lama members vote to adopt name with leadership focus

Contact: Fred Reuland
Marketing Specialist
(312) 280-5032
freuland@ala.org

For Immediate Release,
May 6, 2008

LAMA members vote to adopt name with leadership focus<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

The membership of the Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) has voted overwhelmingly to change the name of the association to the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA). Election results were released today by the American Library Association. The new name will become official Sept. 1.

When told of the news, LAMA President W. Bede Mitchell said, "The proposed name change was intended to help <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />ALA members, the profession at large and the general public to understand the important role we play in developing library leaders of the present and the future. We have assumed this role for years, but our division name has not reflected our work. We are gratified at the overwhelming response of our division members to the proposed name change."

Molly Raphael, LAMA vice-president/president-elect, added, "The strong vote with over 90 percent in favor shows that the membership looks to LAMA for leadership. ALA members, as well as the profession in general, can look for greater focus on leadership development and support immediately through programs and other opportunities initiated and sponsored by LAMA."

The mission of the Library Administration and Management Association (www.ala.org/lama) is to encourage and nurture current and future library leaders, and to develop and promote outstanding leadership and management practices. LAMA is a division of the American Library Association.