Background

As AASL President, I often experienced first-hand what ALA can accomplish when division leadership, ALA staff and members work together to make a difference. For me, it was most notable when I involved ALA and AASL in the efforts of the Spokane Moms and Washington State librarians and community members to rally on the steps of the state capitol in Olympia to fight for new funding for school librarians. That type of cooperation to reach a goal and my experiences as an activist librarian—a school librarian, public library trustee and adjunct professor of information literacy and access and legal issues—gave me the solid background to run for ALA president.

I "grew up” professionally as an active member of New York Library Association’s School Library Media Section and the Youth Services Section, serving on NYLA Council, Legislative Committee, public awareness training, Membership co-chair, member of the Intellectual Freedom Roundtable. NYLA connects all library types, speaking effectively with one voice about the state's libraries, no matter their size or mission. That vision has shaped my activism in ALA. If there is a library issue--school, public or academic--I am there.

Most of my professional experience has been an exciting career as a school librarian. However, I have also spent my career immersed in work for ALL libraries, giving me the breadth of experiences to serve as ALA President as a strong leader for all librarians and library workers.

I have served on two public library boards (president of the Board of Trustees for one), launched a capital project to create a children's room, taught as an adjunct at two academic institutions--SUNY Plattsburgh and Mansfield University--and served on state-wide policy making commissions and committees for all library types. I am currently on the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries.

I have always told people that my official title is School Library Media Specialist but that if you shorten it, you use the word Librarian. And I work in a Library Media Center, but if it's shortened, it's a Library. That “L” word is important to me: it’s a connection to all libraries, librarians, trustees and library workers. Connected, we are effective.

During my term as President of AASL, I was deeply impressed with the interaction and cooperation between the thousands of volunteers and the dedicated ALA staff. My inspiration for running for ALA President was a speech Hillary Clinton gave as a First Lady. She said, "If you don’t participate, you’re going to leave it to those who do. And you may not like what you find." It’s not the ALA way to "let someone else do it."

The American Library Association is our professional national voice. I am proud to be considered for the office of President. The ALA Code of Ethics matters a great deal to me. The seven Key Action Areas of ALA mirror my personal concerns and interests: Diversity, Equitable Access to Information and Library Services, Education and Lifelong Learning, Intellectual Freedom, Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession, Literacy, and Organizational Excellence. The last speaks to the need for ALA to be inclusive, effective and responsive to the needs of ALA members.

We have much to do to in these days of shrinking and tight budgets, balancing a widening digital divide and, at the same time, promoting the incredible potential for advancement in services.

Connected, we can meet the challenges.

I am ready to put my energy, expertise and enthusiasm to work for ALA--and for you.
- Sara