MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

There is nothing like an extended stay in the hospital and a close call with a health problem to put one's priorities into perspective. I had an unexpected bout with an infection that put me in the hospital and nearly led to the amputation of a toe or even the front half of my foot, and spent a lot of time healing from five surgeries, with the doctors saying it's still too early to declare victory. When I think back over librarian projects prior to I can see that I put a lot of priority on helping patrons with interesting and high-profile projects, like defending the people involved in the Olympic bid scandal, Indian land rights, environmental issues, and intellectual property issues on the internet.

But in the hospital, my second roommate and I had some long conversations (my first roommate was never conscious enough to communicate). Naturally, the conversation came around to the kind of work we did. He, like me, was a diabetic, but unlike me, the doctors were unable to save infected portions of his foot. He would be unable to continue in his job, and coming from a little town in western Wyoming, his rehabilitation options seemed limited. He had legal questions. We talked about options--who to talk to, what aid might be available under ADA and state programs. I didn't feel like I had much advice to give him, but a few weeks later he called me full of optimism, having followed up on some of my suggestions.

What wonderful opportunities we have each day to help people in that kind of need. Little people, with little legal problems. Little to us, but overwhelming to them. Questions of renters and property rights, child custody and visitation, contract law, name changes and many more. LISP is all about having a heart for such people with such questions. I hope we can each prepare ourselves and our libraries to be successful in this form of compassionate service.

AGENDA

Introduction/Call to Order
Old Business
Attendance Sheet
Approval of Business Meeting Minutes from 2000 (as published in the newsletter)
Election Results/Welcoming New Officers (Joan Allen-Hart)
Treasurer's Report (Steve Thorpe)
Committee Reports (Newsletter, Clearinghouse, Education, Membership) -- John Adkins, Elizabeth Schneider, Angus Nesbit, Amy Hale
Brochure -- Debby Norwood
Reports/Announcements on LISP and related programs in Minneapolis

New Business
Call for proposals for AALL 2002 (Orlando)
Updating the Public Libraries Toolkit
Committee sign-up
Other Business/Announcements

Passing of Gavel to New Officers
Adjournment of Meeting

Sunday, July 15 through Tuesday, July 17, 2001
LISP promotional table in the Activities Area (un-staffed)

Sunday, July 15, 2001
Program C-4: The New Realities of the Human Genome Project
2:45 - 4:00

Tuesday, July 17, 2001
LISP Executive Committee Meeting
7:00am - 8:45am
LISP Business Meeting
5:15 - 6:15

But first, let's clear up any misconception some of you may have about the program proposal process. Here are the facts: - It's easy to make a program or workshop proposal - just fill out the form!
- You can submit proposals on any topic, whether or not it fits within the stated theme of the Annual Meeting.
- Any individual or group can submit a program or workshop proposal.
- You do not have to attend the Annual Meeting - at the proposal stage, it's good ideas about who would make a good coordinator or speaker that are wanted.
- Your proposal doesn't even have to be complete - again, it's good ideas that are wanted!

LISP-SIS Executive Committee