Annual Report (2004)
This is my—and the—last editor’s
report for ARLIS/NA Update. The publication, which I have edited since 1996, is
set to cease publication with the June 2005 issue. When I began editing the
newsletter, listservs were a novelty (a column summarized ARLIS-L traffic for
those who could not subscribe), most submissions were mailed or faxed, I spent a
lot of time re-keying text and sent edited copy to North Carolina as printouts
and floppy discs, and faxed back edited proof. A bi-monthly publication, in print or
essentially electronic, makes little sense as a news letter, and I agree with the
decision to stop publishing Update,
although I would like to register my disappointment with how the decision to
cease publication was made: without the participation of the members of
Publications Committee,
consultation with the readership, or notice to the column editors
and paying subscribers.
Other than issues concerning the
decision to cease publication and delay the announcement of that decision, the
production of Update this year has been largely free of problems. Nedda Ahmed
ably took over from Jonathan Franklin the responsibility for putting each issue
on the Society web site quickly and accurately; Michael Birklein continued to
produce the print version from my formatted copy with the same speed and
attention to detail. I have a few
questions and suggestions for managing the newsletter’s coming cessation. I
would like to transfer my file copies of the back run of Update (back to 1994)
somewhere: headquarters or the Society’s archive and would like some guidance on
disposing of my files. I believe
that individuals and institutions that have paid to have a hardcopy subscription
to Update sent to them by mail should be offered a pro-rated refund.
I have enjoyed serving as editor for
all these years and, except for my current disappointment at how the decision to
cease publication was made and relayed, I have been happy to work with the
various committees and officers during this long period. I have gained much from the experience:
the friendship of many members, the experience of working with several
management firms, an understanding of the issues and activities of the range of
organizations within the Society. And I am grateful for the opportunity to have
served as Update editor.
Linda Zieper
February 28, 2005