Welcome to the 2022 Annual Conference!
Thank you so much to the conference chair, Karen Gelles, for leading the way in planning this event. The sessions reflect the ingenuity that I have come to respect of library colleagues. This is our first try at a hybrid event. I appreciate Karen and the rest of the planning committee's flexibility to try something new. There are also several networking events that I hope those of you at the conference in-person will take advantage of. There are several first-time SUNYLA attendees so make that extra effort to talk to someone new so everyone feels welcome.
The chairpersons involved with the Professional Development Committee met to continue the discussion from our last council meeting on the future of the committee. There were concerns that too much was under the umbrella of the Professional Development Committee and whether a new committee should be formed to handle awards and scholarships. It was decided to not form another committee and keep everything under the Professional Development Committee. The Promotion and Tenure ad hoc committee will also go under professional development. We decided to revise the bylaws description of the committee. The proposal to change the description passed during the April/May election. The new description is:
"The Professional Development Committee shall recommend and develop programs of continuing education for academic library professionals that reflect the principles and standards for college and university libraries. This committee will also support and recognize professional endeavors with grants, awards, and scholarships."
On April 3, the LIS Student sub-committee led by Amanda Lowe presented our first Future Librarians Day. It was a virtual event created for aspiring librarians to see different kinds of academic library positions and to provide a space for them to connect with professionals in positions they may be interested in. There were three panels for archives and special collections, public services, and technical services. It was a successful event that will be repeated again next spring.
Curtis Kendrick sent a charter for a proposed Antiracism, Accessibility, Diversity, Justice, Inclusion and Equity Committee. We will discuss further during New Business.
Rebecca Hyams' term as LACUNY liaison to SUNYLA is complete and she has informed me that she is not seeking to be reappointed. I am currently looking for a replacement. Please send me or Jennifer DeVito your recommendations.
We are also looking for a volunteer to host the annual conference in 2024. SUNY Maritime will be hosting next year.
It was a pleasure serving as your president the past year. The organization is in great hands with Jennifer DeVito.
Respectfully submitted, Jocelyn Ireland
