ALA inaugural speech delivered in Anaheim at the American Library Association's Annual Conference on July 1, 2008.
To set the tone and establish the theme for my inaugural speech, a fife and drum corps opened the ceremony and Benjamin Franklin, played by an interpreter, welcomed the audience and reflected on his love of reading and his contribution to the genesis of the library movement in America. This recording was made in a studio prior to the event. (14 minutes, 34 seconds)
District Dispatch podcast #21
On September 6, 2007, I visited ALA's Washington Office to meet staff I didn't already know and for briefings on current legislative and regulatory issues. While there I sat down for a conversation with Andy Bridges, the WO's communications specialist, for District Dispatch podcast #21. We talked about my vision for my term as ALA's president. (6 minutes, 26 seconds)
University of Wisconsin School of Library and Information Studies
The Alumni Association of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Library and Information Services selected me for its 2006 Distinguished Alumnus Award. This included an invitation to join the SLIS faculty and the graduating students and their families at the school’s graduation ceremony on May 14. Each student had the opportunity to say a few words. I wish every librarian could hear the stories of the sacrifices many of these students made to achieve their dream to become a librarian. Their deep commitment to librarianship assures a strong future for our profession. After I was presented with my award, I had the opportunity to speak to the graduates. (approximately 10 minutes)
ALA Council, New Orleans Annual Conference, June 2006
My term as a member of the ALA Executive Board and as a member of the ALA Council concluded on June 28, 2006, at the Annual Conference in New Orleans. Near the end of Council III I asked president Michael Gorman for a moment of personal privilege so I could share with Council my thoughts on an issue pertinent to Council and the Executive Board. (approximately 1 minute)