In this, the annual conference issue, we look at the Libraries Are Market Fresh theme, much of which ties in with the offerings--now and in the works--by libraries to the ever-changing needs and desires of patrons as well as how we support our co-workers. Digital Services Librarian Zac Matthews lays out how Sno-Isle’s pursuit of Gen Y & Z (18 to 35 years old) involves the library adapting, engaging and growing with its users as part of a process to turn them into library advocates. Driving this mission is the wish to avoid losing these patrons--or, worse still, never attracting them in the first place (p. 6). Also at the conference, WLA experimented with its first-ever lunch and learn combo, and Political Science and Public Policy Librarian Emily Keller explains how that popular event unfolded (p. 11).
With WLMA coming on board in January and the WLA annual conference three months later, I certainly met quite a few WLMA conference attendees and spotted a lot of new faces. The merger almost doubled our membership to 1,400, and “We’re happy that the tent’s not only fuller, but a lot more fun,” said WLMA President-Elect Craig Seasholes during the awards lunch on the last day. Seasholes and the current WLMA President, Sharyn Merrigan, have followed up here with more about the melding of the associations (p. 20). When ecolibrarian Jonathan Betz-Zall accepted the Candace Morgan Intellectual Freedom Award on the last day of the conference, he urged all who work at libraries to act on their unique opportunity to inspire patrons (p. 18). 2016 WLA Conference Co-Chair and Librarian Aileen Luppert makes the case for—and discusses her part in—dedicated career development services in libraries (p. 21). With his usual panache, Reference Librarian Cameron Johnson unleashes a droll take on questionable service animals in the library (p. 28). By the way, WLA has many of the session handouts on its website for your perusal preconference sessions and the conference sessions.
Alki Editor: Joyce Hansen
Alki Editorial Committee: Diane Cowles, committee chair; Steven Bailey; Sheri Boggs; Kelly Evans; Sean Fullerton; Becky Ramsey, Alki intern; Tami Robinson; Anna Shelton; Tony Wilson
Alki was designed by Tammy Reniche, Director of Publications for Melby Cameron & Anderson.
