South Regional Representative Column

It is with great pleasure that I am able to begin my tenure as your South Regional Representative during a pivotal point in the Society’s evolution. I realize that I am filling a pair of very large shoes left by my predecessor, Heather Ball. In taking on this position, I am inspired to live up to the high expectations she set. As an ARLIS/NA Texas-Mexico chapter officer I had the good fortune to collaborate with Heather on many occasions, and, just as she was, I will be accessible and responsive to any need that the chapter may have during my tenure. I encourage you to e-mail me directly with any questions, comments, or concerns you have related to the Society.

You may wonder what led me to agree to serve on the ARLIS/NA Board as the South Regional Representative. First, I was very inspired by Heather Ball’s effectiveness and I felt that I too could provide an effective conduit for communication between my colleagues in chapters and the ARLIS/NA Board. I have gained invaluable experience serving as the chapter’s Secretary, Vice-President/President-Elect, President, and currently as the Past President. I believe that an organization is only as strong as the people who make up its membership and with this in mind, I have pursued opportunities to serve in the professional associations that have given me so much throughout my career. It is in this spirit that I take on this important role and look forward to collaborating with you not only in my role as South Regional Representative but also an active member in the chapter during the Society’s year of transition to a new administrative structure.

The Executive Board, in response to the Assessment Task Force Recommendations and the feedback that the recommendations engendered from the membership, has implemented a hybrid Board structure during the coming year. What this means for regional representatives is that we will not only continue to serve the chapters in the way that we have traditionally but also we will take on the functional officer roles outlined in the recommendations. ARLIS/NA President Deborah K. Utlan Boudewyns set out a road map for this transition in her message to the membership posted on ARLIS-L, June 12, 2007. As your South Regional Representative I am committed to representing your interests to the Board as well as serving as the Education Coordinator, one of the five new functional officer positions. As Educational Coordinator I will continue as the Professional Development Committee liaison, co-chair the newly formed Mentor sub-committee under the Professional Development Committee umbrella, act as co-liaison of the Education Task Force with the President, and act as co-liaison of the SEI Implementation Committee with the Vice-President.

During this transitional year the Board continues to welcome your feedback. Again, please do not hesitate to contact me as we begin to reshape the Society’s administrative structure.

Elizabeth Schaub
ARLIS/NA South Regional Representative
ARLIS/NA Texas-Mexico Chapter Past President