Libraries Lead -- Library Workers Lead -- Library Supporters Lead
Statement of Purpose
Although we have a rich heritage of our profession being the consummate
supporting profession, I see our profession as one that leads. Libraries lead,
library workers lead, and library supporters lead. We lead from front lines,
from the middle, and the top, and we lead in our field as well as in related
fields. Our professional infrastructures (our associations) not only support us
in leadership initiatives, but they are also out in front, identifying issues
and expertise, building networks, designing and delivering content, and
creating opportunities for us to step up, reach out, and speak up on behalf of
ourselves and our constituents. Our primary Association, the American Library
Association, is critical to the success of the profession in general and the
present and future success of libraries, library workers, and library
supporters; and, although the Association has always managed dozens of issues
simultaneously, ALA has chosen to focus on advocacy, information policy, and
professional and leadership development as foundation issues for the future. To
that end, ALA presidents are integrating their own vision into ALA’s vision,
and I believe I am uniquely qualified to lead our membership in working to
achieve this collective vision.
Libraries Lead
We can find best practices to illustrate success for all types and sizes of
library; however, a number of elements must be present for libraries to be
successful. We
must proactively communicate what libraries are, what they do, and the value
they bring by articulating their vision, mission, goals, outcomes and values.
These critical statements must be delivered to an engaged community of
constituents through advocacy and marketing. As ALA President, I will be
committed to stimulating innovation, expanding content as well as modes and
methods of delivering messages, and broadening discussions to ensure that
ALA’s foundation issues are at the forefront of the 21st-century library
agenda.
Library Workers Lead
What makes libraries truly unique is the expertise within the library. Although
associations often struggle with whom to represent (the Library? Services?
Resources? Staff?), the reality is that the most carefully designed facilities,
perfect access, the best-designed services, or the perfect set of resources are
not the complete library picture until we articulate staff expertise as the
most important benefit to the user as well as the value of the library. As ALA
President, I will be committed to the design and delivery of education,
training and marketing content that illustrates and advocates the expertise of
those who work in library and information settings.
Library Supporters Lead
Although library supporters and stakeholders have always been valued for their
commitment and service to our profession, it has never been more important than
it is now to bring them to the center of the discussion with expanded roles for
their expertise to advocate for classic and contemporary initiatives. As ALA
President, I will honor the contributions of supporters and stakeholders and
ensure that they have positive and persuasive messages to influence decision
makers and civic leaders locally and at state and national levels. Through my
work, teaching and training, publications and consulting, I have devoted my
career to strengthening all libraries, regardless of type or size, and to
promoting strong library leadership and management principles. Leading this
Association requires not only personal and professional competencies but the
support of members.
I ask for your vote.
Julie Todaro