Happy 2023, RUSA!,
First, I want to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Jenny Presnell for stepping in as Acting Secretary for the RUSA Board in Fall 2022. Her last official note-taking duties were in December 2022. Candice Townsend has graciously agreed to act as Secretary for our RUSA Board meetings through June 2023. Thank you, Candice! The position of Secretary is key to the efficient, smooth running of the Board; Jenny’s and Candice’s willingness to help out this year is greatly appreciated. And this is an opportune moment to remind all RUSA members: don’t forget to vote in the upcoming election! Information about candidates for RUSA Vice-President / President-Elect and Secretary is here, as is information about the elections for each of our Sections. Voting will be open from March 13 – April 5, 2023. Thank you to everyone who has agreed to stand for office.
I also want to share a few highlights from the February 2023 RUSA Board meeting. This month we continued the discussion begun in December 2022 about RUSA’s Priorities and Strategies. The Board agreed that no major changes in our strategic priorities are needed at the moment, but we should consider some tweaks to reflect RUSA’s current priorities. The RUSA Executive leadership will propose some possible changes to the RUSA Board.
The Board also discussed new revenue streams to support our mission. Through a straw poll it was evident that members of the Board and other Board meeting attendees felt we should devote energy to fundraising and sponsorships. This information will go to RUSA’s Budget and Finance Committee to help RUSA strategize how we can improve our fundraising efforts and continue to grow sponsorships. Advertising revenue as we reinvigorate RUSQ is also being discussed.
I’m happy to report that we are planning for RUSQ to resume publishing in January 2024. Keep an eye out for calls for editors, columnists, and articles! And a gigantic thank you goes to Barry Trott for all of his past and continuing work to revive RUSQ.
Finally: don’t forget to register for the RUSA Virtual Forum, which has the theme “Reference and User Services-Re-imagined” and will take place on March 28th and March 30th. Dr. Nicole A Cooke is the Opening Keynote Session Presenter. More information is available here.
Cynthia Johnson
RUSA President, 2022-23