Congratulations and thanks

Dear Jim,

In the mid-1990s, you convinced this brand new librarian to do public demonstrations of a new service called the World Wide Web.  What a shock when over 250 people attended each session! Somehow you knew this technology was going to change society and wanted libraries to be at the forefront.

I quickly learned this was your modus operandi:  look far into the future and then convince library leaders that we should be prepared—excited, even!—for what was coming.

I will miss how you have kindly cajoled us to embrace new possibilities, while still affirming the fundamentals of books, reading and literacy. Your support and encouragement changed the trajectory of my career, too, and I’m forever thankful.

Thank you for all the gentle nudges that you have provided to Oregon libraries and to those of us lucky enough to work in them.  Best wishes for a wonderful retirement!

Abigail Elder, Tualatin Public Library

dear jim, thanks

Dear Jim,
Thanks.
Over the past couple of years I've had the pleasure of watching you
work, and of sharing in that work a tiny bit myself. There are a couple
of things I've noticed. I've noticed how you are never afraid to say
what you think, yet you have the political mind to know when to keep
your mouth shut. I've noticed that you know all the in and outs of all
the rules but aren't hidebound by them. I've noticed that you listen.
I've noticed that you are willing to take risks and that you've
demonstrated that there is usually more than one way to do anything.
I've noticed that you sometimes change your mind (sometimes) and it is
always for the right reasons. Our community of libraries in Oregon has
been lucky to have you. You are dependable and rare, and I will miss you.
Caleb Tucker-Raymond

Oh the memories

Hi Jim,
This is a voice from your past.

You have been a strong leader and great mentor to all Oregon Libraries. I remember when you first came to Oregon. We were a small group of libraries on the east side. Small but mighty. We were enthusiastic and ready to take on any challenges. I was amazed when state library people traveled all the way across the state to attend our meetings. You brought discarded books and workshops and you listened to us and what we were trying to accomplish and you helped!!!! I still remember the 3 day meeting at Wallowa Lake.

You showed us what a state library should do for their libraries and as I moved on in my career, I demanded the same of the state libraries where I worked. When I myself started working at the State Library of Nevada, I tried to treat the Nevada libraries like you treated the Oregon libraries.

Thanks for all your help and guidance and friendship. I wish you well in your retirement.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Phyllis Sargent
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

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

Jim's Next Chapter

Jim,

I've been putting off writing this because all the other posts seem so eloquent, heart-felt, and better than what I can do. But here goes. Congratulations on a long and successful career at OSL. You reigned over an era of stability at the State Library, and ushered in strategic changes in its service mission that helped it survive and thrive. It's nice to read the Oregonian or listen to OPB and hear the State Librarian quoted on some topic. You definitely raised the profile of librarianship over your term as State Librarian. I have known you since 1987, when I arrived at OSL as the new Coordinator of Access Services. I moved to WCCLS, the position was eliminated and the building remodel eliminated my old office space. But, I don't take it personally!

You have always been a staunch advocate for reading, whether it be support for early literacy or your recommended reading lists. And when it comes down to it, that is the most important thing we librarians can be. Building literacy in Oregon's children (with much help from RTR funds!) improves school success, increases graduation rates, reduces poverty and dependence on social services, and stabilizes families, neighborhoods and communities. Reading rocks!

I wish you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your life. Please feel free to continue posting book recommendations on Libs-Or.

Cheers to you and your family,

Eva Calcagno, Director
Washington County Cooperative Library Services

All the Best!

My visits home to Salem just won't be the same without my ritual visit to the fabulous Oregon State Librarian office!

Thank you for introducing me to the lively and passionate world of Oregon librarians some twenty years ago! It was so much fun to join those voices and help 'push the envelope' to fight for creative funding at a key juncture for some of the step-to-the-future programs others have been lauding here at your party.

Thank you for your help in my transition to grad school and Texas, and all your professional support along the way.

Have a wonderful time in the coming years!

Jan Bargen

Jim's Retirement

Jim:

How appreciative I am for the kindness which you showed me when I came to Oregon in 1997, not knowing a soul in the entire state. Early on in my tenure at the Siuslaw Public Library, I recall coming to Salem at Mary Ginnane's invitation to tour our lovely state library. Mary had arranged for me to meet you, and you graciously visited with me in your office that day.

Then in 2009, when we dedicated our new library addition, you gave up a Sunday on a President's Day holiday weekend to come and speak at the event. From beginning to end, you have shown me great kindness and for that I will always be grateful.

Have a wonderful retirement, though I am sure it will be anything but retiring.

Steve Skidmore

Siuslaw Public Library

Florence, OR

Jim's virtual retirement party

Dear 378-4367,

How many times have I called that number over the last twenty years? Hundreds! Almost always I was calling to get a quick answer to a question a legislator had just asked me about libraries. Jim's knowledge of Oregon's libraries is so extensive that he usually answered my questions on the spot. And he is so gracious that he never once said, "Didn't you just ask me that last week?"

Thank you, Jim. I'll miss you lots.

Nan Heim
OLA lobbyist

--

Nan Heim/Associates

Thank you

Jim,

Thank you for all the extra work, above and beyond the job description, that you have done for Oregon libraries.

Your tireless efforts, often behind the scenes, to have libraries of all kinds work cooperatively to provide services to all citizens have been exemplary. You have helped to build a spirit of a library system from the many fragments throughout the State. More libraries are working cooperatively than ever before because of your leadership.

It has been especially pleasing to us that you have devoted energy, resources and wisdom to building that spirit of collaboration among school libraries and between school libraries and the greater library community. OSLIS is an example that pays tribute to that leadership.

You have also been vision-builder-in-chief for libraries. We recall your pleading for us to build Wi-Fi capacities into our facilities even before we knew that Wi-Fi had nothing to do with Hi-Fi. Because of your prodding many libraries became the new information centers of their communities.

Your gentle and effective leadership has been very correct in a time when frustration with our taxpayers and elected leaders could have easily been the mode.

You have our very best wishes for a relaxing, meaningful and satisfying retirement.

Jim and Nicki Maxwell

congratulations and best wishes

Jim,

I just want to wish you a long and happy retirement. Your work in COSLA for Talking Books and e-books will be a lasting legacy. Many people across the country will benefit for a long time in the future. We will certainly miss you!

--Wayne

Wayne Onkst
State Librarian & Commissioner
Kentucky Dept. for Libraries and Archives