Message From the President

Linda Watson, MLS, AHIP, FMLA
President, Assoc of Academic Health Science Libraries
Director, Health Sciences Libraries
University of Minnesota Twin Cities

President’s Message #11 – September 2008

Advocacy

I hope that many of you were able to answer the Call to Action this month to express opposition to HR 6845, the Fair Copyright in Research Works Act, introduced to the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on the Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, on September 11, 2008 which would have reversed the NIH Public Access Policy.

Leadership

I was able to attend the NLM/AAHSL Leadership Fellows Capstone Event in Washington DC this month to talk with the fellows and mentors about AAHSL and our various partnerships.  I was also privileged, along with Betsy Humphreys, to hand out the certificates at their graduation on September 26th.  Five new leaders are now officially launched with new skills and perspectives, and much to contribute to our libraries and our profession.  Congratulations!

Disasters

Our members in many parts of the country have coped with much destruction and disruption caused by Mother Nature over the past several months.   Even those of us not directly affected have provided support (both moral and actual) as disaster plans kicked in.  Our AAHSL community is a close-knit one.  It is a comfort to know we can call and count upon one another for help in many ways.  Thanks to all of you!

November Elections

Since most of us will be in San Antonio on Election Day, don’t forget to vote absentee!