November was a remarkable month for DLIS. Alumni, students, staff and friends celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the creation of DLIS at the New York Municipal Archive, an appropriate venue in every way. The building’s beautiful architecture, the elegant food, the notable honorees and the archive’s fascinating exhibits combined with St. John’s own exhibit about the history of DLIS to provide an opportunity to remember who we are and the profession we represent. I want to thank the committee, ably chaired by Pat Canale; Eileen Flannelly and the City of New York, our hosts; St. John’s University; and our sponsors for making this a perfect commemoration. We need to build on this very positive experience.
Later in the month, students, faculty, alumni and invited guests gathered for the semi-annual symposium at the Manhattan Campus. We were very pleased to have almost as many alumni as students. Lee Rainie, founder and Director of the Pew Center on the Internet and American Society, began the day with a description of how libraries and the Internet are affecting each other. He concluded with suggestions for librarians on how to build on their already positive public image. The day continued with formal presentations and informal discussions that permitted us to benefit from our collective strength. Sessions were broadcast through the Internet to those who could not attend. I want to thank Dr. James Vorbach, Dr. Shari Lee, Assistant Director Rosann Kelly and Administrative Assistant Deborah Martinez for making the day a success.
Now students and faculty are on to finals and the holidays. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a truly Happy New Year and a bright holiday of whatever kind you celebrate.
-Dr. Jeffery Olson