PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – April 2009
As outgoing president this is my last update. The year has flown by. So many NJLLA members worked hard this year to keep our chapter going strong. In these difficult economic times it was inspiring to see NJLLA librarians continuing to make a difference in the law library community and beyond.
Recently twenty-nine members braved a rainy last day of winter to attend the March program. After our delicious lunch, Kitty Schweyer, Manager of Competitive Intelligence at White & Case, presented an overview of competitive intelligence resources available for law libraries. Whether our marketing departments or we as librarians handle most of the CI work, Kitty had many useful tips for gathering and analyzing company information. Looking around the room I was happy to see Leigh De Prospo at the program after too long an absence. Welcome back, Leigh!
Congratulations to Julie von Schrader, who retired after an unbelievable 34 years at the same firm. At the March program Johanna Bizub presented flowers to Julie on behalf of NJLLA. Julie’s service began even before NJLLA was recognized as the 27th chapter of AALL in 1987. She was an original Executive Board member and our chapter’s 4th president. She was the guiding hand behind several editions of the NJLLA Union List and a longtime member of the Guidelines Committee. We all learned much from Julie over the years, and we are glad Julie will continue to be an active member.
NJLLA’s April program promises to be a good one. What better way to see New Jersey government in action than to visit Trenton and tour the State Library and Statehouse. I hope many members will take advantage of this excellent opportunity. The last Executive Board meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2009. Details about our chapter’s Annual Meeting in May will be announced soon.
Best wishes,
Janice Schouten
NJLLA President