Session at ALA: Ensuring the Future of Libraries: Connecting the Academy and the Profession
Attending the American Libraries Association Conference (ALA) in New Orleans? Join TASCHA Research Scientist Chris Jowaisas at the panel Ensuring the Future of Libraries: Connecting the Academy and the Profession. The panel dives into one strategy to make this connection – a Distinguished Practitioner in Residence (DPIR). In June, Susan Hildreth finished her two year term as the iSchool’s first DPIR. A DPIR brings their extensive experience from outside academia into the academy. Over the course of her career, Susan served as the director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the City Librarian at the San Francisco Public Library and Seattle Public Library, and State Librarian of California. At the iSchool, Susan taught classes, served on program committees, and conducted a research project on Library and Information Science curriculum. At ALA , Susan will moderate a panel on the successes and challenges of her tenure. Chis Jowaisas will participate on the panel with iSchool faculty Joe Janes, iSchool PhD student Beck Tench, King County Library Manager Audrey Barbakoff, and Director of Anythink Libraries Pam Smith.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has funded five iSchool DPIRs through a 10 year, $1.4 million dollar grant. The next DPIR Rolf Hapel, Director of Citizens’ Services and Libraries in Aarhus, Denmark, will join the iSchool this fall. You can learn more about Rolf and his approach to library service in an interview with Library Journal.
