs in the
organization but finding the right mix seems like a continual challenge for
us.
From where I'm standing--I've often asked myself, is ARLIS/NA the right
organization for me? Maybe it isn't. I think as art or architecture
librarians (that most of us are), we all have to continually ask ourselves
this question-if it is, then we stick around and make it work for us. If it
isn't, then we stop working with it and go elsewhere. A few people have
asked me "why I'm intent on trying to change the organization?" It's not
that I seek to change it but while I work as an art librarian, I'd like the
organization to make a place for me at its table. Maybe in the future I
won't be an art librarian and eventually I will leave ARLIS/NA and work with
ALA or some other group? But that's the future-now I'm an art librarian and
ARLIS/NA is my professional organization.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in New York. :-)
Miguel
-----Original Message-----
From: AllenT [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 4:44 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ARLIS-L] ARLIS/NA and Public Libraries - Open Forum in New York on
April
pivDear ARLIS/NA Colleagues,
On Sunday, April 18, 3:30-4:30 PM, during the upcoming Annual Conference, a
Public Library Forum has been programmed for the purpose of gathering
feedback from the membership on the subject of public librarians and their
future role in the Society. Suzy Frechette and other members of the
Executive Board will be present to discuss the recent dissolution of the
Public Libraries Division, as well as the possibilities for raising the
profile of public librarians within the administrative structure of
ARLIS/NA. Suzy and I would also welcome online ARLIS-L discussion in
advance of the Conference event, for those who will not be able to attend
the NYC meeting.
Looking forward to seeing many of you soon!
Best regards,
Allen
Allen K. Townsend, President, ARLIS/NA
Librarian
Amon Carter Museum
3501 Camp Bowie Blvd
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Phone: 817 989 5073
Fax: 817 989 5079
All opinions are my own and not those of my employer
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__________________________________________________________________
Mail submissions to [log in to unmask]
For information about joining ARLIS/NA see:
http://www.arlisna.org//membership.html
Send administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc)
to [log in to unmask]
ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance:
http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/arlis-l.html
Questions may be addressed to list owner (Kerri Scannell) at: [log in to unmask]
