FROM THE EDITOR
Jain Fletcher
This issue comes at a time of the year when the content is expected to be on the short side, since all the ALA reports and minutes are published in the issue prior to this one. While it is true that the lack of conference reporting does render a shorter issue, there is still a complete allotment of excellent contributions from our regular columnists and reporters. Along with Amy Weiss's book review column, Barbara Vaughn's news column and Jay Weitz's Q & A column, there is also an update on planning for the upcoming joint OLAC/MOUG Conference, as well as a special contribution from a guest columnist.
Yes, I said "guest columnist". For my last issue as Editor, I wanted to give something extra special to the readers of the Newsletter. So, I asked my esteemed UCLA colleague and long-time OLAC member, Martha Yee, if she was working on anything right now that might be in line with the interests of OLAC members. I let her know that I was especially interested in something stimulating and provocative. With such an open-ended request, Martha seemed a little uncertain as to how she might be able to fulfill it, but expressed her willingness to try. Her consequent contribution ended up being something beyond my wildest hopes. It is a short report about something she is working on and it gives links to that work. I hope that our readers read her report here, and also go to all the links, to get the full impact of the work she is doing. I expect you to find it as thought-provoking as I have.
While there would never be enough room to talk at length about all of my memorable working relationships over the years, I would like to mention a few, at least briefly. The first person who comes to mind is Sue Neumeister, who has been an invaluable behind-the-scenes editor for me, a sounding board for my thoughts and ideas and an estimable all-around advisor. Also, during my early days in this unfamiliar job, I will never forget that Kay Johnson was there for me at every turn and gave me crucial advice and support whenever I asked--despite the fact that she was also trying to perform her own job as OLAC President! Constancy is another trait treasured by editors and all the regular columnists and submitters always came through with gratifying amounts of it. I would just like to give their names, in no particular order, so that you know who I mean: Jan Mayo, Barbara Vaughn, Vicki Toy Smith, Amy Weiss, Jay Weitz, John Attig, Greta de Groat, Kevin Furniss--and all others who wrote special reports for issues. I have said it before, and now I will say it for one last time in this space: OLAC has wonderful members! I have been proud to have had this opportunity to serve you.
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Last updated: January 16, 2008
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