ACRL College & Research Libraries News

College & Research Libraries News

In the News

We are delighted to report that C&RL News now has a permanent editor, Stephanie Orphan, who will assume editorial responsibility starting with the February issue. Read about her excellent qualifications in “News from the Field.” My term as acting editor has been a great experience for a retired academic librarian, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to rejoin the library world.

This year’s presidential theme of “Learning Communities” is highlighted in Linda St. Clair’s description of such a community at the University of Utah, where the librarians are vital partners in a successful academic program (page 24). Berkley Laite demonstrates the capacity of smaller academic libraries to respond to changed environments with innovations in service (page 15). New technologies can powerfully assist librarians in carrying out their missions, as illustrated in Christopher Cox’s very practical application of Blackboard software to library instruction (page 11). Speaking of technologies, you’ll enjoy Denise Beaubien Bennett’s lighthearted look at some older ones (page 30).

The roles of librarians are constantly expanding, and creating exhibits has become a major one for some of us. Learn how some of your colleagues are responding in the article by Andrew Dutka, Sherman Hayes, and Jerry Parnell (page 19).

ACRL wants an active membership, and this issue suggests some opportunities. Why not plan to participate in the 2003 National Conference by organizing a panel? Guidance in doing so successfully can be found in Damon Hickey’s article (page 28). At least prepare to vote for the leadership of your organization by reviewing the list of candidates on page 36.

—Maureen Gleason, Acting Editor mgleason@ala.org.