Dear RUSA members,
I am writing to let you know about RUSA’s plan for continuity of leadership following the recent resignation of RUSA 2015-2016 President Liane Taylor. At the ALA Annual Conference, RUSA Board unanimously passed two motions which will ensure consistent leadership for the association. The first motion states that as 2015-2016 Vice President/President Elect, my term moves forward one year and I become President for 2015-2016 immediately. This action is consistent with the RUSA Bylaws, which state that in the case of a vacancy in the Presidential position the Vice President will fill the President’s term. I’m happy to take on the role of President a year early and look forward to working with all of you, with RUSA Board and with the RUSA staff.
The second motion calls for a special election to be held as soon as possible for a new Vice President/President Elect for 2015-2016, who will then serve as President for 2016-2017. While the Bylaws do not require that the office of Vice President be filled right now, RUSA Board feels strongly that a Vice President for 2015-2016 is needed to ensure that all responsibilities of elected positions are met over the next three years and that RUSA has consistent representation within ALA’s leadership structure. Logistics for this special election are still being determined but will be announced soon. We welcome nominations. To nominate someone, please contact Kathleen Kern, chair of the Nominating Committee, at mkathleen.kern@gmail.com.
As the new RUSA President, I welcome hearing your thoughts on the future of our association and your needs as members. My priority over the coming year will be to implement our new Strategic Plan, which I was lucky to work on last year as chair of our strategic plan task force.
Again, I welcome your ideas. Feel free to contact me any time at annehouston2@gmail.com.
Warm Wishes,
Anne
Anne Houston
Director of Teaching, Learning & Research, Smith College Libraries
President, Reference & User Services Association