The Alaska Library Network (ALN), a newly incorporated nonprofit formed to promote and support collaborative library activities in Alaska, takes another step forward. Over the last three years, much work has been done by librarians all over the state to offer guidance and direction for this brand new organization. Many suggestions have been gathered! Now it’s time to examine those suggestions and condense them into actions.

ALN will be holding a Work Camp on September 10, 2008 in Anchorage. During this one-day event, small groups of librarians will review these collections of suggestions with the purpose of refining and prioritizing them into short, intermediate and long term goals. Each group will offer up one to three near term projects and the steps needed to accomplish those projects.

Selection will be based on nomination to reflect representation by geography, library type, and a variety of library interests. Nominate someone you think would provide a broad view of libraries in Alaska. You can even nominate yourself! Notification of selection will be on or before August 13.

This should be an intense but exciting day shaping ALN’s future. I look forward to hearing from all who are interested. Please provide name, affiliation, and complete contact information for the person you are nominating. It would be helpful to know if you have contacted the person that you nominate.

Send your nominations by email to:

                        Kerri Canepa, ALN Coordinator

                        kerri.canepa@alaska.gov

            or by mail to:

                        Kerri Canepa

                        Alaska State Library

                        344 West Third Avenue Suite 125

                        Anchorage, AK 99501

            by Friday, August 1, 2008.

            PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS LIST.