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.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Your retirement

Jim,
I can’t believe that you are really going to retire.  It is clear that you will be missed by many folks in the field of library services, both in Oregon and nationally.  Personally, I have two distinct sets of memories to share with you. 

The first set was the great help you provided to the newly-elected (& first-ever) board of directors of the then newly-created Lincoln County Library District back in 1989.  Your advice was invaluable to us as we began to figure out how to establish library services for residents in areas of the county which had no ‘free’ service. 

My second set of memories relates to the help and encouragement you and your staff provided when I took on the creation of the “Handbook for Trustees of Oregon Public Libraries” in 1998 and again in 2005. 

I arrived in Oregon about 15 years ahead of your arrival in 1986, so I knew several earlier State Librarians.  I have no hesitation in saying that you have been the best.  -  Ruthanne Lidman


1 comment:

  1. Jim ScheppkeDecember 31, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Thanks Ruthanne. It's been a pleasure working with you over the years. Both of us have seen lots of improvement in Oregon libraries, but you even more than I. You know I've admired your involvement in politics, and your work in the Legislature (kind of rare for a librarian, as you know). I hope you will stay in touch.

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