From Your Executive Director, March 2026
Greetings colleagues,
As we move deeper into the year, I’m struck by the incredible momentum building across our community. The energy within ASIS&T has always been strong, but this year feels different—bigger, more connected, and full of possibility. Much of that is thanks to the exciting initiatives ahead and the remarkable progress we’re making together.
IDEA Institute AI Certificate Program
One of the programs I’m most proud to spotlight is the upcoming IDEA Institute. This initiative continues to grow as a signature ASIS&T offering, equipping participants with the skills, frameworks, and confidence to lead the integration of AI into the library space with inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility at the center of their work. Prior participants rave about the quality of the education and the value of the certificate as their career progresses.
Information Science Summit & Special Libraries Conference
We’re also gearing up for the Information Science Summit & Special Libraries Conference, which promises to be one of our most dynamic gatherings yet. With the merger of ASIS&T and SLA now fully executed, this re-imagined event represents exactly the kind of synergy we envisioned—bringing together practitioners, researchers, and leaders from across the information landscape to explore the challenges and innovations shaping our field. The program is rich, the conversations will be timely, and the opportunities for collaboration are stronger than ever.
ASIS&T Awards: Celebrating Excellence
A quick but important reminder: award nominations are open, and the deadline is approaching. Our awards program is one of the most meaningful ways we recognize the extraordinary contributions of our members. If you know someone whose work deserves to be celebrated—and I suspect you do—please take the time to nominate them. Recognition matters, and your nomination could be the spark that elevates a colleague’s career.
JASIST Editor Search & Publishing Partnership Renewal
Another significant milestone underway is the search for the next Editor-in-Chief of JASIST. This role is central to shaping the intellectual direction of our flagship journal, and the search committee is already hard at work identifying candidates who bring both scholarly excellence and a bold vision for the future of information science. We look forward to announcing the next leader of JASIST later this year.
In parallel, I’m pleased to share that ASIS&T has renewed its publishing contract with Wiley. This decision reflects our confidence in Wiley as a strong and forward‑thinking partner—one that supports our commitment to high‑quality scholarship, global reach, and sustainable publishing practices. Together, we will continue to strengthen JASIST’s impact and ensure that our members’ research is supported, visible, and valued.
New Scholarship Programs: Expanding Opportunity
I’m also thrilled to share the launch of three new scholarship programs made possible by the transfer of the (former) SLA Scholarship Fund to ASIS&T. This expansion of support for students, emerging and established professionals is one of the most exciting outcomes of our merger. The response has already exceeded expectations: we received 87 applications for the new conference scholarship alone and anticipate awarding up to 15 scholarships this cycle. It’s inspiring to see such enthusiasm from the next generation of information professionals, and we’re proud to help open doors for their growth and participation. More information will be released soon on the tuition and continuing education scholarships so watch your email.
A Merger Marked by Momentum
Finally, I want to share how pleased I am with the progress of our merger with SLA. Integrations of this scale are never simple, but the goodwill, professionalism, and shared purpose across both organizations have made this transition remarkably smooth. Members are already seeing the benefits: expanded programming, richer professional networks, and a unified voice for the information profession. There is still work ahead, but the foundation we’ve built together is strong, and the future looks bright.
As always, thank you for your engagement, your ideas, and your commitment to advancing the information sciences. This is an extraordinary moment for our community, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.