Dear RUSA Members:
With the new year in sight, it’s always nice to reflect on the past year and to look forward to upcoming events. First, I want to give special thanks to all the RUSA member volunteers who have given so much of their time and energy to carry out all their accomplishments this last year, which enriched our association. Although I’ve only been here for a few months, I can tell that you are truly the heart of the association and we are very lucky to have such dedicated volunteers, and loyal members. Second, looking forward, we are starting the new year out with a bang with some major events:
Book and Media Awards at Midwinter Conference, Boston
The Book and Media Awards is RUSA’s major event at Midwinter to share with the library community and the general public the results of our member volunteers’ hard work selecting the best publications of the year, and to honor those who have won awards relating to book reviewing, promotion, or publishing. The reception is a lovely event, a great party, our way to thank member volunteers for their hard work and a celebration of the best books and resources of the year. The reception will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2010 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Intercontinental Boston, Rose Kennedy III room.
RUSA Midwinter Social at Midwinter Conference, Boston
What better way to kick off the new year than having an opportunity to eat, drink, catch up with old friends, make new friends, and learn more about RUSA! Past, present and future RUSA members are all invited to this event, which will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010 in the Rooftop Ballroom at the Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston. Appetizers and drinks will be available, and RSVPs are not required. This event is generously sponsored by Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. More information about Thomson Reuters is available at thomsonreuters.com. More details about the event and our sponsor can be found here.
Town Hall Session at RUSA Board Meeting 1, Midwinter Conference, Boston
All RUSA members are invited to come and share constructive insights, perceptions, comments, and thoughts about RUSA at the first RUSA Midwinter board session, which takes place at the beginning of the meeting on Saturday, January 16, 2010, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the Boston Convention Exhibition Center (BCEC), room 102A. We want to hear from you and will use what we hear to help plan the strategic direction of RUSA.
Big Think, RUSA Board Meeting, Midwinter Conference, Boston
The RUSA Board devotes time at the Midwinter meeting for a RUSA Big Think; this is a time for the Board to brainstorm a critical question facing the association. One of our biggest issues this year is attracting new members. Our President, Susan J. Beck, has written two very timely articles that fit right in with this topic: one assesses some interesting trends in the issues addressed by recent candidates for elective positions in RUSA, and she succinctly points out the value of reference librarians (“library lifesavers”) and RUSA membership in another: “We Must Think Strategically,” RUSQ, Spring 2010 (attached) and “This is our time to shine,” RUSQ, 49:1 (also attached). Please feel free to come to the RUSA board meeting on Saturday, January 16, 2010, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the Boston Convention Exhibition Center (BCEC), room 102A and participate in the Big Think.
Also – please look me up if you’re attending Midwinter – I love to hear from members. I wish you all a 2010 filled with happiness and good health!
Best Wishes,
Susan
Susan Hornung
Executive Director, RUSA
Email: shornung@ala.org