PNLA Quarterly, Vol. 63 No.1 Fall 1998
President’s Message
It is an exciting challenge to begin my term as the next president of PNLA! For all of the years that I’ve been a member, attending conferences, etc., I never really thought I’d be in this position. And yet here I am, backed by a wonderful board which is committed to seeing that the organization moves forward confidently into the future.First of all let me say thank you to all who helped make the Sun Valley Conference, Libraries Unlimited: Resources for All, such a great success. As with any such undertaking, it wouldn’t have been possible or run as smoothly if it hadn’t been for the great efforts of a lot of people. I’d especially like to thank Dawn Wittman, the vice- president/president-elect of the Idaho Library Association, and all of her fellow Idahoans who worked so tirelessly to plan the conference. We began meeting last Oct. in Idaho Falls during their annual conference and began an association that became ever closer as the conference opening approached. A great deal of the success of the conference is due to them. I’d also like to single out the local arrangements people from the Ketchum Community Library and the surrounding area who put in so many hours stuffing packets, arranging for audio equipment, etc. The staff of the Sun Valley Lodge and Inn too were extremely helpful in seeing to it that we had what we needed when we needed it. And to all the presenters, speakers, etc. we owe a great deal for sending us on our way with new thoughts and ideas on how best to serve our patrons and our libraries. The sessions were extremely varied and useful. For those of you who were unable to attend, I hope you’ll be able to be with us in Calgary next year for another stimulating conference.
However, before we get to Calgary, the board and I, as well as the membership has a major task ahead of us. As many of you already know (if you’ve been attentive to the Quarterly!), the organization is in the midst of a major self-examination and re- orientation. The papers for discussion were published in the Quarterly in the Spring issue. The new action plan is available on the PNLA website. If you haven’t familiarized yourself with the direction the organization is heading, please do so. We need and want your input! Feel free to contact me directly or your state/provincial rep. The Board will be meeting the week end of Nov. 13 - 15 to discuss and begin the implementation of this plan.
Finally, I would like to thank Carol Ventgen, Friede Weibe, Gloria Langstaff Marg Anderson AND Sue Sherif for the tremendous amount of work they have put in as board members for the past two years. Not only did they fulfill their respective roles for which they were elected, but they all spend extra time helping to refine the new action plan. Their energy and enthusiasm have been very much appreciated.