In an era marked by globalization and digitization, convergence is occurring all around us, and in many contexts. Convergence of economies. Convergence of previously distant cultures, both around the world and in local communities. Convergence of private and public enterprises, and of previously separate institutions. Convergence of previously distinctive formats of media, and of literary and performance genres. Convergence of information and advertising, of telecommunications and library collections. What benefits and what losses arise from such convergence? How much is significant, how much is trivial, how much is mirage?
The 2001 Annual Conference of the Washington Library Association explored these changes in many strong programs on specific topics ranging from electronic collections and resources, to storytelling, to open information and privacy, to library friends groups and trustees. In this conference number, Alki’s authors reflect on the issues and carry the discussions forward. They identify many questions, and provide some answers too. Photos by conference photographer Deb Cutler help convey the mood of the event
Alki Editor: Carolynne Myall
Alki Editorial Committee: Sue Anderson; Kathleen Ardrey, Chair; Tami Echavarria; Cheryl Farabee; Nancy Huling; Cameron Johnson; Eva-Maria Lusk; Carla McLean; David Hurley, intern; Cathy Brownell, Link editor
Election of Library Trustees: Good, Bad, Coming Soon?
by Cameron A. Johnson, Everett Public Library
e-Books: Still in a Niche?
by Steward Robbins, Spokane County Library District
Telling India with Cathy Spagnoli
by Cindy Benson, Spokane County Library District
IL is Not ILL or ESL, or IL, The Newest and Greatest, or Info Lit 101, or…
by Carla McLean, Kent Regional Library
“Libraries Build Sustainable Communities”
by Jonathan Betz-Zall, City University Library—Everett
Now What?
by Thom Barthelmess, Spokane County District Library
Statewide Database Licensing: Past Life and Future Focus
by Sue Anderson, Spokane Falls Community College Library
La Biblioteca del Destino: A Library Opera
by Angelynn King, University of Redlands Library
Excerpts from the Conference—Last and First
Anatomy of a Grant
by Judy T Nelson, King County Library System
Columns
Upfront: A Convergence of Thanks
by Carol Gill Schuyler, Kitsap Regional Library
From the Editor: A Convergence of Communities
by Carolynne Myall, Eastern Washington University Libraries
Who’s on First? [With: WLA Intellectual Freedom Statement, adopted 4/2001]: Putting Our IF Principles into Practice: Now is the Time for Active Advocacy
by Tom Reynolds, Edmonds Library
WLA Communiqué
WLA and WLFTA Awards 2001
Profile: David Hurley, Recipient of the 2001 WLA Scholarship
Profile: Lisa Oldoski, Recipient of the 2000 WLA Scholarship
by Nancy Huling, University of Washington Libraries
I’d Rather Be Reading: Notable Non-Fiction and Poetry
