ACRL New England Chapter News Online
Fall 2000, No. 91






President's Letter:
Plus ca change et plus la meme chose!

Harvey Varnet
Providence College

It is true that "no condition is permanent" and trite to say that the speed of change is ever-increasing. But there is the flip side of the coin ­ principles and values remain constant and give us a sense that "change" will no doubt turn out alright.

My change ­ I'm now at a new job as Library Director at Providence College ­ is similar to what many of you have experienced lately. Several great colleagues have changed positions, looking for a new challenge or a better professional environment or a better fit for themselves in the next organization. What comes with changing jobs is uncertainty ­ what's the new culture like, are my colleagues receptive to new ideas, how will I ever get to meet all the people I need to know, who can I trust, where do I park.

But for me, the positions may change but the goal remains as clear as ever. In education, our goal is to help people change their lives! We provide a wonderful service that, when running right, is an integral partner in the educational process. The way we partner with faculty and staff has changed a great deal, and the methods we use in our work lives seem to change daily. If you don't like change, get out of this business now! But, wow, are our tools more far-reaching and powerful than ever ­ you ask, we find and get it ­ and even the very smallest of libraries has an incredible reach at its electronic fingertips.

If you like change, love people and want to have a positive effect on many students, then you've chosen a pretty neat profession in which to engage yourself. The late Dick Palmer of Simmons College's GSLIS used to say that you can't make progress and be comfortable, and that a little uncertainty and anxiety was a good thing ­ it kept you sharp and open to differences. To that I say bring it on, and we'll have fun doing this important work as well.

So new job, new people, new ways of getting things done. The comfort is in knowing the constant ­ that library service makes a difference in the lives of many people. It just doesn't get any better than this!