This issue of Alki centers on the 2011 WLA conference, which took place April 6–8, in Yakima. It was a full, rich conference, and it gave us much to explore within these pages—from engaging keynote speakers to provocative conference sessions to inspiring awards ceremonies.
I admit that at first I wasn’t sure what to make of the theme “Libraries Take Flight.” But as the conference unfolded, and as we began to plan this issue, I became quite impressed by the many interesting interpretations: It was of course fun seeing everyone dressed up as birds and butterflies at the Interest Group Meet and Greet Reception. I was, and am, intrigued by keynote speaker Lyanda Haupt’s description of librarians and library workers as crows, or tricksters (Haupt explains in her interview with Tami Robinson on p. 10). And looking owls, hawks, and an eagle in the eye, at the Raptor House Rehabilitation Center’s demonstration, was quite an experience. (One of these birds is featured on this issue’s cover.)
But I think my favorite interpretation of the flight theme is the one advanced by Emily Keller in her article “Birds of a Feather,” which starts this issue off (p. 5). Emily asserts that no matter how different our jobs or our libraries, we have much in common, and much to gain by working together across our differences. Emily’s idea of breaking artificial boundaries is echoed by a number of other pieces in this issue. Hayden Bass and Linda Johns, in a guest “I’d Rather Be Reading” column (p. 30), encourage us to ignore the distinctions between teen and adult literature. Robert Olivia describes a process of partnering with many different organizations to accomplish a major rejuvenation of the Seattle Symphony archives (p. 21). And Craig Seasholes, in an article on Library Snapshot Day (p. 16), shows us the power that disparate library associations can create when they join together.
Alki Editor: Bo Kinney
Alki Editorial Committee: Sue Anderson, committee chair; Samantha Becker; Diane Cowles; Theresa Kappus; Emily Keller; Tami Robinson; Kate Skinner; Tony Wilson
Alki was designed by Tammy Reniche, Director of Publications for Melby Cameron & Anderson.
Cover photo: Owl at Raptor House Rehabilitation Center demonstration, during exhibitor reception at 2011 WLA conference. Photo by Kate Skinner.
