Seattle Times op-ed highlights importance of academic libraries, librarians

Contact: Jennifer Petersen


PR Coordinator


312-280-5043


jpetersen@ala.org

NEWS


For Immediate Release


March 10, 2009

CHICAGO - As more than 3,000 librarians and staff from college and university libraries across the country gear up for the Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL) 14th National Conference in Seattle March 12-15, the Seattle Times online published an op-ed highlighting the important role academic libraries and librarians play in a college student’s education.

The op-ed titled “Academic libraries foster key skills in next generation,” appeared in the March 4 online edition of the Times and was written by ACRL President Erika Linke and Dean of University Libraries at the University of Washington Betsy Wilson.

“Academic librarians help students overcome the mistaken idea that if a resource doesn't appear online it doesn't exist, is a key role for librarians,” say Wilson and Linke. The op-ed can be found at
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2008812914_opinc05libraries.html.

ACRL National Conferences draw librarians and staff from community college and university libraries nationwide to discuss a host of pressing issues affecting higher education. This year’s conference theme is “Pushing the Edge, Explore, Engage, Extend,” and will be held at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle.