OK, usually I try to keep out of these things, but frankly I'm getting a
bit tired of hearing people complain about ARLIS/NA. Ever since I
began my studies as a librarian and I investigated various professional
organizations, I have been and still am overwhelmingly pleased ARLIS/NA,
far over some of the other named library organizations out there.
ARLIS/NA has offered me camaraderie, collegiality, professional
development opportunities, and so on, things that I had a much greater
difficulty accomplishing (or enjoying!) in other organizations like
ALA. The fact that ARLIS/NA has managed to exist for as long as it
has should be recognized as merit unto itself. Let's face it,
people, the world of art librarians is very small in comparison to the
entire professional as a whole. We should count ourselves fortunate
that we have an organization such as this that focuses on our
needs.
People need to remember that the organization does NOT revolve around the
specific wishes of every individual member. If that were the case,
NO organization could ever exist or function as an organization.
You have to take a look at the big picture and recognize that the
Executive Board often has to make decisions that are for the overall
improvement of the organization, NOT the individuals. This is just
how it is. And there are going to be things that I may disagree
with...but you know what? That's life. You have to accept it
and move on. And if you can't accept it, then you should move on
out of the organization.
I'm not saying that people shouldn't voice their feelings about ARLIS/NA
-- everyone is entitled to their opinion -- but instead of complaining,
offer suggestions for improvement. What boss wants to hear a person
point out something not working without offering a suggestion on how to
improve it? Think about it.
So that's my opinion....sorry for the tirade at this early hour of the
morning.
And I'm very much looking forward to seeing my colleagues and friends in
New York.
Date: Thu, 01 Apr 2004 21:06:35 -0700
From: "Juarez, Miguel" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: [ARLIS-L] ARLIS/NA and Public Libraries - Open Forum in New Y ork
on April
Sender: ART LIBRARIES SOCIETY DISCUSSION LIST <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Reply-to: "Juarez, Miguel" <[log in to unmask]>
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Comments: To: AllenT <[log in to unmask]>
Original-recipient: rfc822;[log in to unmask]
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. J
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
Dear 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
__________________________________________________________________ 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] __________________________________________________________________ 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]