Jim's Retirement

A few years ago I had the great privilege of serving as Chairperson of the Oregon State Library Board of Trustees. This meant that once in a while Jim would call me with an issue about which he needed to inform the Chair and maybe ask for some input or direction. I remember thinking, more than once during these calls, "There is something seriously twisted in a world where Jim Scheppke is asking Doug Henrichs for advice. About anything."

When it comes to listing Jim's many successes, as have been done in these messages, I can only nod and say, "Yes. Those and many more." But here is what I am just as much impressed with: Jim's failures, disappointments and opposition. Or, more accurately, his handling of them. Make no mistake, he has taken his lumps. Not every new program or library district or tax measure he pushed, succeeded. And for all the fans he has, he also has some detractors. Ignorant, posturing politicians. Disgruntled staff (and even some staff that I thought were gruntled.) A goofy board member. Or two…. And here is what he does: He listens. Steps back. Takes a breath. Considers. And reconsiders. Adjusts, if needed. And moves ahead. For me, this is one of the most impressive things about Jim Scheppke. I intend to be more like him when I grow up.

Here is something else about Jim. A life spent in curiosity has resulted in somebody who knows a lot of stuff. (When you put that on the poster, remember I said it.) Books. Literature. Poetry. Libraries, past, present and future. Yes. But also, Music. Technology. Cars. People. Sports. Architecture. History. Food. You name it. And for all he knows, he will be interested in what you know. And he's funny, to boot. If you can't have an interesting conversation with Jim Scheppke then give it up.

Finally, I will, with great pleasure and sincerity, say what I have heard him say about others, "He's a really good guy."

Thanks for everything, Jim.

Great Regards,

Doug Henrichs

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

Jim,

As a current librarian and a retired teacher, I have valued your support of both public and school librarians. You have tirelessly advocated for library professionals and support staff throughout the state.

As one who has worked in TBABS, I appreciate your support of the program to expand the services that Oregon offers while still keeping the cost to the State manageable. You have also encouraged staff to find more efficient and more functional tools with which to do their jobs. On the national level, for years you actively promoted providing downloadable books to the blind and visually impaired, long before they were available to public libraries.

As a citizen of Oregon, I especially want to thank you for your support and advocacy of the creation of new public libraries and library districts throughout the state. As one result of this, Alsea, the small Oregon town in which I live, has a wonderful and truly functional building which meets many of our community needs in addition to housing a spacious, beautiful, and much appreciated library as a branch of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library System.

You have truly lived up to the title “State Librarian.”

And on a personal level, Jim, I cheer your advocacy of Apple computers! And all the devices that have followed!

Enjoy your retirement—you have definitely earned it.

All the best,

Carolynn

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

Jim's virtual retirement party

Dear Jim,

I sat down to write an email to tell you that our library was chosen as one of Library Journal's Star Libraries of America. And that's when I realized that you really are going to retire. While I am delighted for you, and your family, I am feeling quite sorry for myself. To whom shall I brag now?

Thank you for answering your phone, for supporting the little libraries too, for believing that Oregon Libraries are great (and they are), for making me feel like I want to be the best library director possible because you believe(d) I could be. Somehow, you even quietly made me know that I have to keep moving ever forward (no matter how much I dislike all things technical) so that Port Orford Public Library is always able to meet the needs of the community it serves.

I will miss your wonderful voice--the way it sounds and the sounds it makes. You are my star librarian. Congratulations!

Fondly,

Tobe

Port Orford Public Library

Congratulations

You are ever a voice of calm and reason in a room full of crazed school librarians. I have appreciated your wise insight, your thoughtful approach to every situation, and your ability to help the people around you work harder and more effectively. I'll think of you every time peach season rolls around!

I hope retirement treats you well. You've earned it.

Cheers,

~Erin Fitzpatrick-Bjorn

K-8 District Media Coordinator, Library Services
Gresham-Barlow School District

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

Jim, thanks for your outstanding leadership as Oregon State Librarian and within the Oregon library community. I especially value the way you worked with the Oregon Legislature to make significant improvements in the delivery of library services in every corner of our state. I also appreciate the guidance you gave to the State Library Board of Trustees and to your excellent staff.

Best wishes to you as you start a new chapter in your life's story.
--Cliff Trow

Kim Stafford comment

Jim,

I was one of many to benefit from your encouragement to apply for LSTA funds to serve library patrons in Oregon. A humble poet, I had not imagined my work might find a place in the daunting world of grants and statewide service, but with your hospitable perspective and broad welcome, I worked with others (tremendous help all around) to create a traveling program to mount literary programs in "sixteen rural and remote" Oregon communities, where "libraries will serve as studios for cultural creation, not warehouses for completed work." That work was my finest professional hour! I am proud to have been part of your benevolent reign as our monarch of generous service to one and all. As you remember Cornelia Marvin Pierce, and built on what she wrought, we will build on what you helped us be together.

While a multitude of wranglers struggled to top one another
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.

With gratitude,

--Kim Stafford
Lewis & Clark College

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.

Best Wishes,

--Jill Nishi Deputy Director
U.S. Libraries & Special Initiatives

A true champion

Jim,

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

Jim,

Your vision for the OSLIS project was outstanding. You clearly have been a champion of the school libraries in your state. I really enjoyed working with you on the OSLIS project for the University of Washington. In fact you made it happen with your continued support.

On another note, your work on our board at the Ischool was tremendous.

You will be missed in the profession, but I have a feeling you will always keep one foot in the door.

Thank you for your service and leadership.

I wish you well in your retirement.

--Lorraine Bruce

Senior Lecturer, Directed Field Work Supervisor

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

Jim,

Your contributions to the University of Washington’s Master of Library and Information Science Advisory Board have been invaluable.

Your advice and insight over the years played a large role in helping us shape our online MLIS degree program, and your evangelizing about the UW iSchool at OLA certainly helped us to attract top notch students from Oregon – many of whom you’ve continued to mentor in the field. You’ve always been a phenomenal colleague helping us reach well beyond the Washington State line.

I hope you enjoy your retirement, but should you need some added excitement, please come guest lecture for us!

On behalf of the iSchool’s students, alumni, faculty and staff, thank you for all you’ve done for the field of library and information science.

All the Best,

--Michele Norris,

Director for Advancement

Best wishes and enjoy!

Hi Jim!

Seems appropriate to send my virtual congratulations to someone that I know only as a voice on the conference call phone!

The Library community and the people it serves will miss you. Thanks for all your contributions, and especially your involvement in helping our profession develop great new people to carry on the tradition.

Set a good example for us on how to be a successful retiree!

--Georgia Lomax,

Deputy Director and iSchool Advisory Board

School Library Cheerleader

One of the highlights of my professional career was helping to create
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

Thank you for the treasured years of service and OBOB Support

Jim,

Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for your creative ideas... and follow through. Thank you for inspiring others to take action on their interests and invest their time in support of various library programs. Also, thank you for sharing your dream to create a statewide "battle of the books" program. I have enjoyed participating in the Oregon Battle of the Books development.

Much appreciation,

- Debbie Alvarez, Library Media Specialist, Ridgewood Elementary School, Beaverton School District.

My Best Wishes to You

Hi Jim:

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

Linn County won't forget you

Dear Jim,

Linn County has you to thank for a few lovely years of rural bookmobile service. I will think of you with fond appreciation when someday, someday, we finally get library service for all.

Linda Ziedrich

Scio

Thank you for your invaluable service to the state

Mr. Scheppke,

On behalf of the University of Oregon, thank you for your invaluable service to the state.  I know that you have been a wonderful, supportive friend of the UO and our library services.  I appreciate all you’ve done to reach out to libraries across the state, to collaborate, to celebrate successes, and to have the State Library truly be a library that serves all of Oregon.  Thank you.

Richard W. Lariviere

President

University of Oregon

thanks

Hi Jim,

I want to thank you personally for all you have done for Oregon School Libraries. Without you as our champion I feel certain that there would be far less focus on the good work done by school library folks around the state. You have kept records, tracked legislation, attended innumerable OEMA/OASL meetings and been a solid voice for many years.

I also want to thank you for the opportunity to work at the State Library. It was by far the most fulfilling job I had in my career. I still miss the “team” but am having lunch with them before Thanksgiving to catch up!

I hope you will find yourself way too busy as I have doing new and exciting things for yourself and your community. I have become very involved in both master gardeners and garden club activities at the local and state levels. AND I find myself learning so much about an area that I had no time to develop when I was employed. I know you’ll have similar opportunities with all of your skills and interests!

Take care, enjoy your family time and the freedom to have more choices about your time.

Patty Sorensen

Always a Leader

Dear Jim,

On behalf of the University of Oregon Libraries, I want to wish you all the best in your retirement. It is hard to do a good toast (like the ones they to in China) virtually, but just pretend we are all holding a small glass of firewater in your honor. Thanks for your passionate commitment to all the libraries of Oregon, to the OSL, and to OLA. You were always facing forward. Your optimism was unshakable, even in the more dire economic times. We will miss you greatly!

Now, on the count of three…. Tilt your head back and empty the glass. Cheers! 乾杯

Deborah A. Carver

Philip H. Knight Dean of Libraries

University of Oregon

One who truly believes

I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim through his service on the Oregon Heritage Commission. He is one who truly believes that books make people's lives better. His passion to serve the people of Oregon and expose them to books and their glory showed in his every action. Thanks Jim!

Kuri Gill

Heritage Grants and Outreach Coordinator

Congratulations on your retirement, Jim!

Jim—My very best to an innovative State Librarian with whom some of us at ODE have had the privilege of working over these past years! Your bedrock support of OSLIS and creative thinking about services in the technology age have been greatly appreciated by those of us at ODE. And we can’t forget the ever-popular joint Summer Reading Program with Superintendent Castillo. This summer we’ll be thinking of you relaxing on the patio indulging in your own, personal summer reading program!

Appreciatively,

Julie

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,

I want to thank you so much for all of your work on the Ready to Read grant over the years. Not only does the funding provide the primary support for much of our early literacy and summer reading activities, but the way the grant is managed has gotten us to take steps towards improving our services every single year. That we have staff who are knowledgeable about the importance of early literacy and summer reading in a child’s path to becoming a proficient reader can be credited to you and the wonderful staff you have chosen. That I know some of the research and make it a point to talk about it in my communities can also be credited to you and your staff. The reach of your activities and inspiration spread across the state, and I would hope that you feel very satisfied with your work. Thank you.

Best wishes for what I am sure will be a busy retirement!

Amy Hutchinson

Director, Lake County Library District

Thanks for your Service on the SHRAB

Jim,

I want to thank you for serving on the State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) for many years. Your participation and suggestions over the years helped shape the Board's direction and your careful reviews of our Oregon-based NHPRC applications sets an example for the rest of us on the Board.

Thanks again, and best wishes in what I know will be an active retirement.

Dan

Dan Cantrall

Deputy Coordinator

State Historical Records Advisory Board

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 . . .

. . . is worth so very much, but inadequate to express thanks for a grand career of public service. From both The Ford Family Foundation and the Oregon Cultural Trust, my warmest well wishes, Jim!

_______________________________
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!!

Sara Charlton

Director

Tillamook County Library

Congratulations!

Dear Jim:

On behalf of Library Development at the Texas State Library I wish you the very best for the next stage of your life!

Deborah Littrell
Director, Library Development and Networking Division
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

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.

All best wishes on your retirement. –Edie Huffman, IN

Edythe S. Huffman, M.S.L.S.
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,

Zoe Fisher

Project Coordinator

Knowledge Universe

Retirement

Just a note to let you know that I personally subscribe to the joys of retirement. However, if you are like the rest of us, you will still have libraries at heart. I am like Mary Ginnane - love my introduction to the MAC. Guess who just got an IPad for her 80th birthday! Thank you for all you have done in the past for small Oregon libraries. They are worth celebrating. Enjoy!! Blythe Jorgensen

your retirement……

Jim-

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

You were there!

Hi, Jim,

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

Oak and brass, embracing aging bits

Of yellowing card, rank after rank after rank

Each dear to this scholar's heart, with which he'd hoped

To brighten a corner of two of Oregon's dimming past:

These he will leave behind. They would, perhaps,

If sentient, sense the loss, as do we. And yet

His captaincy is legacy enough. Those who know

That scholarship is courage are invited

To follow, follow, follow and illumine

What we know, can know, and may have known

Here in our State, hence Region, Nation, World --

Beginning here, where marble still guards all.

--
risa bear
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/risabee

Thank you Jim!

Although my working relationship with you has been brief, I do have to say that even in that succinct time frame, I have been impressed with your leadership and vision.  The most direct exposure I had to your leadership was through chairing the Oregon Library Association 2011 Conference.  I do firmly believe that it takes excellent managers and supervisors to have the discernment to hire employees with the talent, skills, and character to not only get the job done, but to be a blessing to others through their work.  Employees from the State Library made up a large part of the 2011 conference committee, and each of them were great people to work with.  I am convinced that your leadership in the state library has played a fundamental role in developing an atmosphere where the employees thrive.  I trust that other entities will have the privilege of your leadership and talent for years to come.  Thank you Jim!

 

Garrett Trott
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

Jim,

Our HLC venture has been rewarding and one of the rewards has been working with you!

All the best,
Dick

--

Richard F. Breen

Law Library Director

Willamette University Law Library

 

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

Jim, on behalf of the elementary and secondary students in Oregon, I want to thank you for your tireless efforts to fan the flames of reading, to instill a passion for finding answers and to reach learners in every corner of the state, no matter how small the school or district. You are a most special friend and supporter of Oregon school libraries. OSLIS, Battle of the Books, and a full-time school library consultant at the State Library are the direct results of your passion, your interest, and your leadership.  How many Saturdays did you spend at the "always-exciting" OASL (OEMA) board meetings!?!

And, Jim, I had the unique opportunity to observe the respect accorded to you by other state, county and academic librarians from all over the country during my tenure on the BCR Advisory Board. Your quiet, thoughtful and wise voice (albeit with a slight Southern drawl) was often able to cut through the discussions, debates, and occasional dissension by offering an sound avenue for resolution.

Thank you for your constant and most appreciated dedication to all libraries, librarians, and library staff.  I wish you a wonderful, relaxing, book-filled, and active retirement.

Kelly Kuntz

Thank you and Happy New Adventures!

Hi Jim,

 

It has been a great pleasure working with you at the national level

on the COSLA eBook taskforce! You will be missed at COSLA!

 

Thank you for your commitment to libraries and the communities

that they serve.

 

I wish you much happiness in all of your new adventures!

 

Kindest Regards,

 

Stacey A. Aldrich

State Librarian

California State Library

 

 

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

Dear Jim,

The ripple effect is alive and well. Although I've only met you once and seen you a few times, I have appreciated your constant championship of the library system. You have been a tremendous influence on Ruth Murray who has a tremendous influence on me. She is the reason that I have recently received my Masters in Educational Media. I am humbled to be the Teacher Librarian at the school from which Ruth retired. Your support and sage wisdom to her has been inestimable. Thank you for your valiant efforts on behalf of all of us. Your well-deserved retirement will not let you keep still, I'm sure.

Sincerely,

Debra Melnychenko

Teacher-Librarian Athey Creek MS

Best Wishes

It has been an honor and a pleasure to know and work with Jim. He's one of my favorite librarian colleagues - full of ideas and insights about the large challenges and opportunities facing all libraries. He and Lori Bell conceived the idea for Unabridged, the downloadable digital audio book service, and they invited me to become involved in the early discussions and planning. The resulting service met a real need in a timely manner. His advocacy efforts on a wide variety of library-related issues have been outstanding. Our conversations about ebooks and the mobile revolution have helped me to better understand the risks and opportunities. I wish Jim the best in his retirement, and I give him fair warning that I'll continue to contact him for his sage advice.
Tom Peters
Assistant Dean for Strategic Technology Initiatives
Milner Library