Presidents Invite You to the Conference

Libraries continue to prove they possess "the right stuff" when it comes to providing excellent services and programs to their communities. Increasingly, libraries are being looked upon to play a leading role in a complex world of information. This role has grown from one of an information provider to being one of information broker, developing new services and programs, and improving "traditional" ones. These provide the individuals and institutions that we serve the tools to find the right information, at the right time, for an incredibly cost-effective price.

So it is quite natural the theme of this year's conference would be "Celebrating Excellence". The library community does indeed have a lot to celebrate. While we have increasingly become more aware of the power of advocacy, especially to outside groups, this year's conference is an opportunity for a collective pat on the back for a "job well done". Of course, we know that by gathering together to share information and learn from others, we will only build upon our successes to this point.

The 2000 conference is a historic one. For the first time, three associations are sharing the hosting duties. The British Columbia Library Association and the British Columbia Library Trustees Association have built a very successful partnership in past years. This year, the addition of the Pacific Northwest Library Association promises to broaden the scope of the conference, and to bring an international perspective to many of the topics covered in the conference sessions.

The conference planning team has worked hard to develop a program that will appeal to trustees and library staff from all types of libraries in Canada and the United States, and that builds on the theme of celebrating excellence. As you go through the program, you will see that there is truly something for everyone.

We hope you take full advantage of the exhibits. The exhibits will open Thursday afternoon with the vendors' reception. This is a perfect chance to get a first look at the exhibits before the conference officially kicks off Thursday evening.

We invite you to take full advantage of the conference site this year. Kelowna in May promises to be a beautiful backdrop to an exciting conference. We look forward to welcoming you as together we celebrate the excellence taking place in libraries on a daily basis.

Return to PNLA Quarterly Spring 2000 Table of Contents