Miller, et al., 'LITA Candidates' Statements', LITA Newsletter v15n02 URL = http://hegel.lib.ncsu.edu/stacks/serials/lita/lita-v15n02-miller, et al.-lita V15N2.LITACAND LITANEWS ---------------------------- LITA Candidates' Statements Dennis Reynolds Vice President/President-elect BACKGROUND: POSITIONS: EXECUTIVE Director, CAPCON Library Network, since 1985; Manager of Bibliographic Services, Bibliographical Center for Research, 1979-84; Reader Services Librarian, Knox College, 1977-79. LITA Activities: Legislation and Regulation Committee, 1992-present; Technology and Access Committee, 1989-1992; Emerging Technologies Committee, 1986-1988; editor, LITA President's Program Packet, 1991; testimony delivered on behalf of LITA at NCLIS Forum on WHCLIS recommendations, 1992; two papers presented at LITA National Conference, 1993. Other Recent Professional Activities: ALA Coordinating Committee on Access to Information, 1992-present; ALA Legislation Committee Subcommittee on Telecommunications, 1992-present; Chair, Regional OCLC Network Directors Advisory Committee, 1993/94; Co-Chair, Alliance of Library Service Networks, 1993/94; Advisory Committee on 2nd Conference on Computers, Freedom, and Privacy, 1992. Publications: Library Automation: Issues and Applications (Bowker, 1985); Citizen Rights and Access to Electronic Information [editor] (ALA/LITA, 1992); recent articles include "Evaluating Internet Dial-up Access Options" in Computers in Libraries (1993); "Library Automation" in World Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science (1993) Education: B.A., University of Kansas; M.A. University of Texas at Austin; A.M.L.S. University of Chicago. Statement: From the perspective of library and information technology, we live in the most exciting and challenging times imaginable. Developments and responses to issues surrounding information technology over the next few years will have a profound impact not just on our profession, but on virtually all aspects of our society as we head toward the Twenty-first Century. If elected, I will work to help ensure a strong LITA and to promote an agenda that enhances LITA's role in the professional information technology community. Structural priorities include being certain that LITA remains financially viable; that its strategic planning initiatives are carried forward; and that efforts are made to recruit new members and retain current ones. These goals can best be accomplished by providing programs and services that are valuable and directly relevant to members' work and professional lives, by bringing more members into active participation, and by exploring innovative methods of program delivery. There are several programs and issues that I feel are particularly important for LITA's future, and which I will work toward if elected. Included among these are: *for LITA to take continuing education programs to members in the field, employing both traditional and technologically innovative methods of presentation and delivery; *for LITA to pursue strategic alliances, working closely with other ALA divisions and library organizations, and also with a wide spectrum of other participants in the information technology community; *for LITA to take a strong public interest leadership role in debates on information technology policy and the National Information Infrastructure, advocating the importance of such issues as intellectual freedom, privacy, and equity of access; *for LITA to be a recognized leader in emphasizing the importance of human values in applications of information technology. I would be honored to serve as your Vice President/President-elect and to work with you in these exciting times. R Bruce Miller Vice President/President-elect BACKGROUND: ASSISTANT UNIVERSITY Librarian--Technical Services, University of California, San Diego // LITA activities--Board of Directors (1991-1992), Third National Conference Steering Committee, LITA/Meckler Award Committee (1990), Imagineering Interest Group Steering Committee (1989-1992), Editorial Board Information Technology and Libraries (1989-present), Publications Committee (1989-1992), Second National Conference Program Planning Committee, Technical Standards for Library Automation (1982-1986) // numerous LITA programs and publications, most recently--Thinking Robots, an Aware Internet, and Cyberpunk Librarians: The 1992 LITA President's Program (with Milton T. Wolf), Books About the Future, "Computers and Romanization of Chinese Bibliographic Records" (with Karl K. Lo) in ITAL, "Images of Information Technology and Libraries in Science Fiction" in Convergence, "Glossary of Terms, Networks, and Organizations" in Library Perspectives on NREN: The National Research and Education Network // other--Editorial Board Public Access Computer Systems Review Statement: This is a time for transformation and perhaps even transcendence. Automation of library operations, albeit important, will soon be a matter of business as usual, and it is time for us to set our sights on new directions. We are poised to use information technology fully to truly find, organize, and deliver information--without regard for temporal and spatial limitations! Our focus is about to move from shallow indexing and book cataloging backlogs to the issues imbedded in direct access to massive multimedia content. LITA needs leaders who understand these implications and can provide enabling structures to capitalize on the rich talents of its members. We are composed of both brand new professionals and seasoned researchers. We are guiding national information policy while we are helping the one person library to automate circulation. We are developing new partnerships with technologists, and the public needs our skills more than ever. We have to meet these diverse needs and balance the budget, too. Why am I running for this position? I've done enough of the mundane, bureaucratic work through the years to know that I can deliver on that part. But the top leadership role in LITA is much more than that. It is also the locus for where we are going and where we are leading society. Like so many of my LITA friends, I am excited about the future. I believe that I have insights and expertise that will help us get there in good form. Besides, I have the information technology tiger by the tail right now, and I'm not about to let go! Roberta J. Wallis Director-at-Large BACKGROUND: EDUCATION: UNIVERSITY of Florida, B.S. in Business Administration, 1976; Coursework in Mathematics and Computer Science, 1984-87. Rutgers University, MLS in Information Science, 1991. Work Experience: Library Information Systems Analyst, New York Public Library, 1990-present. Senior Library Administrative Associate, New York Public Library, 1988-90. Administrative Director of Research Center, University of Florida, 1984-87. Personnel Specialist, University of Florida, 1979-84. LITA Activities: LITA Imagineering Interest Group, Chair, 1991-93; LITA 3rd National Conference Program Planning Committee, 1990-93; LITA 2nd National Conference, Staff, 1988. Other Professional and Related Organizations: American Society for Information Science, 1991-present. Currently Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, and member of Board of Directors of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of New York, to 1997. Publications: "Nanotechnology: The Library of Congress in Your Pocket," 1992; "(Ad)dressing for Success: An Internet Primer for NYPL," 1992. Statement: LITA is uniquely positioned to provide leadership on behalf of library and information services in the development and utilization of the coming national information infrastructure and other emerging technologies. As we move towards the millenium, our role as advocates for providing access to information for all people and in promoting technological literacy will acquire a sharper focus and greater urgency. LITA's vision statement speaks loudly to and for me: I am deeply interested in the democratizing potential of information technology, in its possibilities for developing communities and building bridges within our diverse society, and in its potential for human development. I will bring to the Board of Directors both my enthusiasm for the organization's mission and the technical and administrative expertise to help pilot our association through the exciting and unknown times ahead. Pamela Q. J. Andre Director-at-Large BACKGROUND: --EDUCATION: BA (Government) University of New Hampshire; MLS University of Maryland. --Present Position: Acting Director, National Agricultural Library; Associate Director for Automation, National Agricultural Library. 1984-Present. Previous Positions: Assistant Chief, MARC Editorial Division, Library of Congress, 1981-1984; Computer System Analyst, Automated Systems Office, Library of Congress, 1968-1978. Selected Activities: National Information Standard Organization Standards Development Committee, 1993-Present; Library Hi Tech Editorial Board, 1989-Present; Internet Research: Electronic Networking Applications and Policy Editorial Board, 1992-Present; Microcomputers for Information Management Advisory Board, 1993-Present; LITA International Relations Committee, 1993-Present; LITA 3rd National Conference Program Planning Committee, 1991-1993; LITA Program Planning Committee, 1988-1992. Statement: As networking and information technology play a larger and more important role in libraries, LITA's responsibility to support these efforts becomes greater. It is time for LITA to reach out beyond its membership to ensure that all members of the library community, from public libraries to special libraries to research libraries, have the opportunity to gain the technical expertise necessary to enhance their roles as information providers to all citizens. If elected, I will work to guide the organization toward this broadened role. Elizabeth Lane Lawley Director-at-Large BACKGROUND: EDUCATION: MLS in Information Technology from the University of Michigan, 1987. Currently a doctoral student and instructor at the University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies. Professional Experience: Director of Internet Training & Consulting Services, 1993-present. Supervised computer support and CD-ROM product support for Congressional Information Service, 1989-1992. Library of Congress intern, and then Government and Law Bibliographer in LC's Congressional Research Service, 1987-1989. LITA Activities: Chair, Microcomputer Users Interest Group 1987-89. Interest Group Chair Coordinator 1989-91. Chair, Leadership Development Committee, 1990-92. Nominating Committee, 1992. Chair, LITA/GEAC-CLSI Scholarship Committee, 1993-94; Editorial Board member for LITA's new electronic publication, Telecommunications Electronic Reviews. Publications: "Choosing an Internet Trainer or Consultant," Internet Unleashed (Sams, in press); "Advertising on the Internet," Internet Business Journal, v.1, n.3; Internet Primer for Information Professionals (Meckler, 1992); Microcomputer Management & Maintenance for Libraries (Meckler, 1990). Former Name: Elizabeth S. Lane Statement: As the data superhighway of the future takes shape around us, librarianship faces a crucial decision point. Will we let the tidal wave of "net-mania" sweep us into oblivion, or will we ride its crest, allowing it to take our profession to greater heights? Librarians were among the first to recognize the power of computer networks for information delivery, and our skills in organizing and providing access to information have never been more necessary than they are in today's world of information overload. But we need LITA to provide a critical leadership role as we move into the future of networked information. I believe that my background in library-related businesses, service, and education--as well as my experience as a LITA interest group and Committee Chair--will allow me to provide you with that leadership. I hope that you think so, too. Patrick Flannery Director-at-Large BACKGROUND: CURRENTLY NETWORK and Systems Analyst for the Texas Medical Center Library, Houston, TX. Former positions include 12 years of systems experience at a number of institutions, including the American University (Assistant University Librarian/Collections Services and Systems Librarian, 1990-94), the New Haven Free Public Library (Computer Services, 1989-90), and the National Geographic Society (Systems Librarian, 1985-87). In addition to systems experience, I have served as a reference librarian for a number of years, and most recently administered a large technical services operation. M.L.I.S. Syracuse University, 1979; additional graduate coursework in information systems and systems analysis, the American University. Former member, Washington Research Library Consortium's Systems Planning Advisory Committee and Imaging Task Force. Adjunct faculty member, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, the Catholic University of America (1991-93); courses taught in information systems and library automation project management. LITA involvement includes: editorial board, ITAL (1992-95); member Legislation and Regulation Committee (1992-94; Chair, 1993/94). Represented LITA Legislation and Regulation Committee at ALA/CLR Telecommunications Policy Forum (Washington, DC, Sept. 1992). Write/edit "Washington Report" column for LITA Newsletter. ALA involvement includes: member, Legislation Assembly (1992-94; Chair 1993/94); member, Committee on Legislation (1993/94). Also member of Medical Library Association; Texas Library Association; Association for Computers and the Humanities. Systems experience: NOTIS, Innovative Interfaces, Geac, CLSI, OCLC, and Sirsi; local and wide area networks, including Novell, TCP/IP, gopher. Statement: I've been involved actively with LITA since 1990, and in that time have seen the gap between the information rich and poor in our own profession grow enormously. In my career I have jumped gaps that supposedly exist among types of libraries, and between public and technical services. From this viewpoint I am concerned about the under-representation of public, special, and school libraries in LITA, and would work to promote membership in these sectors. I would work to develop LITA's potential as a technology resource for ALA as a whole. I have tracked federal telecommunications policy as Chair of the Legislation Committee, and will work to develop methods of raising member awareness of this vital issue. As the technologies of information undergo a massive overhaul, LITA stands in a unique position to work with other ALA divisions and other national associations in guiding the development of the NII. John Popko Director-at-Large BACKGROUND: EDUCATION--B.A., English Lang. & Lit. (1971). M.S.L.S., Univ of Kentucky (1978). M.P.A. (in progress). Employment--Univ of Missouri-Kansas City: Asst Dir, Tech Services (1985-present); Head Cataloger (1983-85); Serials Librn (1979-82). Libr Services Ctr of Missouri: State Documents Cataloger (1978-79). Missouri Newspaper Project (USNP): Project Dir (1990-present). Activities--President, OCLC Users Council, (1992/93). Delegate, OCLC Users Council (1987-present). LITA Program Planning Comm (1992-present). LITA Bylaws & Organization Comm (1988-92, Chair 1991/92). LITA/CLSI Scholarship Subcomm (1992/93). LAMA LOMS Comparative Libr Organization Comm (1988-92). Alternate Delegate, White House Conf (1991). Mo. LSCA Advisory Comm (1988-91, Chair 1989-91). Mo. Union List of Serial Publs Advisory Comm (1981-85, Chair 1984-85). Presentations on technical services administration, MARC format, online catalogs, serials costs, OCLC, Mo. Newspaper Project. Statement: Information technology itself excites and challenges us, but it is the transforming power of that technology which has kept me involved in LITA. As a learning and a teaching organization, LITA has united ideas and applications, technology and people, profoundly influencing how we think, work, and live. We must offer a clear strategic plan, adequate financial resources, useful programs and publications, and a readiness to cooperate with diverse and sophisticated constituents. As Director-at-Large, I will pursue LITA's potential as an organization which connects people, policy, and technology to transform our libraries and schools, our profession and communities, and ourselves. Barbra Buckner Higginbotham Director-at-Large BACKGROUND: EDUCATION: DLS and MLS, Columbia University; BA, Centenary College of Louisiana. Career: Chief Librarian, Brooklyn College, 1985-present; Head of Access Services (1983-1985), Columbia University Libraries; Head of Original Cataloging (1979-1983), Columbia University Libraries. Offices/Achievements: LITA Program Planning Committee (Chair) (1992-present); LITA Emerging Technologies Interest Group (Chair) (1989-1991); LITA Optical Systems Interest Group (Secretary) (1988-1989); ALA Committee on Accreditation Site Visitor (1989-present). Board of Trustees, New York Metropolitan Reference and Research Library Agency, 1993-present. Board of Trustees, School of Library Service Alumni Association, Columbia University (President, 1990-1991). Publications: Access Versus Assets: A Comprehensive Resource Sharing Guide for Academic Librarians (ALA Books, 1993); Our Past Preserved: A History of American Library Preservation, 1876-1910 (G.K. Hall, 1990); Advances in Preservation and Access (Meckler, 1992) Statement: As Chair of LITA's Program Planning Committee one of my priorities has been to work with the program committees of the other ALA divisions, identifying common interests and resolving some of the issues that hamper effective cross-divisional programming. As Director-at-Large, I want to continue to promote inter-divisional program planning, along with a strong new program of LITA regional institutes we can co-sponsor with state and local library associations. Regional institutes are an important way to bring quality programming to librarians who cannot attend ALA conferences. Technology is a vital tool for every one of us. LITA can reach out, both to the other ALA divisions and regional library groups, exploring collective concerns and developing them into programs and institutes that meet the needs of librarians who are using a variety of technologies, at many different levels of sophistication, across the nation. That is my goal.