The ACRL Circle of Friends acknowledges the sustained generosity of those who have been Friends of ACRL for five or more years. The Friends of ACRL was created to provide a means for the association to take bold steps above and beyond its traditional member programs and services. Rapidly changing demographic, economic, and technological trends are presenting academic libraries and librarians with new challenges and competition that demand immediate solutions. The Friends of ACRL have responded to these new challenges and provided additional support that will enhance and ensure the relevance of our profession. To join or learn more about the Friends of ACRL, please visit the ACRL website.
Lori Goetsch is the Dean of Libraries at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, was the 2009-10 ACRL President, and has been a Friend of ACRL since 1998.
1. Describe yourself in three words: Fun-loving Cubs fan.
2. Why do you support the Friends of ACRL? I support the Friends to give back to an organization that has given so much to me personally and professionally. ACRL offers excellent professional development and service opportunities to its members, and I’ve grown as a librarian and a leader as a result. I’ve also made lifelong friends!
3. What might someone be surprised to know about you? I sing baritone in Flint Hills Harmony, a women’s barbershop chorus.
4. Since you’ve become a member of ACRL, tell us about someone who influenced you in some way? Wow, after about 30 years, there have been a lot of influential people! The first that comes to mind is ACRL Executive Director Mary Ellen Davis. I’ve been influenced by her leadership and organizational skills. She’s a creative problem solver and a wonderful role model.
5. What do you hope ACRL will achieve in the near future (or the long term)? More Friends! Just like many of our libraries, ACRL needs financial support from donors to realize the organization’s goals
6. In your opinion, what is the most important work that ACRL does? Professional education and development.