Great Regards,
To celebrate Jim Scheppke's service as Oregon State Librarian from 1991 to 2011
To celebrate, Jim wants all his colleagues and associates to post a good wish, photo or a memory to this blog. You can even ask Jim a question. Jim will reply to every post! (Jim will be the only person able to comment on messages after they are posted).
And while you're at it, Jim hopes you will consider a donation in his honor to his favorite charity, our own Talking Book and Braille Services.
Please submit your message before Jim retires on December 30, 2011. Include your name at the end of your message.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Jim's Retirement
Great Regards,
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thank you Jim!
Jim,
Thank you for your dedication to Oregon libraries! Your support of our District formation in Deschutes County has had a huge impact in our ability to enrich lives! Your vision for increased shared services helped lead to great cooperative services between Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.
Thank you again for your support and encouragement!
Todd Dunkelberg,
Library Director
Deschutes Public Library
Many thanks
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Your amazing State Library career!
Jim,
I want to thank you for being such an amazing and approachable Oregon State Librarian!
While serving on the OEMA Board and getting to know you and Ann through the Candalaria PTA, your continuous support of literacy and the Oregon Battle of the Books program has led me to understanding how deep your passion truly is. May you find many new niches in your upcoming retirement to foster your keen insight and quiet sense of humor.
Fondly,
Libby Hamler-Dupras
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Jim's virtual retirement party
Monday, November 21, 2011
Congratulations
I hope retirement treats you well. You've earned it.
Cheers,
~Erin Fitzpatrick-Bjorn
Gresham-Barlow School District
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Best wishes for your retirement!
Jim – I hope your retirement years bring great joy and good health. I’ve learned a great deal from you and your team over the past four years.
Thank you!
Jaime
Jaime Hoard
Senior Program Officer
U.S. Libraries
Many Thanks
--Cliff Trow
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Kim Stafford comment
in the capitol building under the golden pioneer,
you carried on unhurrried the long kindness of the book
in the cathedral, the tribal hall, the guild of thinkers
that we call a library, a state of grace in a crazy world,
and with a big Texas view for our little Oregon
you tipped the levers that opened a thousand hands
and offered talking books, traveling books, the food and grace of service
to the hearts and minds of this lucky place.
Lewis & Clark College
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thank you for your service
Jim – Congratulations on your retirement! Wishing you all the best as you move into this next chapter. Thanks for your service to public libraries in Oregon and for our partnership over the years.
--Jill Nishi
U.S. Libraries & Special Initiatives
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
A true champion
I can't believe that we are going on year fifteen with OSLIS which was a brainchild spawned by you and other librarians. You have been a guiding light and beacon for our K-12 library community.
You are a champion and an encouragement to all libraries throughout the state. You brought OLA and OASL alongside one another to help support each other and have been a true believer in people working together. Your legislative work has not gone unnoticed and the ever ready smile is a true testament to the joy of your job.
I wish you luck with your mushroom hunting and travels and may you enjoy many happy retirement years.
Melanee Lucas
OSLIS and UW partnership
--Lorraine Bruce
The Emporia Connection
I will always remember the whole-hearted support that you have given Emporia's MLS program – right from its beginning in Oregon in 1994. As the State Librarian, you spoke at *every* graduation ceremony. Two presentations in particular stick in my mind.
In 2002 you spoke of the connection between Kansas and Oregon through poet, William Stafford. Ahead of time you checked the online library catalog at Emporia State University to see which of his poetry collections were not held by the library. You bought one of these books and presented it during the ceremony to the president of ESU for their library. It was such a thoughtful and meaningful gesture.
Then in 2010 you were the featured commencement speaker at the graduation for the Oregon 9 cohort. Everyone in attendance agreed that you hit the ball right out of the park with your speech! The eloquence and insights were truly inspiring.
You will always have a standing invitation to attend our graduation ceremonies - - but we will understand if retirement gets in the way. :-) Your presence will be missed, but your legacy will remain with us.
Warmest regards,
Perri Parise,
Director, Oregon Distance Education Program, Emporia State University, School of Library & Information Management
Thank You from the UW iSchool
--Michele Norris,
Best wishes and enjoy!
--Georgia Lomax,
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
School Library Cheerleader
OSLIS. Jim asked me to bring together a group of school library
leaders to talk about creating an internet-based research site for
Oregon students. About a dozen school librarians gathered in Eugene's
Churchill HS library in the late 90s, and the rest is history. There
were many ups and downs to creating and developing OSLIS, and Jim was
always there as our cheerleader. When we presented OSLIS at national
conferences, we learned that Oregon was unique in having a single
portal for students accessing databases and learning how to do
research. Thank you, Jim.
And keep those annual reading lists coming.
May your joy in retirement be "doing what you want to do, when you
want, and if you want."
Sheryl Steinke
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thank you for the treasured years of service and OBOB Support
Friday, November 11, 2011
My Best Wishes to You
I met you about 17 or 18 years ago when I was associated with the Friends of the Salem Library. That was when The Friends always put on such wonderful Volunteer Appreciation galas at Willamette Valley Vineyards and the Golf Course off River Road in Salem.
I again saw you here in Bend when you made a presentation and showed us your very own Sony E-Reader. That was the first time I had even heard of such a thing, not alone seen one. You passed it around the group and told us of 'things to come' in the world of E-Books. I remember the cost of the Sony made me think it would be a long time before I would ever own one - if ever. First because of cost, and secondly because I didn't want to hold a mechanical device to read - I would feel wrong about not having a physical book in my hands and turning pages lovingly - never turning over a corner to mark my place, but always searching for a scrap of paper or business card or rip a piece out of a magazine or newspaper to hold my place. Well guess what? A year ago last month I received a Kindle from my husband for my birthday. He thought he was doing such a great thing...I was dubious at best.
So guess what again? I love reading on my Kindle. And now that I can even download library books it is even better. I really enjoy reading on my E-book - in fact I think I read more because of it. I do still pick up a regular book once in awhile and read that instead.
Anyway, just wanted you to know I wish you only good things in your retirement and hope life is full of wonderful surprises for you. Take care of yourself and I wish you peace, good health and happiness.
Best wishes,
Susan B. Torassa, President, Deschutes Library District Board
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Linn County won't forget you
Thank you for your invaluable service to the state
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
thanks
Hi Jim,
Always a Leader
Dear Jim,
Philip H. Knight Dean of Libraries
University of Oregon
One who truly believes
Congratulations on your retirement, Jim!
The best kind of leadership.
Jim, congratulations on your retirement.
I had not been in Oregon long, maybe a year, when we passed each other in a hallway at an OLA Conference. "Hi Tony" you said as you walked by. I'll admit it- I was tickled that the State Librarian knew who I was. That made me feel good about me. Only later was I to learn that you know almost all of us by name. That made me feel good about you.
You've been a terrific leader, taking a stand when necessary while retaining your inherent kindness. You've kept your eyes on the prize of supporting libraries, and you've supported them all. Oregon is better for it. I loved your support of children's reading. I loved the way you opened a meeting with the statewide periodical database vendor by reading the relevant passage of Oregon Law, and softly stating "At this moment, I cannot say we are in compliance." That made them sit up straight!
I've enjoyed the 'PS From the State Librarian' comments in Letters to Libraries Online, and I have always read your Christmas list. I can't think of a year where I didn't go on to read at least one of your suggestions. Keep doing that, would you?
And now that you are soon to be free of official duties, that reading list can include Hot-Rod magazines. Wear your seatbelt, Texan.
Tony Greiner, Librarian, Portland Community College
Influencing reading achievement across the state
Jim,
Amy Hutchinson
Thanks for your Service on the SHRAB
Jim,
Deputy Coordinator
State Historical Records Advisory Board
Monday, November 7, 2011
Thanks for your support of citizen access to government information
Jim:
While many in the Oregon library community know you as a champion of public library services, I would like to sing praise for all you have done as an advocate for citizen access to government information.
You have always been a strong supporter of the State Library’s role in the assuring permanent public access to state government documents. You helped usher the Oregon Documents Depository Program into its second century through your support of efforts to update Oregon law. Now, preservation and improved access to state government information in all formats is not only a goal, but state law! With your help, Oregon citizens now have a legal basis for protecting their right to know about their government and their state’s history.
I also want to personally thank you for your support of the State Library’s renewed participation in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). When I came to you with the idea to take on a FDLP Regional designation and all the responsibilities that came with it, you could have easily dismissed such a crazy notion! Rather than shy away from responsibility, you supported our head first jump head into a new way of coordinating a Federal Regional Collection. I have appreciated your confidence in me and our partners as we have built this new model.
We now have almost 5 years under our belt and our model is admired throughout the country. What a nice legacy! It illustrates your enthusiasm and true commitment to the support of citizen access to government information. This is especially commendable because it comes at a time when many library directors are running away from these responsibilities.
Thank you for your leadership and support of improved access to government information … this citizen of Oregon is very thankful for all you have done!
Arlene Weible
Government Documents Librarian
Oregon State Library
A Thousand Well Chosen Words . . .
_______________________________
Norm Smith
President
The Ford Family Foundation
Thanks for the great years
Thanks for your leadership throughout the years! And a special thanks for all the support to me when I was working on the new Main Library! I will miss you at meetings giving your thoughts on the subjects!!
Director
Tillamook County Library
Congratulations!
Impacting School Libraries
Jim,
It is an honor to know you as a strong advocate for school libraries across the state. You cared about libraries from Astoria High School on the coast to Portland metro school libraries to Umatilla schools in eastern Oregon.
It was my privilege to get to know you through serving together on the OASL (OEMA) board for many years. You always looked professional on those Saturday morning meetings and even at the board retreats at Silver Falls. When you spoke, board members listened.
I remember sharing a meal of Lebanese delicacies near the Dupont Circle in DC as we participated in National Legislative Day. Please know that your legacy will always be part of school libraries with OSLIS, the updated language with TSPC, Battle of the Books (Jesuit is participating this year), and a full-time school library consultant in Salem.
May you enjoy time with your family during your retirement.
Gregory Lum
Librarian
Jesuit High School
Presentation on statistics
Jim:
Several years ago you did a presentation at an SDC workshop, I believe. I don’t remember year or place, but I remember being very impressed with the presentation; your knowledge, your sense of humor, your respect for the importance of collecting accurate data and using it to make a difference.
Public Library Consultant
Indiana State Library/Library Development Office
Thank you!
I just wanted to say thank you for your entertaining and inspiring commencement address at the 2010 Emporia State University graduation ceremony in Portland. I was a member of the graduating class that year and my family really enjoyed your remarks. Best wishes in your retirement!
Cheers,
Project Coordinator
Knowledge Universe
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Retirement
your retirement……
Tomorrow will be your last official attendance at the Oregon Heritage Commission, and it will be a sad leaving for me. You have reliably expressed an informed opinion and participated fully in every discussion. During my first years on the Commission I was always thankful for your willingness to add to the context, so that we could make informed decisions. I still appreciate your active participation. And you have been friendly and approachable. Thank you for your service and passion. Please visit our meetings when you can.
Jan Mitchell, Chair
Oregon Heritage Commission
Saturday, November 5, 2011
You were there!
You were there to give a welcome to my class on our very first weekend
of library school (and many other times along the way). After listening
to you, I knew that I'd made the right choice to be a librarian in
Oregon. You articulated all the reasons that I wanted to work with
libraries, and your enthusiasm was catching. Thank you for all of your
service to our great library community.
Nancy Peate, Youth Services Librarian, Multnomah County
Legacy
risa bear
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/risabee
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thank you Jim!
Reference/Instruction Librarian
CORBAN UNIVERSITY
thank you
Jim,
Congratulations on a career of service to libraries.
We’ve been lucky to have you in Oregon these years, keeping us in touch, sharing our observations and goading us on.
I hope you full enjoy your well earned retirement. I can’t imagine that you’ll be silent, though, on the issues important to you. See you in the papers!
Michael R. Smith
Director
Hillsboro Public Library
Scheppke a youth services Olympian!
Throughout his State Library career, Jim’s advocacy and support for youth services--early childhood literacy, summer reading, staff training and enrichment—was passionate, eloquent, and persevering.
We Ch Lib’ns, statewide, say “Thanks.”
...feeling autumnal
Scott Keeney
Children's Librarian
Albany Public Library
Retirement Congratulations
Our HLC venture has been rewarding and one of the rewards has been working with you!
All the best,
Dick
--
In lieu of cards, send blogs
I'm sorry I sent you a paper card and stamped my big carbon footprint all over your retirement plans! Here's my politically correct warm wishes for a happy transition from active library champion to even more active library champion - may your retirement be busy, productive, and engaging! --Sara
Sara T. Behrman, Freelance Writer & Consultant
A School Librarian's Best Friend
Thank you and Happy New Adventures!
Thank you, Jim
Jim—I second everyone else’s warm words about your vision, enthusiasm and appreciation of Oregon libraries. In our interactions over several decades, I have worn many, many hats: staff person for the Oregon Humanities Council, President of the Multnomah County Friends of the Library, LSTA Board member, consultant, Marketing and Communications Manager for Multnomah County Library, library history researcher and Canby Public Library Director. Your hat, as the state librarian, has always been the same, and so has been your consistent interest in whatever I was doing and your welcome ideas about how my current role might best benefit our libraries. I will miss you, a lot. Have fun wearing your new hat!
Penny Hummel
Director, Canby Public Library
The Network
Best Wishes
Tom Peters
Assistant Dean for Strategic Technology Initiatives
Milner Library