Jim didn't want a traditional retirement party. "Too many greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention unwanted calories," he said. So instead we are having a Virtual Retirement Party - carbon neutral and heart healthy!

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.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

retirement

Jim,

I remember when you first came out to Oregon from Texas. It was just great to have another Texan on the OLA Board. You sounded like my brother (from Austin) and restlessly shook your leg like my daddy - I felt at home with you right away. We could talk about Blue Bell ice cream and other important things. And you were so helpful as Development Consultant when we added on to our library in Corvallis and built the library in Philomath.

You've been a terrific State Librarian and accomplished much for libraries in Oregon. Your influence helped make it possible for OLA to work with the State Library rather than be in contention with it. (Could you give some tips to Congress?)

What I will miss most is your column. You were on target with issues of the day, read widely and told us about the books in December each year, and you were quick to praise libraries who had done something original or just very well. You sometimes took unpopular positions, or questioned popular ones. I appreciated your openness, that ability to discuss areas where you might be vulnerable. You're a good writer...maybe you should consider Will Manley's post when he retires his column from AL.

I'm sending you my list of books this year and I encourage you to join goodreads.com so I can follow your reading. Enjoy your State Librarian Emeritus status. I hope to see you again on Amtrak.

Sincerely,
Wyma Jane Rogers
Library Director Emeritus

1 comment:

  1. Jim ScheppkeDecember 24, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Thanks Wyma. Yes, it's been fun to have another "escaped Texan" as a colleague in Oregon. I'm glad you mentioned Amtrak. That was so great running into you unexpectedly when we both decided to take the Coast Starlight to an ALA (PLA?) conference. You did great work in your time, especially in Newport, one of my favorite libraries in the state. What a fine staff you developed there! They are still going strong under Ted's leadership. I hope our paths cross -- maybe on the Coast Starlight. I'm kind of thinking about taking a long train trip sometime soon. All the best, Wyma.

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