Editor’s pass the torch
Hello everyone! This is my last issue of the WAML IB and I wanted to write a little something for the IB as I pass the editors torch to Sarah. First, I wanted to say THANK YOU to the section editors (past and new): Ilene, Ken, Mike, Georgia, and Louise. To the past and present secretaries for sending me all the meeting minutes, ALL the presidents and for their presidents message contributions for ever issue. And to the contributing authors. So many good things happening; thank you for sharing with the community. Please keep the stories and ideas coming! The IB always needs a good story or two to share. 😉
Second: It has been my favorite role I’ve held in the WAML organization so far. I am happy I took it on, even though I had no clue what I was getting myself into. I mean, why not? I love taking on new things I have no clue about… [Wordpress or being an editor]. However, my predecessor, Tom Brittnacher from UCSB made sure I was set up and the transition was easy to follow. He provided amazing documentation about the duties, responsibilities, and timelines that was my guide when I first began. I am super grateful for that and currently updating it for Sarah.
Third: In this role, I’ve had a very unique perspective and the opportunity to read every single thing from every single issue since issue 49.3. All the articles, book reviews, news/notes or features, new mapping, and every single WAML exec board meeting minutes for the past five years. Good things have happened and I’ve learned so much. I’ve also seen the WAML organziation change and evolve in variety of wonderful ways. Such as redefining the word “western” in our name to open the boundaries and welcome in additional members. I remember on voting in Texas as one of those states so we could hold a conference there, which we did, at UT, Austin in Nov 2017. We celebrated the organizations 50 year anniversary. We welcomed lots of new faces, an said thank you and farewell to others who retired or move on from this world. We reorganized and re-evaluated our committees, editors, representatives, honorarium and the ENTIRE WAML website and resources. AND we went through the Pandemic and COVID 19. A lot has happened… I am grateful for the unique perspective all these years.
But most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as your editor and wish Sarah the very best!
Cheers,
Chrissy Klenke
WAML IB Editor
2017 – 2023
Issues: 49.3 – 55.1
Hello all!
This is my first issue of the WAML IB (co-edited with Chrissy). I have entered my 5th year as the GIS/Map librarian at my institution. While I have learned a lot, I am eager to deepen my existing work and explore new areas. GIS/Map librarianship excites me because in my view, it offers opportunities for creative experimentation as libraries evolve while preserving our traditional strengths. However, being the sole full-time support for GIS/Maps in my library can be isolating at times. That is why I see the role of IB Editor as a chance to foster conversations amongst geospatial librarians and specialists worldwide, which I will be part of. It is my way of giving back to WAML, a community that has supported me since I won the scholarship in 2018. I am grateful to Chrissy for guiding me through the editing process for an IB issue. I am excited to serve in this role and contribute further!
Sarah Zhang
Librarian for Geography, GIS & Maps
Simon Fraser University