Vice Chair/Chair Elect Candidate
Christopher Cox

“Since moving to Wisconsin three years ago I have been impressed by the energy and dedication of Wisconsin’s academic librarians.  They are an important asset to the state and to the education of its inhabitants, and WAAL’s role in the cultivation of librarian skills is paramount.  Yet WAAL, along with the library profession, faces some serious challenges.  The graying of our profession makes it more important than ever to recruit and retain good librarians in the state.   WAAL must continue its effort to bring in new members, promoting the organization to new hires and to groups who previously have not been involved in WAAL, educating them on the benefits of being members.  We need to offer academic librarians in the region incentives to become members such as scholarships, reduced membership fees for new members or for members who bring others into the fold, and we need to investigate the current cost of membership in general.   Our annual conference has been a jewel in our crown for years.  We need to expand on this to offer additional opportunities for discussion and exchange of ideas, possibly through the creation of new WAAL committees which appeal to groups who have not been active in the past, and by offering existing committees incentives to create programming and events which engage their memberships.  I’ve seen this model work particularly well at ACRL New England.   Finally, WAAL offers many additional collaborative opportunities, exemplified in initiatives like the creation of the Information Literacy Competencies and Criteria for Academic Librarians in Wisconsin, which we have yet to explore.  No other organization in the state allow librarians from all academic backgrounds, whether they work at a community or technical college, private or public university, come together and exchange ideas.  We need to exploit this opportunity and use it to improve library service for all of our users.  I pledge to build on our previous successes to make WAAL an even stronger and more influential organization in the lives of Wisconsin’s academic librarians and of its citizens. “

Secretary Candidate

Susan Foran

Secretary Candidate

Andrea Carriveau

“I am honored to be a nominee for the position of WAAL Secretary.  I have been a member of WAAL since I was a student at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee’s School
of Library and Information Science, and I have been given increasing leadership opportunities through the years.  It seems like time to step forward and become a member of the WAAL board.”

“I would like to serve as WAAL secretary because I have gained so much from the organization and would like the chance to give back to it in a significant way.”

Member-at-Large Candidate

Debra Nordgren

Member-at-Large Candidate

Kathy Myers

“I have had many opportunities to provide leadership on my campus and in my teaching role in the Library Science Program I'm able to work with students, the future leaders, entering the library profession.  I welcome the opportunity to expand the promotion of libraries and librarianship by serving as the WAAL Member-at-Large.  I expect to work with the WAAL Board to implement the recommendations made by Sue Riehl, past WAAL Member-at-Large, resulting from the designated contacts survey.  The collaborative nature of librarianship makes me proud to be in the profession.  As the WAAL Member-at-Large I would be able to continue this important collaborative role as the liaison with WLA.  WLA has an ambitious strategic plan.  Working with WAAL and WLA to carry out the legislative and funding goals and the promotion of libraries and librarianship is a contribution I can make to the profession I value.”

“I am excited about the prospect of giving back to libraries since they have given so much to me throughout my life.  Libraries are a place that is important to communities whether they are academic or public.  WAAL provides a platform that creates a learning place in our libraries both for our users and us.  The opportunity to participate both in WAAL and WLA Board meetings will give me the capacity to advocate for you.  I have been fortunate in being able to attend state and local conferences and workshops and have always been able to network and come away with ideas for change and personal growth which I want to extend to WAAL.  I recognize the potential in being an active member of the WAAL Board and the opportunity to represent WAAL at the WLA Board meetings.”

ACRL Liaison Candidate

Laurie Swartwout

 “Having recently attended the 2007 ACRL conference, I was reminded once again of the breadth of issues and topics that librarians address on a day-to-day basis.  From “creating environments in which people with diverse backgrounds can thrive” to “marketing instructional services” to “keeping up with the rapidly evolving technological world” – conference participants were challenged to look to the future -- well beyond the basics taught in library / information science classes.  In order to keep up with the constant changes in our profession, I believe that it is essential for WAAL to continue to be actively represented in ACRL and ALA, our national organizations.  Participation is a two way experience – not just hearing what our colleagues in other states have done, but also sharing the experiences and expertise of librarians in Wisconsin.  Having served as WAAL Professional Development Committee Chair for several years, I am well aware of the strong academic organization we have in WAAL, probably one of the most active at a state level.  The research that is being conducted and the programs that are being initiated in Wisconsin are innovative and forward-looking.  As ACRL liaison, I would conscientiously represent our state chapter of ACRL and strive to keep communications between ACRL and WLA/WAAL current and responsive.”