One thing Leslie Burger and I have in common: we’ve both had epiphanies while stuck in traffic on the LIE. Hers may just be deeper:
“Last week I was on my way to deliver an address to Queens College Library school students and faculty when I found myself with lots of time in my car while sitting in traffic on the LIE (Long Island Expressway) and driving home late at night in the BQE (Brooklyn Queens Expressway). Naturally, my thoughts turned to ALA despite the great skyline views of Manhattan. …
“How do we build on the concept of a social network, the speed and ease of communication and information sharing of the bloggers? How do we make ALA a more attractive outlet for people who want to make a difference, for those who need help and ideas to bring back to their libraries, and make it a more welcoming, social organization. …
“I don’t have all the answers to these questions but I do know that if we don’t address these issues we run the risk of losing a whole generation of librarians who are the future leaders of ALA.”
I’m sure my pal Michael Stephens will say this is “hot”–a word I’ve largely stopped using since I hit my menopausal years, though it’s always fun hearing him say it–and the adjectives that also come to my mind are “visionary,” “prophetic,” “fresh,” “welcome,” and “long overdue.” Plus “gets it,” with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Gotta run back to the coal mines, but the Blogger in Chief has refueled me for some time to come.
Leslie says she’s hosting a Bloggers’ Luncheon at ALA Annual in New Orleans. I think she’s going to be surprised by the turnout!
Posted on this day, other years:
