President’s Letter

Happy New Year! Or perhaps Happy Lunar New Year is more appropriate as we are already into the 2nd month of 2022 but we are just now welcoming the Year of the Tiger.  In the zodiac tradition, the tiger symbolizes bravery and courage, and my new year wish for you is that this year brings you the strength and resilience needed to thrive during these challenging times.

Aside from celebrating the year of the tiger, 2022 also marks the 75th anniversary of CALL. A small group of librarians representing 10 law school, bar association, court and firm librarians gathered on Feb. 20, 1947 with the idea of creating a professional organization for law librarians.  Later that spring, the Chicago Association of Law Libraries was formally established, and it was approved as the 3rd official chapter of AALL at the Annual Meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is a small source of personal joy that the first president of CALL was William R. Roalfe of Northwestern University Law Library. I am humbled and honored to be following in Mr. Roalfe’s footsteps as another Northwestern University law librarian leading this organization during our 75th anniversary year.

This month kicks off the beginning of a year-long celebration of our 75th anniversary. The Board has voted to approve creation of a 75th Anniversary Special Committee for the purpose of celebrating the achievements of CALL and bringing the CALL community together in a series of events and initiatives over the next year.  Thank you to the wonderful group of volunteers who stepped forward to serve on the committee, including many of my colleagues who have served CALL as former presidents. I am grateful for this opportunity to reflect on all that this organization has accomplished over the past 75th years.  And if I am being honest, after two years of seeing your faces on Zoom, I am REALLY looking forward to celebrating with you all in person!

It feels appropriate that as we look backward to our founding, we also must continue to look forward. The kick-off of our anniversary celebration coincides with the start of our 2022-2023 elections. Beginning on February 15, elections will open for CALL’s next Vice President/President Elect, Treasurer and Director. Thank you to our wonderful slate of candidates for volunteering to serve. I urge all members to review the candidate’s statements that are available on the CALL website and cast your ballots.

 

Best wishes to all for a healthy and joyous 2022!