From Your President
Joan Birnie
When Becky Baker contacted me nearly eighteen months ago and asked if my name could be on the ballot for Vice-President/President-Elect of NLA, I was honored but filled with questions. Some of course were about the responsibilities of each office associated with this three-year commitment and Becky graciously took time to explain what was expected as Vice-President, President, and Past President. For me, the other questions – those that required some pensive moments on my part – revolved around my capabilities to do justice to these positions. I have been privileged to know many of NLA's Presidents over the past several years and quite honestly, these people seemed considerably more “together” as leaders of such an esteemed and time-proven organization than I saw myself. As I write this column, I don't yet want to be so bold as to describe myself as “together” as your President, but I do want to acknowledge how the extraordinary and dedicated members of NLA have made my past year a move in that direction.
Hopefully many of you were able to attend some part of the NLA/NEMA 2005 Libraries: Heart & Soul of Communities Conference in Lincoln . For those who have worked in any capacity on past NLA conferences, you know the time involved in planning, organizing, and holding this event. While the NLA and NEMA Vice-Presidents are described as “Chairs of the Conference Program Committee” in the Conference Planning Manual, it is the local arrangements conference committee that truly gets the conferences to gel year-after-year. I can't begin to describe the astonishing group of individuals I had the honor to work with in getting this year's conference off the ground. These great librarians certainly have been key in my growth toward “together.”
Others I need to thank for helping in my pursuit of being “together” are all of the NLA members who so willingly agreed to share their time and expertise by serving on the various NLA Committees. And, for those who had to decline appointments but asked to be considered for NLA Committees in the future, I assure you that your interest will be noted and remembered down the road. The NLA 2005-2006 Committees and their members are listed in this NLAQ issue. If given the opportunity, let these individuals know you value their contributions in strengthening libraries statewide.
I'm certain that I'll take many more steps on the way to “together” by working with this year's exceptional NLA Board. The vast knowledge, dedication, and professionalism of these individuals should make all NLA members feel comfortable that their interests in library-related matters are in the best hands possible. As always, there will be issues to tackle both on a local and a state level but I assure you that we will work collectively and listen to input that comes our way. This year's NLA Board roster is also in this issue and I encourage you to contact any of us with your questions, concerns, or thoughts. The Board represents you—we are your voice—help us make it stronger and heard across Nebraska !
Finally, I plan to attend association events on my path to “together.” Circle Valentine's Day on your 2006 calendar and plan to be in Lincoln for NLA's Legislative Day . The state senators will have to love us on February 14th ! Also, spring meetings and programs will be announced in early 2006. These are held across the state and provide a wonderful opportunity to stay closer to home and gain new information about library issues all in the same day. And, next year's NLA/NEMA Conference will be October 25-27 at Omaha 's Qwest Convention Center and Hilton Hotel. While a new location may offer some new challenges, I think it is exciting that our conference theme Libraries: Vital, Vibrant & Visionary is such a perfect fit with the vitality, vibrancy and vision of a developing downtown Omaha . It could be perfect karma!
I'm honored to be your President this year and anxious to see if I feel more “together” when I pass off the gavel next October to Beth Goble, your Vice-President/President-Elect. I may never see myself in the same light as all the extraordinarily capable NLA Presidents before me, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
