Librarians were introduced Sunday to two candidates vying for the presidency of the Association of College and Research Libraries: Lori Goetsch, dean of libraries at Kansas State University, and Janice Simmons-Welburn, dean of university libraries at Marquette University.
The candidates answered questions from their colleagues at a luncheon during the midwinter conference of the American Library Association. Both women said that the organization they hope to lead had served them well in their careers, and that they wanted to make it more responsive to members’ needs.
Where the two differed was on emphasis. Ms. Goetsch focused on workforce issues for librarians. Ms. Simmons-Welburn concentrated on the organization’s role as an advocate for libraries and for the dissemination of information.
What surprised librarians in the audience was how civil and courteous the presentation was. The two candidates appeared to be friends, occasionally joking and saying they agreed with each other’s ideas. In the past, observers said, candidates for the post have been more confrontational.
Members vote electronically. The group is expected to announce the winner of the election in the spring. She will serve as vice president and president-elect for a year before becoming president. —Andrea L. Foster
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