ACRL New England Chapter

The Women’s Studies Interest Group (WSIG), founded in 1992, is approaching its 20th anniversary and is inviting a new generation of academic librarians to bring passion and commitment to revitalizing the discipline with fresh ideas, perspectives, and creative approaches to communication and programming.

As we New Englanders prepare for winter, regional member participation, communications, fiscal responsibility and leadership are high on the ACRL/NEC agenda. With six states in our Chapter, the challenge of serving our constituents is being met by our creative Special Interest Groups, such as the New England Library Instruction Group, co-chaired by Christine Drew and Beth Rohloff. On December 9th, the program, “BEYOND THE BASICS: INFORMATION LITERACY FOR UPPER LEVEL, ADVANCED RESEARCHERS AND FACULTY” was held simultaneously in two different locations: the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, hosted by Mary MacDonald, and at the Boston Public Library, hosted by Beth Rohloff of Tufts University. This isn’t the first time NELIG has offered simultaneous programming across the region and the continuing success is evidence that our members appreciate our efforts.

The Technology Task Force, chaired by Talia Resendes of Johnson and Wales University, is investigating webcasting technologies that will enable members from Maine to Western Connecticut and Massachusetts to participate in Chapter programs and events. Talia is also co-chair with Laura Kohl of Bryant University, of our Information Technology Interest Group which recently held a very well attended program entitled, “Portable Libraries, Mobile Students.” Presenters discussed circulating Kindles, the “mobile information landscape,” and text-messaging reference service. Library Journal’s Cheryl LaGuardia was in attendance and posted a very favorable review on her November 20th blog. Other communications activities include a dynamic website courtesy of Tim Spindler of Roger Williams University, and Eleta Exline of the University of New Hampshire, a Facebook presence, newsletters, blogs and wikis. Oh my!

Our Finance Task Force is managing our fiscal responsibilities, while the President’s Task Force on Leadership is planning a workshop for the Spring. In an effort to be more responsive to the economic realities facing all libraries, our Annual Conference in May will showcase the unique perspectives of our Interest groups while “Embracing Our Electronic World: Challenges and Promises for Academic Libraries.” The program is scheduled for Friday, May 14, 2010 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., and will feature a keynote address by Lisa Hinchliffe, VP/President-Elect of ACRL National. Participating SIGs include Access Services, Scholarly Communications, Information Technology, Library Instruction, Collection Development, and Serials and Electronic Resources. The collaborative spirit of the New England Chapter is no more visible than when we are planning our annual conference. While the revenue generated by this event is the primary funding source for the Chapter, we have kept our registration costs flat for the past five years, and are able to offer multiple scholarships to enable members to attend.

On behalf of the Board of ACRL/NEC, I wish all our fellow Chapter members a peaceful and healthy New Year and hope we’ll be seeing many of you at mid-winter in Boston.

Barbara Ferrer Kenney,
Instructional Services Librarian
Roger Williams University
bkenney@rwu.edu