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{{Short description|Division of the American Library Association}}
{{Underlinked|date=February 2013}}
{{primary sources|date=April 2017}}

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:LITA logo.gif|right|framed|LITA Logo]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:LITA logo.gif|right|framed|LITA Logo]] -->
The '''Library and Information Technology Association''' (LITA) is a division of the [[American Library Association|American Library Association (ALA)]], which is the oldest and largest library association in the world.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org], "American Library Association", 2014</ref>
The '''Library and Information Technology Association''' ('''LITA''') was a division of the [[American Library Association]] (ALA), focusing on the intersections of [[Library|libraries]] and [[information technology]].<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org], "American Library Association", 2014</ref> Founded in 1966 and headquartered in [[Chicago]],<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about], "About LITA", 2014</ref> LITA was dissolved in 2020 amid declining membership and persistent budget deficits. LITA merged into a new ALA division, Core.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-07-01|title=ALA Council approves Core; dissolves ALCTS, LITA and LLAMA|url=http://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2020/07/ala-council-approves-core-dissolves-alcts-lita-and-llama|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-21|website=American Library Association News and Press Center|language=en}}</ref>

LITA became a division of ALA in 1966 in response to the changing technological environment in libraries. LITA advocates for equitable access to information and technology, placing a focus on providing an environment that fosters investigation and enables the implementation of new technology within libraries. LITA is headquartered in the Chicago ALA offices.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about], "About LITA", 2014</ref> Mary Taylor has held the position of LITA Executive Director (CEO) since 2006. Rachel Vacek was elected Vice-President/President-Elect of the LITA Board of Directors in May 2013 and serves as the Association's president in 2014/2015.<ref>Melissa Prentice, [http://litablog.org/2013/05/2013-lita-election-results/], "2013 LITA Election Results", 2013</ref>

LITA celebrated its 40<sup>th </sup>anniversary in 2006.


== Name ==
== Name ==
During the division’s initial stages of development in 1966, it was pressed by the ALA’s [[Reference and User Services Association]] that the name should include the words “Information Science”,<ref>Salmon, Stephen R., [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/1st25years], "LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History", 2014</ref> and as a result of this and a report made by a Committee of Organization, the '''Information Science and Automation Division (ISAD)''' of the ALA came into existence. The name was later changed by the bylaws committee to the Library and Information Technology Association (or LITA, as it is more commonly known) in 1978 due to the expansion of the division’s scope in the twelve years that it had been operational.
During the division's initial stages of development in 1966, it was pressed by the ALA's [[Reference and User Services Association]] that the name should include the words "[[Information Science]]",<ref>Salmon, Stephen R., [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/1st25years], "LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History", 2014</ref> and as a result of this and a report made by a Committee of Organization, the '''Information Science and Automation Division (ISAD)''' of the ALA came into existence. The name was later changed by the [[bylaws]] committee to the Library and Information Technology Association (or LITA, as it is more commonly known) in 1978 due to the expansion of the division's scope in the twelve years that it had been operational.


== History ==
== History ==
In the early 1960s, the idea of libraries utilizing computers came into existence at the [[United States National Library of Medicine|National Library of Medicine]] with the [[MEDLINE|MEDLARS]] project, which was a pioneer project that came about in 1961 for serials control. From this point, library technology began to trend within the library community and the ALA started to participate in the technology world, bringing about innovation in library technology by the year 1964.
In the early 1960s, the idea of libraries utilizing computers came into existence at the [[United States National Library of Medicine|National Library of Medicine]] with the [[MEDLINE|MEDLARS]] project, which was a pioneer project that came about in 1961 for serials control. From this point, library technology began to trend within the library community, and the ALA started to participate in the technology world, bringing about innovation in library technology by 1964.


On January 27, 1966, it was proposed by the ALA Committee on Organization that a new division of the ALA be created to grow with and endorse these new developments in library technology. A formal recommendation of the division’s creation was constructed by the Committee on Organization and was then taken to the ALA Council, who approved the division’s establishment, birthing the Information Science and Automation Division, which would later be renamed the Library and Information Technology Association. The division was officially established in New York at the 1966 ALA Annual Conference. The first elections for the Board of Directors occurred on July 1, 1967, where Stephen R. Salmon was elected as the first president of the division.
On January 27, 1966, the ALA Committee on Organization proposed that a new division of the ALA be created to grow with and endorse these new developments in library technology. A formal recommendation of the division's creation was constructed by the Committee on Organization and was then taken to the ALA Council, who approved the division's establishment, birthing the Information Science and Automation Division, which would later be renamed the Library and Information Technology Association. The division was officially established in New York at the 1966 ALA Annual Conference. The first elections for the Board of Directors occurred on July 1, 1967, where Stephen R. Salmon was elected as the first president of the division.


During the first two to three decades of the division’s life, it experienced a complex organizational shift as it was rapidly evolving and expanding, resulting in its change of name to the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA). The expansion of LITA during this time also brought about the growth of interest groups and the inclusion of new programs like “The Distinguished Lecture Series” and “LITA Scholarships”. Following the initial strain of the division's developing years, LITA began to see financial light by the 1990s, and by 1993, the roster had grown to 5,802 members and was considered a reputable, well organized, and efficiently run division of the ALA.<ref>Salmon, Stephen R., [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/1st25years], "LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History", 2014</ref>
During the first two to three decades of the division's life, it experienced a complex organizational shift as it was rapidly evolving and expanding, resulting in its change of name to the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA). The expansion of LITA during this time also brought about the growth of interest groups and the inclusion of new programs like "The Distinguished Lecture Series" and "LITA Scholarships". Following the initial strain of the division's developing years, LITA began to see financial light by the 1990s, and by 1993, the roster had grown to 5,802 members and was considered a reputable, well organized, and efficiently run division of the ALA.<ref>Salmon, Stephen R., [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/1st25years], "LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History", 2014</ref>


== Board of Directors ==
==Board of directors==
LITA is managed by an elected Board of Directors. Positions on the board include president, vice-president, immediate past-president, ALA councillor, and seven other directors. In addition to the board, there is an executive committee, which is controlled by the Board of Directors and acts for it between regular board meetings.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/board], "Board of Directors", 2014</ref> The Board of Directors operates on the following guiding principles found on LITA’s website:
LITA was managed by an elected Board of Directors. Positions on the board included president, vice-president, immediate past-president, ALA councilor, and seven other directors. In addition to the board, there was an executive committee, which was controlled by the Board of Directors and acted on its behalf between regular board meetings.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/board], "Board of Directors", 2014</ref>


⚫
=== Past Presidents ===
* Foster a culture of openness, innovation, trust and mutual respect.
The following is a list of past LITA presidents:<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/presidents], "LITA Presidents", 2014</ref>
* Embrace transparency and timely communication.
* Listen and seek to understand each other and the membership.
* Value diversity of thought, experience, and background.
* Practice collaborative/consensus decision-making and accountability.
* Speak about board outcomes with a collective voice.
* Build on the association’s legacy and practice visionary leadership.
* Prepare for board discussions and seek clarification.
* Act in the best interest of the organization and its membership as a whole.
* Practice board self-assessment
* Observe ALA’s and its divisions’ boards’ best practices as well as other non-profit boards’ practices in general.<ref>American Library Association, [http://connect.ala.org/node/140498], "Guiding Principles", 2014</ref>


* Weinraub Lajoie, Evviva 2020
⚫
=== Past Presidents ===
* Morton-Owens, Emily 2019 - 2020
The following is the list of past LITA presidents taken from the LITA website:
* Kim, Bohyun 2018-2019
* Yelton, Andromeda 2017-2018
* Fifarek, Aimee 2016-2017
* Dowling, Thomas P. 2015-2016
* Vacek, Rachel 2014-2015
* Vacek, Rachel 2014-2015
* Blyberg, Cindi Trainor 2013-2014
* Blyberg, Cindi Trainor 2013-2014
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* Randall, Sara L. 2000-2001
* Randall, Sara L. 2000-2001
* [[Michael Gorman (librarian)|Gorman, Michael]] 1999-2000
* [[Michael Gorman (librarian)|Gorman, Michael]] 1999-2000
* Higginbotham, Barbra B. 1998-1999
* Higginbotham, Barbara B. 1998-1999
* Miller, Linda D. 1997-1998
* Miller, Linda D. 1997-1998
* Leonhardt, Thomas W. 1996-1997
* Leonhardt, Thomas W. 1996-1997
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* Roderer, Nancy K. 1994-1995
* Roderer, Nancy K. 1994-1995
* Miller, Tamara J. 1993-1994
* Miller, Tamara J. 1993-1994
* Crawford, Walt 1992-1993
* [[Walt Crawford|Crawford, Walt 1992-1993]]
* Peters, Paul Evan 1991-1992
* [[Paul Evan Peters|Peters, Paul Evan]] 1991-1992
* Michalak, Jo-Ann 1990-1991
* Michalak, Jo-Ann 1990-1991
* Parkhurst, Carol A. 1989-1990
* Parkhurst, Carol A. 1989-1990
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* Freedman, Maurice J. 1977-1978
* Freedman, Maurice J. 1977-1978
* Rosenthal, Joseph A. 1976-1977
* Rosenthal, Joseph A. 1976-1977
* Avram, Henriette B. 1975-1976
* [[Henriette Avram|Avram, Henriette B.]] 1975-1976
* [[Fred Kilgour|Kilgour, Frederick G.]] 1974-1975
* [[Fred Kilgour|Kilgour, Frederick G.]] 1974-1975
* Kilgour, Frederick G. 1973-1974
* Kilgour, Frederick G. 1973-1974
* Shoffner, Ralph M. 1972-1973
* Shoffner, Ralph M. 1972-1973
* Shera, Jesse H. 1971-1972
* [[Jesse H. Shera|Shera, Jesse H.]] 1971-1972
* DeGennaro, Richard 1970-1971
* DeGennaro, Richard 1970-1971
* Hayes, Robert M. 1969-1970
* [[Robert M. Hayes (information scientist)|Hayes, Robert M.]] 1969-1970
* Shank, Russell 1968-1969
* Shank, Russell 1968-1969
* Becker, Joseph 1967-1968
* Becker, Joseph 1967-1968
* Salmon, Stephen R. 1966-1967 <ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/presidents], "LITA Presidents", 2014</ref>
* Salmon, Stephen R. 1966-1967


=== Bylaws ===
=== Bylaws ===
The bylaws of LITA were adopted in 1966 by the Board of Directors and have had sixteen revisions since their implementation, the latest in 2013. They include bylaw information for LITA’s name, object, membership, officers, terms of office, duties, board of directors, meetings, committees and representatives, interest groups, nominations and elections, amendments of bylaws, publications, notice by mail, and parliamentary authority.
The bylaws of LITA were adopted in 1966 by the Board of Directors and had sixteen revisions since their implementation, the latest in 2013. They included bylaw information for LITA's name, object, membership, officers, terms of office, duties, board of directors, meetings, committees and representatives, interest groups, nominations and elections, amendments of bylaws, publications, notice by mail, and parliamentary authority.


In March 2014, LITA’s Board of Directors began a new analysis of its bylaws, and plan to do a comprehensive review of each of the bylaws, starting with those that are deemed to need the most immediate attention and gradually assessing each from that point onward.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/bylaws], "Bylaws", 2014</ref>
In March 2014, LITA's Board of Directors began a new analysis of its bylaws, and planned to do a comprehensive review of each of the bylaws, starting with those deemed to need the most immediate attention and gradually assessing each from that point onward.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/bylaws], "Bylaws", 2014</ref>


== Conferences ==
== Conferences ==
Since LITA’s birth, participating in both ALA and independent annual conferences has played a major part in promoting LITA’s mission, which is to provide forums for individuals in the library community to converge and collaborate on subjects related to technological change in libraries. Typically with sponsored participation, LITA has been involved in several conferences since the 1960s such as '''COLA''', the '''LITA Forum''', the annual '''ALA Midwinter Meeting''', and the '''ALA Annual Conference''', and has previously participated in conferences like the '''"Airlie Conference"''' in 1970 as well as a conference titled '''"Directions in Education for Information Science: A Symposium for Educators"''' in 1971.
Since LITA's birth, participating in both ALA and independent annual conferences played a major part in promoting LITA's mission, which was to provide forums for individuals in the library community to converge and collaborate on subjects related to technological change in libraries. Typically with sponsored participation, LITA was involved in several conferences since the 1960s such as COLA, the LITA Forum, the annual ALA Midwinter Meeting, and the ALA Annual Conference, and participated in conferences like the "Airlie Conference" in 1970 as well as a conference titled "Directions in Education for Information Science: A Symposium for Educators" in 1971.


=== COLA ===
=== COLA ===
In April 1964, representatives from libraries gathered in Illinois for the ALA’s '''Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing (COLA)''', a conference where like-minded individuals had the opportunity to connect on this emerging field of library technology and express their enthusiasm for its possibilities for libraries globally when there was no way for them to converge otherwise during these formative years. The enthusiasm of those who participated in COLA and the positive results derived from this hub of eagerness for technological change within libraries is the enthusiasm that is encouraged and fostered within LITA’s present-day conference participation so as to produce new and innovative results in the field of library technology.<ref>Salmon, Stephen R., [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/1st25years], "LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History", 2014</ref>
In April 1964, representatives from libraries gathered in Illinois for the ALA's '''Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing (COLA)''', a conference where like-minded individuals had the opportunity to connect on this emerging field of library technology and express their enthusiasm for its possibilities for libraries globally during these formative years.<ref>Salmon, Stephen R., [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/1st25years], "LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History", 2014</ref>


=== LITA Forum ===
=== LITA Forum ===
First held in 1998, the '''LITA National Forum''' has become a highly regarded annual event for those whose work involves new and leading technologies in the library and information technology field. The conference places value in opportunities for attendees to expand their knowledge base in the technological field by seeing presentations and participating in workshops. The 2014 LITA Forum is to be held from November 5–8 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is titled “From Node to Network”.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/conferences/forum/2014], "LITA Forum 2014", 2014</ref>
First held in 1998, the LITA National Forum became a highly regarded annual event for those whose work involves new and leading technologies in the library and information technology field. The conference valued opportunities for attendees to expand their knowledge base in the technological field by seeing presentations and participating in workshops.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}


=== ALA Conferences ===
=== ALA Conferences ===
LITA also participates in the '''ALA Midwinter Meeting'''<ref>American Library Association, [http://alamw15.ala.org/resources-for-first-timers], "Resources for First-Timers", 2014</ref> by offering workshops that contain more specified information about library technology as well as a LITA Open House, a chance for attendees of the conference to learn about LITA’s yearly operations and developments and their strategic plans for the future.
LITA also participated in the ALA Midwinter Meeting<ref>American Library Association, [http://alamw15.ala.org/resources-for-first-timers], "Resources for First-Timers", 2014</ref> by offering workshops that contained more specified information about library technology as well as a LITA Open House, a chance for attendees of the conference to learn about LITA's yearly operations and developments and their strategic plans for the future.

In addition to the ALA Midwinter Meeting, LITA is also involved with the '''ALA Annual Conference''',<ref>American Library Association, [http://ala14.ala.org/why-youll-be-more-valuable], "Why You'll Be More Valuable", 2014</ref> which provides a place for individuals in the library community to bring innovative ideas, strategies, and techniques back to their workplace. LITA contributes to the ALA National Conference by providing pre-conference workshops, a LITA Open House, and other special presentations involving library technology.
In addition to the ALA Midwinter Meeting, LITA was also involved with the ALA Annual Conference<ref>American Library Association, [http://ala14.ala.org/why-youll-be-more-valuable], "Why You'll Be More Valuable", 2014</ref> by providing pre-conference workshops, a LITA Open House, and presentations involving library technology.


== Committees ==
== Committees ==
The LITA Committees were created by the Board of Directors in order to manage specific concerns within LITA’s broad encompassment of issues. The committees are made up of a minimum of three appointed LITA members, with the opportunity for interns to be appointed for one-year terms. There is also one board member who serves as a liaison to a committee so as to guarantee open communication between a respective committee and the Board of Directors.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/committees], "Committees", 2014</ref>
The LITA Committees were created by the Board of Directors in order to manage specific concerns within LITA's broad encompassment of issues. The committees were made up of a minimum of three appointed LITA members, with the opportunity for interns to be appointed for one-year terms. There was also one board member who serves as a liaison to a committee so as to guarantee open communication between a respective committee and the Board of Directors.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/committees], "Committees", 2014</ref>


'''List of currently active LITA committees:'''
List of LITA committees active as of 2014:
* Assessment and Research Committee
* Assessment and Research Committee
* Bylaws and Organizations Committee
* Bylaws and Organizations Committee
Line 131: Line 123:


== Members ==
== Members ==
The members of LITA are described as “information technology professionals dedicated to educating, serving, and reach out to the entire library and information community.” LITA intends to provide its members with “a forum for discussion, an environment for learning, and a program for actions on the design, development, and implementation of automated and technological systems in the library and information science field”.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/membership], "Membership", 2014</ref>
The members of LITA were "information technology professionals dedicated to educating, serving, and reach out to the entire library and information community." LITA sought to provide its members with "a forum for discussion, an environment for learning, and a program for actions on the design, development, and implementation of automated and technological systems in the [[library and information science]] field".<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/membership], "Membership", 2014</ref>


=== Interest Groups ===
=== Interest Groups ===
Open to all members, LITA currently has nineteen interest groups. They are a way for members to become involved in LITA’s regular operations and learn about emerging trends or issues in library technology. It helps to shape future LITA programs, education initiative and publications.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/igs], "Interest Groups", 2014</ref>
LITA had nineteen [[Special interest group|interest group]]s, open to all members. Interest groups were a way for members to become involved in LITA's regular operations and learn about emerging trends or issues in library technology. They helped to shape future LITA programs, education initiative and publications.<ref>American Library Association, [http://www.ala.org/lita/about/igs], "Interest Groups", 2014</ref>


Active Interest Groups:
Interest Groups active as of 2014:
* [[Accessibility]]
* [[Accessibility]]
* [[Authority Control]] (LITA/[[Association for Library Collections and Technical Services|ALCTS]])
* [[Authority Control]] (LITA/[[Association for Library Collections and Technical Services|ALCTS]])
* [[BIGWIG (library organization)|BIGWIG]]—Blog, Interactive Groupware, and Wiki Interest Group
* [[Distance Education|Distance Learning]]
* [[Distance Education|Distance Learning]]
* Drupal4Lib
* Drupal4Lib
* Electronic Resources Management (LITA/[[Association for Library Collections and Technical Services|ALCTS]])
* [[Electronic Resource Management|Electronic Resources Management]] (LITA/[[Association for Library Collections and Technical Services|ALCTS]])
* Game Making
* Game Making
* Heads of Library Technology
* Heads of Library Technology
Line 158: Line 151:


== Publications ==
== Publications ==
Publications by LITA include the ''LITA Guides'' book series<ref>{{cite web|title=WorldCat search on LITA Guides series|url=http://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=hotseries&q=se%3A%22LITA+guides.%22|accessdate=13 April 2015}}</ref> and published conference [[proceedings]]. A complete list can be found on the [[American Library Association]] web site <ref>American Library Association, [http://www.alastore.ala.org/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=lita], "ALA Store Search results: LITA", 2012</ref> and in [[WorldCat]] by searching on Library and Information Technology Association as an author.<ref>{{cite web|title=WorldCat search on Library and Information Technology Association by author|url=http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=au%3ALibrary+and+Information+Technology+Association|accessdate=22 December 2014}}</ref>
Publications by LITA included the ''LITA Guides'' book series<ref>{{cite web|title=WorldCat search on LITA Guides series|url=http://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=hotseries&q=se%3A%22LITA+guides.%22|accessdate=13 April 2015}}</ref> and published conference [[proceedings]]. A complete list can be found on the [[American Library Association]] web site <ref>American Library Association, [http://www.alastore.ala.org/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=lita], "ALA Store Search results: LITA", 2012</ref> and in [[WorldCat]] by searching for Library and Information Technology Association as an author.<ref>{{cite web|title=WorldCat search on Library and Information Technology Association by author|url=http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=au%3ALibrary+and+Information+Technology+Association|accessdate=22 December 2014}}</ref>


[http://ejournals.bc.edu/ojs/index.php/ital Information Technology and Libraries] (ITAL) is the refereed journal published quarterly by LITA. ITAL content includes feature articles, communications, tutorials and reviews related to all aspects of libraries and information technology.
[http://ejournals.bc.edu/ojs/index.php/ital ''Information Technology and Libraries''] (ITAL) was the refereed journal published quarterly by LITA. ITAL content included feature articles, communications, tutorials and reviews related to all aspects of libraries and information technology.


LITA also keeps and regularly updates the [http://litablog.org/ LITA Blog], which contains announcements about LITA programming as well as original contributions by LITA members about technologies and trends.<ref>[http://litablog.org], "LITA Blog", 2015</ref>
LITA also maintained the [http://litablog.org/ LITA Blog], which contained announcements about LITA programming as well as original contributions by LITA members about technologies and trends.<ref>[http://litablog.org], "LITA Blog", 2015</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 170: Line 163:
*[http://litablog.org/ LITA Blog]
*[http://litablog.org/ LITA Blog]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/ Library Information and Technology Association]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/ Library Information and Technology Association]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/about/ About LITA]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/about/board/ Board of Directors]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/about/bylaws/ Bylaws]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/about/committees/ Committees]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/about/board/ec/lit-ec/ Executive Committee]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/1st25years/ LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/about/history/presidents/ Past Presidents]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/about/igs/ Interest Groups]
*[http://www.ala.org/lita/membership/ Membership]
*[http://www.alastore.ala.org/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=lita/ LITA Books]
*[http://www.alastore.ala.org/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=lita/ LITA Books]
*[http://ejournals.bc.edu/ojs/index.php/ital/index/ ITAL]
*[http://ejournals.bc.edu/ojs/index.php/ital/index/ ITAL]
*[http://www.ala.org/ American Library Association]
*[http://www.ala.org/ American Library Association]
{{Authority control}}
*[http://alamw15.ala.org/resources-for-first-timers/ Midwinter Meeting]
⚫
[[Category:Library associations in the United States]]
*[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZXcO5G2AXL170bNWZEJWevElzUlLuowblL5JRtLWjKU/pubhtml/ LITA Interest Group Renewals]
⚫
[[Category:Library associations based in Chicago]]
*[http://connect.ala.org/node/140498/ Guiding Principles]
*[http://ala14.ala.org/why-youll-be-more-valuable/ ALA Annual Conference]

⚫
[[Category:Library associations]]
⚫
[[Category:Library associations based in Chicago, Illinois]]

Latest revision as of 10:38, 1 May 2024

The Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) was a division of the American Library Association (ALA), focusing on the intersections of libraries and information technology.[1] Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Chicago,[2] LITA was dissolved in 2020 amid declining membership and persistent budget deficits. LITA merged into a new ALA division, Core.[3]

Name

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During the division's initial stages of development in 1966, it was pressed by the ALA's Reference and User Services Association that the name should include the words "Information Science",[4] and as a result of this and a report made by a Committee of Organization, the Information Science and Automation Division (ISAD) of the ALA came into existence. The name was later changed by the bylaws committee to the Library and Information Technology Association (or LITA, as it is more commonly known) in 1978 due to the expansion of the division's scope in the twelve years that it had been operational.

History

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In the early 1960s, the idea of libraries utilizing computers came into existence at the National Library of Medicine with the MEDLARS project, which was a pioneer project that came about in 1961 for serials control. From this point, library technology began to trend within the library community, and the ALA started to participate in the technology world, bringing about innovation in library technology by 1964.

On January 27, 1966, the ALA Committee on Organization proposed that a new division of the ALA be created to grow with and endorse these new developments in library technology. A formal recommendation of the division's creation was constructed by the Committee on Organization and was then taken to the ALA Council, who approved the division's establishment, birthing the Information Science and Automation Division, which would later be renamed the Library and Information Technology Association. The division was officially established in New York at the 1966 ALA Annual Conference. The first elections for the Board of Directors occurred on July 1, 1967, where Stephen R. Salmon was elected as the first president of the division.

During the first two to three decades of the division's life, it experienced a complex organizational shift as it was rapidly evolving and expanding, resulting in its change of name to the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA). The expansion of LITA during this time also brought about the growth of interest groups and the inclusion of new programs like "The Distinguished Lecture Series" and "LITA Scholarships". Following the initial strain of the division's developing years, LITA began to see financial light by the 1990s, and by 1993, the roster had grown to 5,802 members and was considered a reputable, well organized, and efficiently run division of the ALA.[5]

Board of directors

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LITA was managed by an elected Board of Directors. Positions on the board included president, vice-president, immediate past-president, ALA councilor, and seven other directors. In addition to the board, there was an executive committee, which was controlled by the Board of Directors and acted on its behalf between regular board meetings.[6]

Past Presidents

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The following is a list of past LITA presidents:[7]

  • Weinraub Lajoie, Evviva 2020
  • Morton-Owens, Emily 2019 - 2020
  • Kim, Bohyun 2018-2019
  • Yelton, Andromeda 2017-2018
  • Fifarek, Aimee 2016-2017
  • Dowling, Thomas P. 2015-2016
  • Vacek, Rachel 2014-2015
  • Blyberg, Cindi Trainor 2013-2014
  • Stewart-Marshall, Zoe 2012-2013
  • Cuddy, Colleen 2011-2012
  • Starr, Karen 2010-2011
  • Frisque, Michelle 2009-2010
  • Pace, Andrew 2008-2009
  • Beatty, Mark 2007-2008
  • Postlethwaite, Bonnie 2006-2007
  • Mullin, Patrick J. 2005-2006
  • Riggs, Colby M. 2004-2005
  • Wilson, Thomas C. 2003-2004
  • Ensor, Pat 2002-2003
  • Wilson, Flo 2001-2002
  • Randall, Sara L. 2000-2001
  • Gorman, Michael 1999-2000
  • Higginbotham, Barbara B. 1998-1999
  • Miller, Linda D. 1997-1998
  • Leonhardt, Thomas W. 1996-1997
  • Newberry, Michele (Dalehite) 1995-1996
  • Roderer, Nancy K. 1994-1995
  • Miller, Tamara J. 1993-1994
  • Crawford, Walt 1992-1993
  • Peters, Paul Evan 1991-1992
  • Michalak, Jo-Ann 1990-1991
  • Parkhurst, Carol A. 1989-1990
  • Schmidt, Sherrie 1988-1989
  • Potter, William Gray 1987-1988
  • DeBuse, Raymond 1986-1987
  • Kershner, Lois M. 1985-1986
  • Eaton, Nancy L. 1984-1985
  • Dowlin, Kenneth 1983-1984
  • Gray, Carolyn M. 1982-1983
  • Kenney, Brigitte L. 1981-1982
  • Malinconico, S. Michael 1980-1981
  • Markuson, Barbara E. 1979-1980
  • Martin, Susan K. 1978-1979
  • Freedman, Maurice J. 1977-1978
  • Rosenthal, Joseph A. 1976-1977
  • Avram, Henriette B. 1975-1976
  • Kilgour, Frederick G. 1974-1975
  • Kilgour, Frederick G. 1973-1974
  • Shoffner, Ralph M. 1972-1973
  • Shera, Jesse H. 1971-1972
  • DeGennaro, Richard 1970-1971
  • Hayes, Robert M. 1969-1970
  • Shank, Russell 1968-1969
  • Becker, Joseph 1967-1968
  • Salmon, Stephen R. 1966-1967

Bylaws

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The bylaws of LITA were adopted in 1966 by the Board of Directors and had sixteen revisions since their implementation, the latest in 2013. They included bylaw information for LITA's name, object, membership, officers, terms of office, duties, board of directors, meetings, committees and representatives, interest groups, nominations and elections, amendments of bylaws, publications, notice by mail, and parliamentary authority.

In March 2014, LITA's Board of Directors began a new analysis of its bylaws, and planned to do a comprehensive review of each of the bylaws, starting with those deemed to need the most immediate attention and gradually assessing each from that point onward.[8]

Conferences

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Since LITA's birth, participating in both ALA and independent annual conferences played a major part in promoting LITA's mission, which was to provide forums for individuals in the library community to converge and collaborate on subjects related to technological change in libraries. Typically with sponsored participation, LITA was involved in several conferences since the 1960s such as COLA, the LITA Forum, the annual ALA Midwinter Meeting, and the ALA Annual Conference, and participated in conferences like the "Airlie Conference" in 1970 as well as a conference titled "Directions in Education for Information Science: A Symposium for Educators" in 1971.

COLA

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In April 1964, representatives from libraries gathered in Illinois for the ALA's Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing (COLA), a conference where like-minded individuals had the opportunity to connect on this emerging field of library technology and express their enthusiasm for its possibilities for libraries globally during these formative years.[9]

LITA Forum

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First held in 1998, the LITA National Forum became a highly regarded annual event for those whose work involves new and leading technologies in the library and information technology field. The conference valued opportunities for attendees to expand their knowledge base in the technological field by seeing presentations and participating in workshops.[citation needed]

ALA Conferences

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LITA also participated in the ALA Midwinter Meeting[10] by offering workshops that contained more specified information about library technology as well as a LITA Open House, a chance for attendees of the conference to learn about LITA's yearly operations and developments and their strategic plans for the future.

In addition to the ALA Midwinter Meeting, LITA was also involved with the ALA Annual Conference[11] by providing pre-conference workshops, a LITA Open House, and presentations involving library technology.

Committees

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The LITA Committees were created by the Board of Directors in order to manage specific concerns within LITA's broad encompassment of issues. The committees were made up of a minimum of three appointed LITA members, with the opportunity for interns to be appointed for one-year terms. There was also one board member who serves as a liaison to a committee so as to guarantee open communication between a respective committee and the Board of Directors.[12]

List of LITA committees active as of 2014:

  • Assessment and Research Committee
  • Bylaws and Organizations Committee
  • Committee Chairs Committee
  • Education Committee
  • Financial Advisory Committee
  • Forum Planning Committee 2014
  • Forum Planning Committee 2015
  • Frederick G. Kilgour Award Committee
  • Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award Committee
  • Interest Group Chair Committee
  • LITA/ALCTS Metadata Standards Committee
  • LITA/Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship Committee
  • LITA/Ex Libris Student Writing Award Committee
  • LITA/Hi Tech Award Committee
  • LITA/OCLC and LITA/LSSI Minority Scholarships Committee
  • Membership Development Committee
  • Nominating Committee
  • Program Planning Committee
  • Publications Committee
  • ITAL Editorial Board
  • Top Technology Trends Committee
  • Web Coordinating Committee

Members

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The members of LITA were "information technology professionals dedicated to educating, serving, and reach out to the entire library and information community." LITA sought to provide its members with "a forum for discussion, an environment for learning, and a program for actions on the design, development, and implementation of automated and technological systems in the library and information science field".[13]

Interest Groups

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LITA had nineteen interest groups, open to all members. Interest groups were a way for members to become involved in LITA's regular operations and learn about emerging trends or issues in library technology. They helped to shape future LITA programs, education initiative and publications.[14]

Interest Groups active as of 2014:

Publications

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Publications by LITA included the LITA Guides book series[15] and published conference proceedings. A complete list can be found on the American Library Association web site [16] and in WorldCat by searching for Library and Information Technology Association as an author.[17]

Information Technology and Libraries (ITAL) was the refereed journal published quarterly by LITA. ITAL content included feature articles, communications, tutorials and reviews related to all aspects of libraries and information technology.

LITA also maintained the LITA Blog, which contained announcements about LITA programming as well as original contributions by LITA members about technologies and trends.[18]

References

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  1. ^ American Library Association, [1], "American Library Association", 2014
  2. ^ American Library Association, [2], "About LITA", 2014
  3. ^ "ALA Council approves Core; dissolves ALCTS, LITA and LLAMA". American Library Association News and Press Center. 2020-07-01. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
  4. ^ Salmon, Stephen R., [3], "LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History", 2014
  5. ^ Salmon, Stephen R., [4], "LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History", 2014
  6. ^ American Library Association, [5], "Board of Directors", 2014
  7. ^ American Library Association, [6], "LITA Presidents", 2014
  8. ^ American Library Association, [7], "Bylaws", 2014
  9. ^ Salmon, Stephen R., [8], "LITA's First Twenty-Five Years: A Brief History", 2014
  10. ^ American Library Association, [9], "Resources for First-Timers", 2014
  11. ^ American Library Association, [10], "Why You'll Be More Valuable", 2014
  12. ^ American Library Association, [11], "Committees", 2014
  13. ^ American Library Association, [12], "Membership", 2014
  14. ^ American Library Association, [13], "Interest Groups", 2014
  15. ^ "WorldCat search on LITA Guides series". Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  16. ^ American Library Association, [14], "ALA Store Search results: LITA", 2012
  17. ^ "WorldCat search on Library and Information Technology Association by author". Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  18. ^ [15], "LITA Blog", 2015
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