Hello everyone!
It is a special time to be a member of the Visual Materials Section’s Steering Committee, who is charged with developing the next 3-year plan (2025-2028) for the section. As chair this year, it is my privilege to facilitate the development of this document, through which the Steering Committee aims to outline a roadmap to increase the opportunities for VMS members to build a community of practice, encourage knowledge and experience sharing, support members participating in critical research (e.g., Born Digital Visual Materials Working Group), and develop practical resources.
Creating a 3-year plan prompts conversations about what a professional organization should be doing for its members and what kind of professional community is desired or needed. This is parallel to navigating the multitude of challenges archives are facing, it is not feasible to do this alone. Let’s work together to develop symbiotic solutions and opportunities to elevate voices in the archives, support the development of visual and archival literacy for researchers, and leverage existing and emerging technologies!
As the Director of Fleet Library at the Rhode Island School of Design, as well as in my previous roles at the Library of Congress’ Prints & Photographs Division and the design firm Sasaki, I have found myself drawn to the big picture (pun intended). As visually literate information professionals, we know that any visual is a sum of (often) thought-provoking elements that are either within or in relation to the image. The big picture for VMS is knowledge sharing and professional comradery, and through the 3-year plan, I hope to provide opportunities for more people to share the joys, struggles, and triumphs of their work with a community who can empathize and provide tangible support.
I invite you to help us think big, connect with colleagues, and embrace the beauty of our chosen profession.
Aliza Leventhal, MLIS, MA, VMS Chair (2024-2025), Library Director, Fleet Library - Rhode Island School of Design
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