Todaro elected American Library Association president

Austin Community College Dean of Library Services Dr. Julie Todaro has been elected president of the American Library Association (ALA).

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Julie Todaro has been with ACC since 1985.

Todaro is the first community college librarian to become the chief elected officer of the world’s oldest and largest association for libraries, librarians, and library supporters. She will serve as president-elect for one year before becoming president in summer 2016.

“There is a growing significance of community colleges in higher education, and to assume a leadership role in the organization as a community college librarian is very meaningful to me,” Todaro says.

Todaro oversees the libraries at ACC’s 11 campuses and three centers. During her 29-year tenure with the college she has led the design of libraries at five new campuses and the redesign and expansion of libraries at older campuses.

Under her leadership, Library Services has been recognized for several initiatives including the award-winning “Know How” program to promote information literacy among students. In February, the department’s online tutorials became one of the few community college projects selected for ALA’s Association of College & Research Libraries’ PRIMO database.

“ACC is extremely lucky to have someone as knowledgeable, tech-savvy, and professionally well-respected as Julie to head our Library Services,” says ACC Provost Dr. Charles Cook. “We are all very proud of Julie and this incredible accomplishment.”

Todaro has built an extensive and impressive record of service, leadership, and accolades.

She has been president of the Texas Library Association (TLA) and the Association of College and Research Libraries, and has held leadership roles with the ALA. She is a founder and member of the statewide steering committee for the Texas Book Festival and has served as a member of the Austin Public Library’s Advisory Board and Foundation Board.

In 1996 she was named TLA’s Librarian of the Year, and in 2005 she received the Austin Business Journal Profiles in Power award. In 2012 TLA presented her a Lifetime Achievement award for her exemplary career, creative leadership, and service to the profession.

Her published works include “Library Management for the Digital Age: A New Paradigm” and “Emergency Preparedness for Libraries.” Her latest publication, “Mentoring A-Z,” was released this month.

Todaro says the focus of her ALA presidency will be the role and value of librarians to their organizations. She is quick to acknowledge that her successes within ACC are a result of the expertise and work of a team of professionals working together on behalf of teaching, learning, and student success.

“We can design and build the best library environment, assemble the perfect collection of resources, make those resources accessible and create services for the breadth of clientele, but the most important element in organizations today is the expertise within these structures and processes — the expertise of library staff who connect the constituents to what they want and need.”

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