Academic Library Association of Ohio
31st Annual Conference, November 4, 2005
Fawcett Center, Columbus, Ohio
31st Annual Conference, November 4, 2005
Fawcett Center, Columbus, Ohio
Biographical Information • Message from Camila
Biographical Information
Camila Alire is the dean of university libraries at the University of New Mexico, a position she has held since 2002. From 1997-01, she was the dean of university libraries at Colorado State University. She was also dean of libraries at the University of Colorado at Denver (1991-97), and, prior to that, was director of the learning resources center at Pikes Peak Community College (1984-89).
Her activities in ALA divisions include serving as chair of the 2005 ACRL National Conference, (2003-05), and as the Local Arrangements co-chair of the 2001 National Conference Executive Committee (1999-01). Alire was also active on the ACRL Budget and Finance Committee (1991-95), the College and Research Libraries News Editorial Advisory Board (1996-99), and the Community and Junior College Libraries Section (CJCLS) Executive Board (1989-91).
Among her ALA activities are service on ALA Council (1997-03); Executive Board (2000-03); Finance and Audit Committee (2000-03); American Libraries, chair (1997-99); Executive Director Search Committee, chair (1997-98); Education Committee, chair (1996); Nominating Committee, chair (1995); Accreditation Site Visitation Teams, (1989, 1991, 1994, 2000).
Alire’s activities in REFORMA include the Executive Board (1987,1989-95, 1999-00); the Education Committee, chair (1999-00); the National Conference Steering Committee, Fundraising chair (1995-97); the National President (1993-94); and the Finance Committee, chair (1994-95).
Her work with state and regional associations has included membership in the Colorado Library Association, with service on its Program Committee (1997); Special Events for Conference Committee, chair (1991); Legislative Committee, chair (1991-94); Local Arrangements Committee, co-chair (1998-89); Education Committee, chair (1986-87). Since 2002, Alire has also been involved with the New Mexico Library Association, and the Mountain Plains Library Association.
She is also involved with the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), where she is currently on the Executive Board (2003-2006), and the Leadership Committee (2000). In addition, she was active on the Diversity Committee (1998-00).
Alire was awarded the ALA Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award (1997), the Mountain Plains Library Association Legislative Leadership Award, and the CLA Exemplary Library Services to Ethnic Populations Award (1995 & 1998).
Her publications include Library Disaster Planning and Recovery Handbook, Editor/Contributor, 2000; Serving Latino Communities, Co-author, 1998; "Minorities and the Symbolic Potential of the Academic Library," Co-author, College and Research Libraries, Nov., 1995.
Alire received her bachelor of arts degree from Adams State College and her master’s of library science from the University of Denver. She also received her Ed.D. from the University of Northern Colorado.
Message from Camila
What an exciting time to be involved in academic libraries and ACRL—exciting but challenging. No matter what positions we hold in our libraries, our responsibilities seem to be ever-changing as we face increasing challenges, such as the reality of reduced funding, the demand for more electronic resources and services, the expectation to lead scholarly communication discussion and action, the certainty of retirements en masse, and the challenge to diversify our institutions and academic libraries’ workforce, among others.
ACRL needs to be in the position, through our strategic plan, to help you all grow, cope, and benefit as members. I can’t think of a better time for me, personally, to lead ACRL with the assistance of my colleagues to further shape ACRL into an even more responsive organization in these ever-changing times. I can’t think of a better time to work aggressively on the leadership development of our members. And, I can’t think of a better time to reach out to make ACRL and our state chapters a welcoming place for other academic library workers and nonmembers.
2005-2006 President’s Strategic Focus:
Charting Our Future: Advocacy to Advance Academic Libraries
ACRL is embarking on a new strategic direction titled Charting our Future, and I am excited about being a part of this newly envisioned future. During my term as president next year, my strategic focus will be on advocating for and advancing academic libraries. It will be referred to as "Charting Our Future: Advocacy to Advance Academic Libraries."
The goal of advocacy is one of the ACRL’s strategic areas of focus for the next five years. During my presidency, I will be concentrating, to some extent, on grassroots advocacy that includes the training of frontline librarians and other library workers "to strengthen their influence on their local campuses in campus awareness and activity related to public policy affecting higher education."
Besides grassroots advocacy, the broader topics include "influencing" public policy, information and communication technologies, and accrediting agencies; communicating major trends and issues in academic libraries; and strengthening partnerships with other organizations. All of these advocacy efforts are important, but what is important is engage our library staffs to be involved.
Academic libraries in the 21st century face responsibilities that seem to be ever-changing. These challenges, though daunting, push ACRL members in a positive direction as we work together and grow. I am excited to be in a position that allows me to work proactively for and with so many talented people.
*Information and top image courtesy of ACRL, http://www.ala.org/acrl.
Additional image courtesy Library of Congress "To Preserve and Protect" preservation pages.