By: Diane Stirling
(315) 443-8975
The School of Information Studies and Dean Elizabeth Liddy are hosting a get-acquainted and networking reception for Sari Feldman, American Library Association (ALA) presidential candidate for 2015-16, during the ALA’s Midwinter Meeting.
Feldman served as an adjunct faculty member for the iSchool, from 1984 to 2006. She has taught courses IST 500 (New Directions in Public Libraries); IST 512 (Information Services and Resources); IST 600 (Grant Writing); IST 612 (Youth Services); IST 640 (Libraries: Governance, Organization and Policies); and IST 750 (Adult Services).
The reception is slated for Friday, January 24, at 7:00 p.m. at the Philadelphia Marriot Downtown, Salon C. Those who plan to attend are asked to make reservations with the iSchool’s Executive Director of Alumni Relations, Barbara Settel, at istalum@syr.edu or (315) 443-2911.
Feldman has been a member of Public Library Association and the American Library Association for more than 15 years and has served on numerous committees. She is current co-chair of the ALA Digital Content and Libraries Working Group, as well as the 2013 recipient of the PLA Charlie Robinson Award, established to recognize innovative public library directors. While at Syracuse University, Feldman received the Vice President’s Award for Teacher of the Year (1995) andheld numerous positions at the Onondaga County Public Library. She has co-authored several books on library service to youth and in the community. Feldman currently works as the executive director of the Cuyahoga County, Ohio, public library, and is a past ALA president and vice president (2009).
In her candidacy statement, Feldman said, “Libraries and library services are engaged today in a critical period of evolution. The role of the ALA is increasingly important as the library profession transforms to address digital opportunities and technological innovation while staying true to our values of intellectual freedom, equitable access, literacy and diversity. I am energized by the prospect of connecting with our membership to advocate on behalf of our professional community and to advance support for and awareness of libraries of all types.”
Feldman received her master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York at Binghamton.
The ALA’s current president is Barbara Stripling, assistant professor of practice at the iSchool.