Traveling on a smile and a laptop…

April 20th, 2007 by Laura

I’ve written previously about the transitory nature of Chicago publishing. As Chicago is home to an array of associations and b-to-b publishers, we editors never know where the winds of career opportunity will land us. I’ve worked side by side with a variety of professional groups throughout the years. Today, as I leave ALA Editions for a can’t-pass-up growth opportunity with another association, I feel like Dorothy saying good-bye to the scarecrow, “I’ll miss you most of all, Library World.”

It has truly been a pleasure and an honor to take part in the library discussion for the past four years. I’ve developed an even deeper appreciation for the noble work that you do. My favorite quote from when I first started at the ALA was that there is something in the library to offend everyone. It’s been invigorating to be part of a profession that exists to fiercely protect the freedom of access to information. That cares deeply about how its patrons are using their services and is always changing to serve them better. That is proactive in embracing the changes in information delivery.
Mostly, I’ve been amazed by the generosity and dedication of those who serve their profession, be it through their involvement in ALA activities, through their instruction of new generations of librarians, through their blog posts.

My deepest appreciation goes to one special group of people, who have dedicated hours of hard work (and no doubt, sweat and tears) to advance the dialogue in their profession. I mean, of course, ALA Editions authors.

Writing a book for the library profession, as you can imagine, won’t put anyone on the fast track to fame and riches (I don’t know many library authors who are buying yachts with their royalties). But, the people who do write have a deeper motivation. To give back to their profession. To enrich the dialogue. And, in the end, to maintain the library’s role as a central place in it community. I have been fortunate to work with many of these generous, talented people during my tenure here.

To these authors, my gratitude.

And, hats off to ALA Editions readers, too. By reading the professional literature, you are demonstrating a commitment to your own development, which, in turn reflects a commitment to the communities you serve.

Thanks for a great four years! See you in the blogosphere (and, of course, @my library!