I am excited to announce that I was asked to run for the position of Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) President-Elect for 2014.  Members were emailed the election ballot earlier this month and voting will end on October 10, 2013.  I am humbled and honored that my peers in the WLA leadership nominated me for such an important role, and if I should win this election, I am motivated to share my passion and be an advocate for Wisconsin Libraries and our state professional organization with current and new members.

Below is the statement I submitted for the ballot and here is a link to the press-release that my institution, the School of Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee published earlier this month: http://www4.uwm.edu/sois/news/news/hutchingswlaballot.cfm.

Statement for WLA President-Elect Ballot 

 Jessica Hutchings, Academic Advisor, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Other Professional Experience:  Circulation Supervisor, Cardinal Stritch University Library, Milwaukee WI, 2010-11; Graduate Assistant and Practicum positions at UW-Madison Libraries including experience in reference and information services, library information and literacy instruction, collection management, digital libraries, and special collections, 2008-10; Pubic Record Archives Assistant, Wisconsin Historical Society, 2008.

Education:  M.A. in Library and Information Studies, UW-Madison, 2010; M.A. History, Marquette University, 2007; B.S. in History, UW-La Crosse, 2005.

WLA Activities: WLA Board of Directors, 2011-13; Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians (WAAL) Board, Membership Committee Chair, 2011-13; Support Staff and Circulation Services, Chair, 2010-13; WLA Annual Conference Planning Committee, Local Arrangements Committee Chair, 2012; WLA Ad Hoc Membership Committee, 2011-12; WLA Annual Conference presenter, 2011; WLA Strategic Planning Committee, 2010-11; WAAL Conference Planning Committee, 2010-12; WAAL Conference presenter; 2010-11.

Other Professional Activities: American Library Association (ALA), member since 2008; Association of Library and Information Science Educators (ALISE), founder and convener of Student Services Special Interest Group, 2012-13; National Association of Academic Advisors (NACADA) member and conference presenter 2012-13; Wisconsin Association of Academic Advisors (WACADA) member and conference presenter 2012-13; Society of American Archivists (SAA) member 2008-2010; Academic Librarians Student Organization (ALSO), co-founder and co-chair of registered student organization at UW-Madison, 2008-10.

Statement: 

 I believe that a strong library association unifies our profession by bringing librarians together to collaborate and accomplish goals that we never could realize on our own.  Wisconsin has a reputation for excellent library services, and we all know the value that librarians who are strong advocates for their libraries bring to their communities, but in light of the recent economic and political climate, we need now more than ever, a resilient state association to promote our mission.

The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) has a long history of supporting librarians through its tradition of collaborative partnerships and its strong legislative network, but like so many other professional associations across the country, its membership has steadily declined in recent years.  Successful modern associations have boosted membership by engaging younger generations through their preferred methods of communication and delivering opportunities and value that cannot be found elsewhere.  I believe this is the model WLA needs to follow in order to increase its membership base and continue its strong tradition of moving Wisconsin libraries forward.

I feel very fortunate to have served in a leadership capacity for many of the different WLA divisions, sections, and committees from an early stage in my professional career and would welcome the opportunity to share this positive experience with new members.  My participation in WLA has given me the opportunity to learn from an incredible group of people that care deeply about libraries while meeting the needs of communities in Wisconsin, and I am honored to be asked by them to run for WLA vice-president.