Welcome to the first issue of the GSLIS student newsletter for 96/97. You have probably noticed that it is no longer called The Sojourner. In keeping with the newsletter's new look, and its move to being a primarily web-based publication, Ken and I decided that it was time for a new name. A contest was announced, and students suggested several names including "Keywords", "Tracings", "The Pathfinder", and "The Dawg-Ear", as well as keeping the old name, but the clear winner was a late entry, suggested almost offhandedly by Ed Mignon. "The Silverfish" was the name of this publication before it was changed to "Sojourner" nearly twenty years ago. Since the word refers to a small silvery insect that lives in and eats books, it might seem an odd choice for a modern electronic publication, but I'd like to think that it resonated with so many of the current ALISS officers because, even as we stand on the cutting edge of the electronic era, we persist in and honor our love of the books that surround us and give us sustenance.

If you don't like the name, drop us a line at aliss@u.washington.edu or put an anonymous note in our mailbox and let us know what you think.

The most important aspect of this newsletter is your participation. I'd be really interested in publishing substantive articles and think pieces in this newsletter, in addition to the usual "news around school" items and announcements. Maybe some of you wrote a paper for a library school class that you'd like to put up on the web - this is the place to do it! I'd like to hear about conferences you've been to or done presentations at; I'd like to hear about your jobs and fieldwork. Anything that you think is worth sharing with your fellow students. We'd also like to see humorous tidbits, top ten lists, rants and raves lists, cartoons, jokes, book reviews, film and music reviews - to show the lighter side of library school and of life in general. There will still be a few paper copies available in the lounge, the office, and on the ALISS bulletin board, for those who can't always access the web or would like to take a copy home to read in the tub.

Fellow Students:

We seem to have arrived in the LIS program at a crucial moment -- many changes will be occurring in the program over the next year or so (and beyond, no doubt). I have been spending the past month or so trying to sort out all these things, and I will now attempt to pass on what I know to you. These are my impressions, and are as factually accurate as possible given my incomplete knowledge of some matters.

The Futures Committee

First of all, for the past year or so, a committee set up by the Graduate School Dean (known as The Futures Committee), has been reviewing the place and function of the GSLIS program in the overall structure of the UW. At the moment that I write this, the preliminary report of the Futures Committee is to be imminently released. The report will contain recommendations for how the GSLIS should be structured in the future. (Conceivably, the report could recommend the elimination of the program, but I am told that this is a long shot.) There will no doubt be some changes that will directly affect our education. Apparently, there will be a response period after the preliminary report before a final report is released, and there will be opportunity for student input. ALISS will make sure that copies of this document are available, and we welcome all students to give their opinion.

Hiring A New Director

It seems that the task of hiring a new director for the school is being put off until the Futures Report is out. However, this is an activity that is going to have to commence almost immediately if there is to be any hope of getting a new Director in by the next academic year.

Hiring New Faculty

Apparently there are at least 3 faculty positions to hire for next academic year. That's a lot of interviewing! Unfortunately, this process might be delayed by the idea that the new director should be found first. This item is of grave concern to students--it directly affects the quality of education we are getting. Current full-time faculty are already overburdened with evening degree classes, advising, and their faculty committee assignments. We need a full complement of faculty to get the most out of our education. I have been informed that students usually play a part in the hiring process, and if any of you are interested in participating, please contact me. I will be making this issue one on my agenda.

Curriculum Review

At the most recent Curriculum Committee meeting, the idea of a full curriculum review was raised, and there seemed to be tacit agreement that it needed to happen (apparently, it has been quite some years since this was done). Once again, though, there was the idea that a new director (and new faculty) should be on board for this process. Although it is doubtful that any curriculum changes would occur before our two years are up, we are in an important position to affect how future LIS students are educated.

Reaccreditation

The GSLIS is up for reaccreditation by the ALA next year. We have submitted a request for a one year delay, based largely on the issues outlined above. There is also some concern that ALA has recently changed their rules of accreditation, and it is not clearly known how the GSLIS currently fits into those rules.

Dislocation

Lastly, as most of you are probably aware, the portion of Suzzallo that we are in now is due to be renovated beginning next summer. The GSLIS will be relocated (apparently to Bagley Hall -- down by the fountain) for two years or so starting this summer (if renovations start on time). Unfortunately, this will mean the loss of the 'community' feel that the program now has: classes will be spread all across campus, there will be no hanging out in the classroom anymore. Hopefully, there will be a lounge of some kind for LIS students, but how central or convenient this will be for people is uncertain. The post-renovation facilities will be quite fabulous, but unfortunately, unless you're here on the 4 year plan, you won't see that payoff.

That's about it, and that's enough. What's fortunate for us is that there's plenty of room for input into most of these matters: the School is quite gracious that way. If you want to be more involved in any of these processes, please talk to me.

Dr. Allyson Carlyle is joining the GSLIS faculty in Winter Quarter 1997. Her primary research areas are in use of online catalogs and conceptual foundations of descriptive cataloging. She teaches in all areas of cataloging and maintains an interest in bibliographic instruction. Assistant Professor Carlyle has an M.L.S. (1986) and a Ph.D. (1994) from the University of California, Los Angeles.

The Graduate School of Library and Information Science held its annual book sale last month. The sale was a huge success. We collected, sorted, and moved close to 4000 books and sold close to 3000. This would not have been possible without the time, effort and back muscles of the many volunteers who chipped in to pull off this project. Special thanks go to Marjan Petty of the Friends of the Library, Carolyn Aamot of Gifts Processing in Suzzallo, and Gloria Ausejo, manager of By George, for their cooperation and support.