by Leslie Reynolds, Information Technology Division Chair (Published December 4, 2012)

As the time approaches for another chorus of Auld Lang Syne, I’m reflecting on how much the IT Division has accomplished and excited about the activities already planned for 2013. Thanksgiving-time in the U.S. and the need to do holiday shopping always seem to sneak up on me; as a girl brought up in the Midwest, it never quite feels like autumn (or winter really) in Texas.  But regardless of the warm weather I’m experiencing, it really is the end of November and my time as your Chair is drawing to a close.

We enjoyed a variety of programming in Chicago, from data mapping to social media to next steps for career professionals.  I hope you have enjoyed the division’s newsletter, b/ITe, which moved away from a print-based design to full integration with our new website, to get the latest information about what your division is doing for you.  This is the last issue for Virginia Mattingly to serve as our editor and I want to publicly thank her for doing a wonderful job and making this format transition happen smoothly.

Alex Grigg, your exuberant Chair-Elect (who is also a talented tweeter), will soon take the reigns and I wish him every success in the coming year. I know he and our enthusiastic 2013 program planner, Jason Keinsley, have an innovative line-up of programs to engage, enlighten and entertain you in San Diego.  A change to expect is the Dance Party will move to Monday night, in recognition that the Annual Conference is one day shorter (SLA HQ’s effort to help save you money, while providing a conference chock full of innovative programming).  We are still looking for a business partner to help sponsor the dance party, so if you have a recommendation, please contact our new Business Partner Liaison Kathy Jordan Baker.

I’d like to thank the entire 2012 IT Executive and Advisory Board for all their hard work this year.  They are dedicated individuals who share their time and expertise to keep our division running smoothly.  Please join me in a virtual standing ovation for each and every one; they deserve our appreciation!

I’m looking forward to being your Past Chair in 2013.  Where my main duty will be to serve as your Nominating Committee Chair.  If you have any thoughts about who your elected officers should be (especially if it is you!), be sure to contact me.  There are opportunities to get involved at many different levels in our division, so if you are interested let me know.

In closing, I want to thank you for permitting me to serve as your Chair this past year. This has been such a fantastic experience, and I hope to continue serving the division in the future!