ALA Presidential Candidate Michael Gorman
Interview with Michael Gorman by the Nominating Committee of NMRT as posted to NMRT-L:
1. What knowledge, experience, and skills do you bring to the position of ALA President? Is there are a particular initiative you want to pursue? Would this new initiative impact newer ALA members?
I have been a member of ALA for many years and have served as a divisional president (LITA) as well as a member of the Executive Board, the Council (twice), and numerous ALA and divisional committees. I have worked in libraries for more than 40 years, most recently as a senior administrator in two academic libraries. I am the author of a number of books and articles and have spoken at many local, state, regional, national, and international conferences. I have taught courses in a number of library schools. I am committed to the profession and the mission of ALA. I am not a fan of new initiatives and themes. I believe that, given the relatively brief time and ALA president holds office, she or he should concentrate on advancing programs that are of great value and providing continuity. At this time, I believe that the work of the ALA/APA on better salaries, pay equity, and certification should be a high priority, as should standing up for the freedom to read (including opposing the USA PATRIOT Act and similar encroachments), and addressing the crisis in library education.
2. Could you address the issue of the greying of the profession, specifically with regards to the leadership of ALA?
The demographic facts are inescapable. It is imperative that we recruit new and more diverse librarians and work with the LIS schools to produce a generation of librarians who are inspired and motivated to carry on the important mission of libraries. The leadership of ALA is, like many of its membership, overwhelmingly white, middle class and of a certain age. We should do more to make it possible for others to participate in the leadership, for example, by making it easier to attend our conference and midwinter meeting and by devising an income-based dues structure for ALA.
3. (For someone new to ALA or thinking of joining), from your experience, what are the benefits of being in ALA?
ALA is the largest (and most diverse in terms of types of library) such association in the world. Its offices provide great service (see for example the Office of Intellectual Freedom) and its programs and services cater to all interests. In my experience, it is also one of the most open and democratic associations in that it offers opportunities to serve to all who wish to do so. My advice would be to join ALA and get involved--you will reap many professional and personal rewards from doing so.
4. As ALA President, how would you provide more opportunities for new ALA members?
As I have written, I think the matter of recruitment and retention is crucial to the continued health of our profession and association. I will be open to all in the committee appointement process and, if I am elected, I urge your members to write to me indicating their interests and willingness to serve. I also think that we should soon bring the discussions on "virtual" membership of committees to a conclusion that creates more opportunities to participate; that we should move to a dues-based fee structure; and seek ways of making conference and meeting attendance more feasible.
Thank you. If you have any further questions, please do get in touch.
Best wishes, Michael
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Michael Gorman
Madden Library, CSU, Fresno
michaelg@csufresno.edu
"The best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost"
www.michaelgorman.org